James Emmett facts for kids

James Emmett (born February 22, 1803 – died December 28, 1852) was an important early member of the Latter Day Saint movement in America. For a time, he believed he should lead the group after Joseph Smith, who founded the movement.

Early Life and Joining the Church

James Emmett was born in Boone County, Kentucky. In 1831, he joined the Church of Christ. This was an early name for the Latter Day Saint church.

In August 1832, Emmett moved to Jackson County, Missouri. He joined other Latter Day Saints who were gathering there. He also worked as a missionary for the church. He traveled and taught people in states like Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri.

Working with Joseph Smith

By 1843, James Emmett was living in Nauvoo, Illinois. This city was an important center for the Latter Day Saints. Emmett became a bodyguard and a close helper to Joseph Smith.

In February 1844, Joseph Smith chose Emmett for a special task. He was asked to explore the western United States. His job was to find a good place where the Latter Day Saints could settle down. In March 1844, Emmett also joined Smith's Council of Fifty. This was a group of leaders who helped plan for the future of the church.

Claiming Leadership

Later in 1844, Joseph Smith died. After Smith's death, James Emmett claimed that Smith had given him the power to lead the Latter Day Saints. He said he was supposed to guide them to a new home away from Nauvoo.

Brigham Young and other church leaders, called apostles, tried to convince Emmett that Young should lead. But Emmett gathered about 100 followers. This group then traveled to what is now Vermillion, South Dakota. In 1845, Brigham Young and the other apostles removed Emmett from the Council of Fifty.

Later Years and Death

By 1846, James Emmett returned to Brigham Young. He promised to follow Young's leadership. In 1849, Emmett traveled to Utah Territory. Many Latter Day Saints were moving there at the time.

However, soon after arriving in Utah, Emmett left the Latter Day Saint church. He moved to Tuolumne County, California. He died there on December 28, 1852.