Smith Family: A Family of Integrity

15
Sep
Integrity

Smith Family: A Family of Integrity

(b. Jan. 26, 1714; d. Nov. 14, 1785), the grandfather of Joseph Smith Sr., was remembered as a man of integrity. His obituary read: “DIED–At Topsfield [Mass.] on Monday the 14th instant, Samuel Smith, Esq., aged 72. So amiable and worthy a character as he evidently appeared, both in publick and private, will render the […]

Story behind Joseph and Hyrum Death Masks

08
Sep
Joseph and Hyrum Death Mask

Story behind Joseph and Hyrum Death Masks

Death masks have been utilized since early 1300’s BC.  Initially, sculptors created them as a model for statues and busts of deceased persons.  Many countries used death masks as mementos even down to our current time period. The Prophet Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith were murdered June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois.  Their bodies were […]

From Vermont to New York

29
Aug
Joseph Smith Sr. Family

From Vermont to New York

In order to begin to understand and properly appreciate Joseph Smith’s First Vision, it is advisable to first explore some of its background and underlying themes. Some of the historical elements that call for due consideration include the reason for the Smith family living in upstate New York in the year 1820, the religious affiliations […]

Little Known Facts About Emma

23
Aug
Emma in her riding habit

Little Known Facts About Emma

There are some surprising information most did not know about Emma, Joseph Smith’s wife: Midwife – Nauvoo had a doctor, however, when it came to pediatric care the doctor requested all his patients to go to Emma Bidamon as she “knows more about babies than I do”.  Greatly Loved – During the viewing of Emma’s death, […]

The Nauvoo Legion on Parade

18
Aug
Nauvoo Legion on Parade

The Nauvoo Legion on Parade

April 6, [Tuesday] 1841 – At an early hour the several companies comprising the “Nauvoo Legion,” with two volunteer companies for Iowa Territory, making sixteen companies in all, assembled at their several places of rendezvous, and were conducted in due order to the ground assigned for general review.1 This was the first Nauvoo Legion review […]

Emma Tends to a Victim of a Gun Shot Wound

11
Aug
Gun Shoot Wound

Emma Tends to a Victim of a Gun Shot Wound

Emma Hale Smith Bidamon giving compassionate service is a theme which runs consistently throughout her life story.  One such story illustrating this character is her tending of a gunshot wound resulting from a tragic mistake. The family of David White Rogers had become good friends with the Smiths after David was instrumental in helping scout […]

Emma Smith and the Governor of Illinois

08
Aug
Thomas Carlin Governor of Illinois

Emma Smith and the Governor of Illinois

Thomas Carlin (July 18, 1789 – February 14, 1852), a farmer, soldier and Jacksonian Democrat, was the seventh Governor of Illinois (from 1838 to 1842) and also served in both houses of the Illinois General Assembly.[1] He became the first Democrat nominated at an Illinois state convention, as well as the last Illinois governor who […]