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 268 Collections and/or Records:
Joseph Smith as a Latter-day halcyon : spiritual mythology and Mormon symbolism
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.
Joseph Smith correspondence
Photocopies of handwritten correspondence. The items include a letter to the president of the United States, John Tyler (1790-1862), requesting federal aid from the mobs in Illinois; a note to Smith's wife, Emma Hale Smith (1804-1879); and a receipt for Joseph Smith's coffin.
Joseph Smith deed
Typescript of a deed and items which verify its validity. The materials document Smith's purchase of land in the town of Harmony in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
Joseph Smith diaries
Photocopies of handwritten diaries, proclamations, discourse notes, newspaper clippings, and miscellaneous documents relating to the life and career of Joseph Smith (1805-1844). Also included is a handwritten excerpt from the Book of Mormon.
Images of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Emma Hale Smith
Collection includes photographs and postcards with images of Joseph Smith, or related images. All of the items are photographic reproductions of sketches and prints of Smith. Also includes photographic reproductions of sketches and prints of Emma Hale Smith. Dated approximately 1840-1979.
Joseph Smith Jr. articles of lease
Handwritten lease agreement between Jospeh Smith (1805-1844) and James Adams (d. 1843) and Elezer van Drezer dated 15 Nov. 1841. The manuscript is signed by Joseph Smith. The item leases the right to keep ferries across the Mississippi River from Nauvoo, Illinois to Zarahemla, Iowa for twenty years for the sum of $10,500.
Joseph Smith, Jr. complaint against Thomas J. Winter
Handwritten and signed complaint filed by Smith on 29 Nov. 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois. The complaint was filed against Thomas J. Winter for making detrimental comments on Smith's character.
Joseph Smith, Jr. deposition
Handwritten deposition signed by Joseph Smith. The item states, "Joseph Smith vs. Joseph H. Reynolds & Harmon G. Wilson." Smith brings suit against Reynolds and Wilson for false arrest.
Joseph Smith, Jr. indenture
Handwritten, signed, and printed indenture dated 26 April 1844. Smith makes an agreement with William Richards regarding a sale of land in Nauvoo, Illinois. The item was signed by Smith, W. W. Phelps, and William Clayton.
Joseph Smith, Jr. indenture
Handwritten indenture. The item provides for a transfer of property from Joseph and his wife, Emma Smith, to Wilson Law. The item was signed by Joseph Smith, Willard Richards, and Samuel H. Smith.