Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844
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 269 Collections and/or Records:
Photographs -- Photo Archives -- MSSP - 1, date of production not identified
M. Wilford Poulson papers
Collection contains correspondence, diaries, and research materials of M. Wilford Poulson. Also included are many research documents pertaining to the LDS Church which include diaries, letters and newspaper clippings.
Noel B. Pratt letters and announcements
Material relates to his spiritual writings and beliefs, including his belief in the King James Bible and the Book of Mormon, and his disbelief in Joseph Smith. Other topics include American Indians, the House of Israel, and moneyless trade. In some instances author refers to himself as David Noeleon. A couple of items are addressed to Chad J. Flake.
Parley P. Pratt and Belinda Marden Pratt book of poetry and accounts
One notebook with handwritten items in it. It includes poems by Pratt and his wife Belinda Marden Pratt. One poem deals with the martyrdom of the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith (1805-1844). Also included are financial records. Likely produced in Utah, although no locations are identified. Dated 1847.
The present time and prophecy
A prophecy by the prophet Joseph Smith
Handwritten prophecy concerning the future of the Latter-day Saint Church alleged to have been given by Joseph Smith, Jr. to Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley. Also known as "The White Horse Prophecy."
Psychological and educations papers (not originals), date of production not identified
Contains articles and papers relating to psychology and education, authored by various unnamed people. Compiled by M. Wilford Poulson.
Sally Randall letter
Typed copy of a letter written in Nauvoo, Illinois, on July 1, 1844 and addressed to "Dear Friends." Randall writes about the murder of the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith, and his brother, Hyrum.
Hugh T. Reid letter
Handwritten and signed letter serving as a receipt for $300.00 for legal services provided by Joseph Smith (1805-1844) against a charge of rioting and treason by the state of Illinois. The document is dated April 11, 1845.
Arnold Auer Reiser diary entry
Photocopy of one page of a handwritten diary dated 4 Oct. 1899. Reiser writes that he gave instructions from Oliver B. Huntington concerning the location of the altar of the biblical character, Adam. Reiser also relates how the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, received a seer stone.