Thomas Smith (1842-1842)

Biography
Thomas Smith, Son of the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith (1805-1844) and his wife Emma Hale (1804-1879). Unnamed Child.

It has long been known that Emma lost another baby son in Nauvoo. Until the Bible record was found, it had been believed Emma’s unnamed son was born 25 December 1842. This happened because someone misread a journal entry for that date as saying Emma was “sick with Child” instead of ‘sick with a chill.’ This error has persisted in printed histories for over a century. However, the question is settled since Emma herself wrote the entry: “The 7th Son b & d 6 Feb 1842.” (copy of this record in author’s possession provided by Buddy Youngreen in 1976.)

Burial Site
Smith Family Cemetery, in Nauvoo, Illinois, is the final resting place of this person and several other historical figures in the early LDS Church including the prophet Joseph Smith (1805-1844), his wife Emma Hale (1804-1879), brother Hyrum Smith (1800-1844) and several family members. Additionally their parents are buried there.

Overlooking the Mississippi River, the cemetery is located on Water Street, and is open 24 hours a day to visitors.