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 90 Collections and/or Records:
Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill research files for Carthage Conspiracy
Contains miscellaneous notes, correspondence, newspaper articles, several drafts of the book, footnotes, bibliographic notes, and photographs. Many of the items were gathered from the Hancock County courthouse. Materials were compiled between approximately 1970 and 1975 for the production of the book Carthage Conspiracy.
Personal momentoes, records and biographical material, 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.
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.
Religious Americana Acquisitions (not originals), 1808-1933
Includes papers and artifacts, mostly relating to religious subjects. Compiled by M. Wilford Poulson.
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.
Jennetta Richards letter
Jennetta Richards letters
Five holograph letters plus typescripts of each. All of the letters were written to the family of Jennetta Richards (d. 1845) in England. Three are by Jennetta and were composed in Nauvoo, Illinois. They are largely concerned with family matters. One dated 8 July 1844 tells of the assassination of the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith (1805-1844).