This collection contains letters and documents related to the business and legal activities of Lewis C. Bidamon (1801-1891) of Nauvoo, Illinois, and his family. Notably, the collection contains papers of Bidamon's wife, Emma Hale Smith (1804-1879), the widow of Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, and her son, Joseph Smith III.

Lewis Crum Bidamon (1801-1891) was a Virginia-born settler of Canton, Illinois, who served as Lieutenant colonel of the 32nd Regiment of Illinois Infantry. In 1846, just as the Mormons were being driven out, Bidamon moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. He married Emma Hale Smith, widow of the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith (1804-1844). Bidamon engaged in various business practices in Nauvoo, including selling stock for the Warsaw and Rockford Railroad Company and operating the Nauvoo House, a hotel whose construction was begun by Joseph Smith and completed by Bidamon and his wife. Bidamon was also greatly involved in acquiring land in Nauvoo.

4 Linear Feet (2 boxes and 2 oversize folders)

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