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:
Talitha C. Avery Cheney autobiography and a biography
C. C. A. Christensen photographs and transparencies of paintings
Collection includes photographs and transparencies of paintings done by C.C.A. Christensen between the 1870s and the 1900s. Also includes a copy print and corresponding negative. Includes images of Latter-day Saint pioneers.
Church Historical Sites
This collection contains photographs and postcards of various historical sites relating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These sites include: Nauvoo, Orderville, Kirtland, Palmyra, and various LDS temples. Portraits of people include: Joseph Smith, C.S. Forester, and General Fremont with his wife and daughter. Also included in the collection is a book titled American Frontier Photography and a photograph of the 1955 Utah State Senate 31st session.
Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerites) collection
The collection contains twenty-one plastic-bound volumes containing historical material relating to The Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerites), including extensive minutes of various Cutlerite church meetings and conferences, gathered and typed by Edna Ione Fletcher. Each volume has been arranged in its own folder and are contained in two boxes.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints records
Contains correspondence, church related, financial records, legal records, and miscellaneous documents. Notable documents (all photocopies) include an 1844 letter from Joseph Smith while in Carthage Jail and a list of Mormon Battalion soldiers.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revelation collection
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.
Circuit Court injunction for Joseph Smith, Jr.
Printed and handwitten injunction dated March 10, 1843, signed by Jacob B. Backenstos The item is addressed to Joseph Smith, mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois, demanding a halt in further proceedings in the case of Charles R. Dana vs. William B. Brink. The action had been taken to recover $99.
Circuit Court recognizance
Handwritten bond dated September 7, 1838, signed by Joseph Smith, Jr. and others before Judge Austin King of the 5th Judicial Circuit Court. The bond was for $500.00 and bound Joseph Smith, Jr. and Lyman Wight over to the court.
Circuit court summons
Original court summons issued by the State of Illinois, Hancock County to Joseph Smith Jr. and John P. Greene to appear at the Hancock County Circuit Court before May 1844 in order to address the complaint of Orsemus F. Bostwick for trespass to damage in the amount of two hundred dollars. The summons was signed by J. B. Backenstos, clerk of the circuit court. Dated March 4, 1844.
Claims on the estates of Joseph and Hyrum Smith
Handwritten claims and bills submitted against the estates of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The items request payments on charges made by the two men between 1841 and 1844. Joseph and Hyrum were brothers and leaders of the Mormon Church. They were murdered in 1844.