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 51 Collections and/or Records:
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).
Sceduel of book accounts
Ledger page, written on both sides, titled "Sceduel of Book Accounts," signed by Joseph W. Coolidge, the "Administrator of Joseph Smith deceased." A note on the page indicates it was filed January 15, 1845. The sheet is an accounting of Joseph Smith, Jr.'s personal debts, including names of creditors and dollar amounts.
Jane Walker Smith autobiography
Typewritten autobiography. Smith writes about being born in Pecham, Vermont, migrating to Haun's Mill, Missouri, what she observed during the "Haun's Mill Massacre," mob activities against the Mormons in Missouri, her life in Nauvoo, Illinois, her miraculous healing, her association with the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith, and her sister's marriage to Joseph Smith as a plural wife.
Job Smith autobiography and letters received
Typewritten autobiography and photocopies of handwritten letters received by Smith. Also included are typescripts of Job Smith's "Recollections" of the first president of the Mormon Church, Joseph Smith (1805-1844), and photocopies of handwritten and typewritten certificates. The letters are from prminent Mormon Church leaders. Also included is a photocopy of a handwritten patriarchal blessing received by Smith.
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 Jr. articles of lease
Handwritten lease agreement between Jospeh Smith (1805-1844) and James Adams (d. 1843) and Elezer van Drezer dated 15 Nov. 1841. The manuscript is signed by Joseph Smith. The item leases the right to keep ferries across the Mississippi River from Nauvoo, Illinois to Zarahemla, Iowa for twenty years for the sum of $10,500.
Joseph Smith, Jr. complaint against Thomas J. Winter
Handwritten and signed complaint filed by Smith on 29 Nov. 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois. The complaint was filed against Thomas J. Winter for making detrimental comments on Smith's character.
Joseph Smith, Jr. indenture
Handwritten, signed, and printed indenture dated 26 April 1844. Smith makes an agreement with William Richards regarding a sale of land in Nauvoo, Illinois. The item was signed by Smith, W. W. Phelps, and William Clayton.
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.