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 26 Collections and/or Records:
Gilbert A. Fulton Papers
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.
The globe
Photocopy of a handwritten and signed statement dated 15 April 1844. Smith outlines his views on many political issues in the United States.
Jesse Hale letter
Typescript of a signed letter dated March 30, 1845 and addressed to Emma Hale Smith, wife of Joseph Smith (1805-1844). Hale comments on Joseph Smith's generosity to him.
Typescript copy of Benjamin F. Johnson letter to George Snow Gibbs
Mary E. Lightner papers
Moses Martin letter to Joseph Smith
Handwritten and signed letter, composed in La Porte, Indiana, dated November 7, 1841, and addressed to Joseph Smith, first president of the Mormon Church. Martin writes to introduce himself, tells of his efforts to preach the Mormon faith, and asks for a blessing.
Mormon splinter groups collection
Papers, research notes, and correspondence. These items relate to the numerous off-shoots of the two largest Mormon denominations, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church or LDS Church) and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS church) and their leaders. Also included is a photocopy of a letter by the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith (1805-1844).
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.
Revelation given 8 July 1838
Handwritten copy of Section 117 of the Doctrine and Covenants given on 8 July 1838 in Far West, Missouri. The item was copied and signed by Lydia Granger.