Relief Society General President
1910–1921

Emmeline B. Wells traveled with the Saints from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley. In 1876 President Brigham Young had her encourage women to prepare for famine by gathering and storing wheat. A talented writer, she became editor of the Women’s Exponent in 1877. During her presidency the Relief Society experienced many transitions. In 1912 President Joseph F. Smith made the Relief Society responsible for burial and temple clothing. In 1914 the Relief Society introduced a standard study course. In 1915 the Women’s Exponent was replaced by the Relief Society Magazine, which included visiting teaching lessons and lessons for weekly Relief Society meetings. In 1918 the Relief Society sold its wheat to the United States government to help war victims and encouraged wartime conservation and many kinds of relief efforts. Under Sister Wells the Relief Society emphasized the sacredness of motherhood, raised funds for temples, supported legislation for women and children, and cooperated with community welfare agencies. As a widow with two young daughters, Sister Wells married Daniel H. Wells, and they had three daughters.