Emma Hale Smith Bidamon, circa 1844, age 40

Nearly four and a half months after Joseph’s death, Emma gave birth to son David Hyrum on

November 17, 1844. She went on to marry Lewis Crum Bidamon on December 23, 1847. They were married for 32 years and together raised several children in Nauvoo, IL. -included were the 5 surviving children of Joseph and Emma, Bidamon’s 2 daughters from a previous marriage to Nancy Sebree, and son Charlie (Charles Edmond) who at age 4 came to live with them in 1864. (Bidamon fathered the son of Nancy Abercrombie, a new widow who had recently moved to Nauvoo)

Lewis moved into the Mansion House bringing his daughters, Zerelda 13, and Mary Elizabeth 12. The girls were warmly welcomed by Emma and her children. Lewis was known to be a good father to the children and taught them many important life skills. He taught the boys how to work and would work beside them in the hay fields and on the farm. He also made a great effort to help the boys get educated and prepare for useful careers.

Lewis Bidamon had been raised a Lutheran and helped establish a Congregational church in Canton, IL, but in general did not consider himself to be religious.

Emma and Lewis worked hard to maintain the Smith family homes. They lived in the Nauvoo House until the time of their deaths.

They are both buried in the Smith Family Cemetery- Lewis’ grave was never marked until recently, August 3, 2016.