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 269 Collections and/or Records:
Joseph Smith, Jr. indenture
Handwritten indenture. The item provides for a transfer of property from Joseph and his wife, Emma Smith, to Wilson Law. The item was signed by Joseph Smith, Willard Richards, and Samuel H. Smith.
Joseph Smith, Jr. letter
Photocopy and photostat copy of a handwritten letter. Smith writes in his capacity as the leader of the "Nauvoo Legion" of the Illinois state militia. He informs Wilson Law to keep the militia in readiness "as may be necessary to compel obedience to the ordinances of said city (i.e. Nauvoo) and secure the peace of the citizens." The item was notarized by W. W. Phelps.
Joseph Smith, Jr. note
Handwritten and signed note dated 24 April 1844. The item states, "Due the bearer Isaac Chase one hundred dollars on demand." The funds might have been a loan for Smith's campaign to be president of the United States.
Joseph Smith Jr. receipt
Handwritten and signed receipt dated 11 April 1844. Smith states he received $450 from Wilson Law in partial payment of a debt.
Joseph Smith Jr. speeches
Typescripts of notes of speeches given by Joseph Smith. The items are dated 22 and 23 June 1844, shortly before Smith was murdered. The notes were taken down by John Erik Forsgren.
Joseph Smith land indenture
Photocopy of a handwritten and printed land indenture. Smith, as trustee of the Mormon Church, agrees to pay for land in Macedonia, Hancock County, Illinois. The item was signed by an Abraham Lincoln as justice of the peace. The Lincoln signed his name "Abm Lincoln." The sixteenth president of the United States almost invariably signed his name as "A. Lincoln.
Joseph Smith letter
Photocopy of a handwritten and signed letter, dated 20 June 1844, and addressed to John Tyler, president of the United States. Smith asks Tyler for protection.
Joseph Smith letter
Photocopy of a handwritten letter, dated June 11, 1829, and addressed to the Northern Judicial District of New York, R. R. Lansing, clerk. The item claims copyright for the Book of Mormon and describes its content and authorship.
Joseph Smith letter
Joseph Smith letter
Photocopy of a handwritten letter from Joseph Smith (April 29, 1844) to Charles C. Rich concerning the court martial of Wilson Law.