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 41 Collections and/or Records:
William Martin papers
Photocopies of handwritten and printed notes and certificates. The notes relate to the significant dates in Martin's life, and the certificates state that Martin is a member of the Mormon Church in good standing. One was signed by the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith (1805-1844).
Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith
Andrew Moore autobiography
Photocopy of typewritten excerpts from Moore's autobiography. Moore writes about his conversion to the Mormon Church and his experiences in that faith while living in Missouri and Illinois. He also tells about the death of the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith (1805-1844).
New York State receipt forms
T. Earl Pardoe scrapbook
Scrapbook of newspaper clippings, typewritten speeches, pamphlets, photographs, and miscellaneous items relating to the dedications of monuments and historical sites relating to the early years of the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Joseph Smith (1805-1844).
Jennetta Richards letter
Benjamin Riter letters
J. Rossle anti-Mormon negatives
11 rolls of anti-Mormon negatives on microfilm, beginning with J. Rossle's publication in German, circa 1915-1920.
Joseph Smith affidavit
Photocopy of a handwritten and signed statement. Smith stated that he was "elected Sole Trustee" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for life. The item was notarized in Nauvoo, Illinois, for Hancock County.
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.