I'm moving through Mormon Enigma, my Book O' Month (title abbreviated just to keep the title on one line). Here are brief notes on Emma's time in New York and Pennsylvania, covering the period through the end of 1830 (p. 1-36).
Emma was smart and independent. She was tall at 5'9", with dark hair and olive skin, as well as a beautiful soprano voice and a good sense of humor. Joseph fell for her while boarding at her parents' home while working various projects near Harmony. The interest was mutual, but Isaac Hale, Emma's strong-willed father, said no to two proposals by Joseph. But Joseph had the help, support, and encouragement of two local citizens, Joseph Knight, Sr. and Josiah Stowell, so he next proposed to Emma directly on January 18, 1827, and she accepted--he was 21, she was 22 (p. 17-20).
They headed off immediately to Manchester to live with Joseph's family. Gutsy decision, eloping with Joseph against her father's wishes; it shows Emma's independence and self-confidence. She later commented, "Preferring to marry him to any other man I knew, I consented" (p. 1). That makes it sound like a simple decision, but it was also bold and risky. By that point, I think it was a "now or never" moment. She said yes and off they went. Kind of romantic, actually. Not quite Last of the Mohicans, but definitely New World.
Later, in July 1830, she got her own section of the Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 25. She is described as "an elect lady" who would "expound scriptures" and "exhort the church" (v. 3, 7). She was counseled that her "time shall be given to writing, and to learning much" and to making the Church's first selection of hymns (v. 8, 11). She was also to be Joseph's "scribe"-- something of a necessity since Joseph could hardly write a sentence or spell a word, but Emma was rather gifted. Opposites attract.
Should we follow the prophet's example and propose to older women? ;)
Posted by: Jason | May 18, 2004 at 12:07 PM