Emily Partridge: Early Life and Family
Childhood and Parents
Emily Dow Partridge was born on February 28, 1824, in Painesville, Ohio, a significant time in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was the third child of Edward and Lydia Clisbee Partridge, who were among the earliest and most devoted members of the Church, having been baptized in 1830. Her father, Edward Partridge, holds a distinguished place in Church history as the first bishop of the Church, a role that placed him at the forefront of the burgeoning faith’s organizational and spiritual leadership. Growing up in such a prominent family meant that Emily’s childhood was deeply intertwined with the experiences of the early Saints. Her family endured significant hardships and persecutions, a common thread in the lives of those who joined the Church in its nascent stages. These challenges included being driven from their homes multiple times, a testament to the intense opposition faced by the Latter-day Saints. Emily’s early life was therefore shaped by both the profound spiritual convictions of her parents and the turbulent, often dangerous, circumstances surrounding the Church’s early settlements in Missouri and later in Nauvoo. Her writings often reflect on these formative experiences, detailing family life in Ohio and the unwavering faith that sustained her parents and the community through periods of intense trial and displacement. The deep spiritual roots of her family, particularly her father’s leadership, undoubtedly instilled in Emily a strong sense of commitment to the principles of the Church, influencing her own life’s journey and her eventual participation in the practice of plural marriage.
Moving and the Persecution of the Saints
The early life of Emily Partridge was marked by constant movement, a direct consequence of the severe persecution faced by the early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her family, including Emily and her sister Eliza, experienced firsthand the trials of being uprooted from their homes. These forced migrations were not merely geographical shifts; they represented deep emotional and spiritual challenges, as communities of faith were scattered and their hard-won settlements destroyed. The family’s experiences in Missouri, where they faced mob violence and legal challenges, were particularly harrowing. Following these events, the Church members, including the Partridge family, eventually found refuge and began to establish a new community in Nauvoo, Illinois. It was in Nauvoo that Emily’s father, Edward Partridge, continued his service as bishop, a role he held until his death. After his passing, Emily and her sister Eliza found themselves in a particularly vulnerable position. They came to live in Joseph Smith’s home, an arrangement that placed them at the very center of Church leadership and its complex social dynamics. This period in Nauvoo, while offering a sense of stability after previous upheavals, was also a time of significant theological development and social change within the Church, most notably the introduction and practice of plural marriage. Emily’s proximity to Joseph Smith during this time, within the household of the Church’s prophet, provided her with a unique perspective on the inner workings and personal teachings of the faith’s leaders, profoundly shaping her understanding of its principles and her own future path. Her detailed accounts of this period in her autobiography provide invaluable insights into the resilience and faith of families navigating such tumultuous times, underscoring the deep commitment to their beliefs that propelled them forward despite constant adversity.
Marriage to Joseph Smith and Emily Partridge
The Marriage and its Circumstances
The sealing of Emily Dow Partridge to Joseph Smith as a plural wife on March 4, 1843, at the age of 19, was a pivotal moment in her life, deeply entwined with the controversial doctrine of plural marriage. This sacred union, performed in Nauvoo, Illinois, occurred under unique circumstances. It is significant to note that Emily was married by Heber C. Kimball, with Emma Smith, Joseph Smith’s first wife, present and consenting at the time of the sealing. This detail is crucial, as historical accounts suggest Emma Smith initially consented to Emily and Eliza being sealed to Joseph, under the condition that she could choose them herself. This initial consent, however, would later evolve into antagonism. Emily’s own testimony regarding this period is profound. She stated that Joseph Smith taught her the principle of plural marriage directly, and she confirmed that she had carnal intercourse with Joseph Smith after their sealing, a practice central to the doctrine as understood by its proponents. Importantly, Emily noted that she and her sister Eliza were unaware of each other’s marriage to Joseph Smith at the time of their respective sealings, a fact that highlights the discreet nature of these unions. Emily also expressed that Joseph Smith never took liberties with her before their marriage, emphasizing her belief that their union was conducted with propriety and spiritual intent. Her unwavering faith in the divine origins of plural marriage is evident in her later statement that she never repented of becoming a plural wife of Joseph Smith, a testament to her deep conviction and commitment to the teachings she received.
Testimony of Polygamous Marriage
Emily Partridge’s testimony regarding her experience with polygamy, particularly her sealing to Joseph Smith, is a cornerstone in understanding the early implementation and personal reception of this doctrine. She directly stated that Joseph Smith taught her the principle of plural marriage directly, indicating a personal instruction and revelation rather than a passive acceptance of a societal norm. This direct teaching from the prophet was instrumental in shaping her understanding and commitment. Furthermore, Emily confirmed, with a candidness that underscores the sincerity of her beliefs, that she had carnal intercourse with Joseph Smith after their sealing. This admission is significant as it validates the physical aspect of the marital union within the context of plural marriage as understood and practiced by Joseph Smith and his followers. Her testimony also provides crucial context regarding the initial consent of Emma Smith. Emily recalled that Emma Smith initially consented to Emily and Eliza being sealed to Joseph, with the stipulation that Emma herself would choose them. This point is vital for understanding the complex dynamics within the Smith household and the evolving attitudes towards plural marriage. However, this initial accord did not last. Emma Smith later became antagonistic towards Emily and Eliza, a development that ultimately led to Emily and Eliza leaving the Mansion, Joseph Smith’s home. Despite the eventual complexities and the personal challenges, Emily’s steadfastness is remarkable. She expressed that she never repented of becoming a plural wife of Joseph Smith, a declaration that speaks volumes about her enduring faith and her conviction in the righteousness of the principle, even in the face of opposition and societal judgment. Her willingness to bear witness to these events, including her availability for testimony in later legal cases such as the 1892 Temple Lot case, further solidifies her role as a key witness to the lived experiences of plural marriage in the early Church.
