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Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1805 - 1844

Biography

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) was a prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Joseph Smith, Jr. was born on December 23, 1805, to parents Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was the fifth of eleven children. He worked on the family farm in Vermont and later in western New York. A series of remarkable spiritual experiences prepared him for his prophetic calling. Beginning in 1820 at Palmyra, New York, Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in vision. Through revelation, he translated and published the Book of Mormon, organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on April 6, 1830, and received revelations to guide the Church. By inspiration, he called Apostles and other Church leaders, defined doctrines, and taught the principles and ordinances that would lead to exaltation. Under his leadership, Latter-day Saints founded communities in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. He was sustained as First Elder of the Church on April 6, 1830. On June 27, 1844, at Carthage, Illinois, Joseph Smith died a martyr to his faith.

Citation:
Book of Mormon. Japanese. Morumon-kyō, 1909 (1950 printing): t.p. (Josefu Sumisu [in Japanese])

Book of Moemon. Armenian. Girkʻ Mōrmōni, 1937: t.p. (Kart. Chōzēf Smitʻh)

Britannica.com, Oct. 13, 2010 (Joseph Smith, originally Joseph Smith, Jr. (b. Dec. 23, 1805, Sharon, Vt., U.S.; d. June 27, 1844, Carthage, Ill.), prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The Book of Mormon, 1830: title page (Joseph Smith, Junior)

Doctrine and covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, 1835: title page (Joseph Smith, Junior)

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, page 1331 (Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844), the Prophet Joseph Smith, founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; born December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont; moved to Palmyra, N.Y. in 1816; founded the Church in Fayette, N.Y. April 6, 1830; migrated with the Church to Kirtland, Ohio in 1831; then to Far West, Missouri in 1838; finally to Nauvoo, Ill. (which he founded) in 1839; killed by a mob in Carthage, Ill. June 27, 1844)

Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:

Hyrum L. Andrus manuscript of Doctrines of the Kingdom

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197232507803]
Identifier: MSS 6126
Abstract

Manuscript copy of Doctrines of the Kingdom by Hyrum Leslie Andrus, 1973.

Dates: 1973

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revelation collection

 Collection
Identifier: MSS 1700
Abstract

This collection consists of photocopies of early manuscripts of revelations given to Joseph Smith, most of which are contained in the modern LDS Church's Doctrine and Covenants. Note: Unless otherwise noted, the originals of these documents are located in the Historical Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City.

Dates: 1829-1982

Gilbert A. Fulton Papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 9544
Scope and Contents

Contains Gilbert Fulton's personal notes and extensive research over doctrinal and church history topics for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Various topics include polygamy, Joseph Smith, and John C. Bennett controversies. His collections of text from other sources is a large portion of the collection, including photocopies from newspapers, magazines, members' accounts, and prophets of the Church. Materials dated 1942 to 1986.

Dates: 1942-1986

H. Donl Peterson research collection on the Book of Abraham

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 2019
Scope and Contents Contains materials pertaining to the research of the Book of Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price conducted by H. Donl Peterson. Includes research files, photocopies of newspapers, materials from books, probate records, and genealogical information. Details the early exploration of Egypt from the 18th and 19th centuries and Antonio Lebolo’s travel and discovery of Ancient Egyptian antiquities and manuscripts, Michael H. Chandler’s acquisition of the lost mummies and papyri, and their...
Dates: 1964-1994

Joseph Smith as a Latter-day halcyon : spiritual mythology and Mormon symbolism

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230328475]
Identifier: MSS SC 2895
Scope and Contents

Manuscript examining the mythical motif as found in the life of the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith Jr. Authored by Robert S. Portlock and Gail L. Porritt. Includes footnotes and bibliography.

Dates: 1997

Though he slay me : the story of Richard Ballantyne

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230318567]
Identifier: MSS SC 2006
Scope and Contents

Typewritten manuscript with corrections. Sonne portrays Richard Ballantyne as a modest and taciturn Scotsman who converted to the Mormon religion and migrated to the United States. He distinguished himself as a Mormon pioneer, settler, and missionary. Richard met Joseph Smith (1805-1844), the Mormon prophet, in Nauvoo, Illinois and later moved to Utah. He also served a mission for the Mormon Church in India. The manuscript was later published under the title: "Knight of the Kingdom."

Dates: approximately 1948