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 225 Collections and/or Records:
Dale W. Adams research collection on Mormons in Ohio
The contents of this collection represent the research notes of Dale Adams regarding several important events in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In many cases, photocopies of original sources are included in the collection. The main focus of the collection is the Ohio period of LDS history, with particular attention being paid to Solomon Spaulding (or Spalding) and D. Philastus Hurbut (or Hurlburt).
Joseph Smith, Jr. agreement with Martin Harris
Photocopy of a handwritten and signed agreement dated 16 Jan. 1830 in Manchester, New York. Smith authorizes Martin Harris to sell copies of the Book of Mormon. The item was witnessed by Oliver Cowdery.
William Allred autobiography and journal
The journal and autobiography of William Allred, an early member of the LDS church, 1819-1887.
Hyrum L. Andrus book drafts
Typewritten book drafts with handwritten corrections. One of the drafts is for Andrus' book "Doctrinal Commentary on the Pearl of Great Price" which was first published in 1960. The other draft is of his book "Joseph Smith: The Man and the Seer" which was first published in 1967. Andrus comments on the Mormon scripture, the Pearl of Great Price, and writes a biography of Joseph Smith, the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Hyrum L. Andrus letter
Photocopy of a handwritten letter dated May 17, 1953. Andrus travelled with his wife to visit the location of a home owned by the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith (1805-1844) near the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. He describes what he saw there and relates stories of the Smith family that were told to him while he was there.
Hyrum L. Andrus letter
Photocopy of a handwritten letter. The item is a history of the Manchester, New York home of the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith (1805-1844). The letter also provides information on the Smith family.
Hyrum L. Andrus manuscript of Doctrines of the Kingdom
Manuscript copy of Doctrines of the Kingdom by Hyrum Leslie Andrus, 1973.
William Marks arrest warrant
Handwritten arrest warrant, dated 28 Nov. 1842, and registered in Nauvoo, Illinois. Marks seeks the arrest of Thomas J. Hunter for slandering Joseph Smith, the first president of the Mormon Church.
Arrest warrant
Handwritten and signed arrest warrant, dated 6 Dec. 1842, and written in Nauvoo, Illinois. As mayor, Smith signs a warrant ordering the marshall of Nauvoo to arrest Amos Davis who had been accused of assault by William C. Walker. On the reverse is a statement saying that Davis was brought before a city court.
Transcription of the Averett Family ledger book
Narrative of the history of members of the Averett family, including conversion, activities in Far West and Nauvoo, emigration westward, and settlement and activities in Utah Territory. The transcription was entrusted to P.T. Reilly.