Life After Joseph Smith
Marriage to Brigham Young
Following the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, Emily Dow Partridge’s life continued to be shaped by the principles and leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, particularly concerning plural marriage. In November 1844, just over a year after her sealing to Joseph Smith, Emily entered into another plural marriage, this time marrying Brigham Young as a plural wife. This union placed her within the family of the man who would soon succeed Joseph Smith as the President of the Church and lead the Saints on their historic exodus to the West. The marriage to Brigham Young was a significant step, aligning Emily with the new leadership and the future direction of the Church. It also meant that her life would be further intertwined with the collective journey of the Saints, including the arduous migration across the plains. Her commitment to the principle of plural marriage remained strong, and her union with Brigham Young was a continuation of the path she had chosen and deeply believed in. This transition in her marital life marked a new chapter, one that would involve further challenges and adaptations as the Church navigated its post-Joseph Smith era and prepared for its westward settlement.
Life in Salt Lake Valley
Emily Dow Partridge Young’s journey with the Church led her westward, a testament to her enduring faith and commitment. She migrated to the Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young’s pioneer company, arriving in late September 1848. This arduous journey across the plains was a defining experience for thousands of Latter-day Saints, and Emily was an integral part of this historic migration. Upon arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, she established her life in the burgeoning city, which would become the headquarters of the Church. Her contributions to the community continued in various capacities. In 1868, she served as a Relief Society teacher in the Thirteenth Ward in Salt Lake City. The Relief Society, a women’s organization within the Church, played a vital role in providing temporal and spiritual support to its members, and Emily’s service in this capacity highlights her ongoing dedication to the welfare of the Saints. Her life in Salt Lake Valley spanned several decades, witnessing the growth and development of the city and the Church. She lived through periods of intense missionary work, the establishment of temples, and the ongoing challenges of building a new civilization in the West. Emily Partridge Young died on December 9, 1899, in Salt Lake City, Utah, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and a profound personal testimony of her experiences within the early Church, particularly her adherence to the doctrine of plural marriage.
Legacy of Emily Partridge Young
Autobiography and Faith
The legacy of Emily Partridge Young is deeply rooted in her unwavering faith and her personal narrative, meticulously documented in her autobiography. Her writings provide an invaluable window into the life of an early Latter-day Saint woman who navigated complex doctrines and significant societal challenges. Emily’s autobiography offers detailed accounts of her childhood experiences, painting a vivid picture of family life in Ohio and the early settlements of the Church in Missouri and Nauvoo. These recollections are not merely historical records; they are imbued with her spiritual perspective, reflecting on the divine guidance and personal revelations she believed sustained her and her family. Her writings consistently reflect on her profound faith, the immense challenges faced by early Church members, and her unwavering commitment to plural marriage. She viewed this principle not as a burden, but as a divine commandment, and her personal experience with it, including her sealing to Joseph Smith and later to Brigham Young, was central to her spiritual journey. Emily’s autobiography stands as a powerful testament to her devotion to the Lord and her belief in the prophetic leadership of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. It underscores her conviction that her life’s path, though often difficult, was divinely ordained and integral to her eternal progression.
Court Testimonies and Loyalty
Emily Partridge Young’s legacy extends beyond her personal writings to her public testimonies, particularly in legal contexts where the doctrines she lived by were scrutinized. Her willingness to provide court testimonies demonstrates a profound sense of loyalty to her faith and its principles. She was available for testimony in significant legal proceedings, such as the 1892 Temple Lot case, where her firsthand accounts of events and beliefs were crucial. These testimonies were not undertaken lightly; they required her to publicly recount deeply personal experiences and defend the practices that were often misunderstood and condemned by the outside world. Emily’s steadfastness in these public forums highlights her unwavering commitment to the truth as she understood it. Her loyalty to the Church, its leaders, and its doctrines, especially plural marriage, remained absolute throughout her life. She never wavered in her belief, even when faced with societal pressure, legal challenges, and personal hardship. Her life, from her early years marked by persecution to her later years as a respected member of the Salt Lake community, serves as a powerful example of enduring faith and principled living. Her contributions, both personal and public, ensure that her voice and experiences are preserved for future generations seeking to understand the complex history of the Latter-day Saints and the lives of the women who shaped it.
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