“I am a true and faithful friend to you and the children forever. My heart is entwined around yours forever and ever.” — Joseph Smith Jr. to Emma Smith¹

Joseph Smith Jr. met Emma Hale in the fall of 1825 in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph was staying at the home of Isaac Hale, Emma’s father, while working for Josiah Stowell on a treasure-seeking expedition. Emma was 21 years old when she met 20-year-old Joseph.²

They courted over the next year, and despite opposition from Emma’s parents, they wed on January 18, 1827.³ Together, they faced many trials, including the death of their first child, but they supported each other as the Restoration continued to unfold.⁴

1. Letter to Emma Smith, 12 November 1838, 2, josephsmithpapers.org

2. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 4, 31-33

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 4, 35-36

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 5, 52