Explore the life of Joseph Smith—the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Learn about his early life, multiple wives, children, prophecies, controversies, and tragic death.
Introduction: Prophet, Leader, and Controversial Pioneer
“I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else.” – Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith remains one of the most influential yet controversial figures in American religious history. Revered by millions of Latter-day Saints as a prophet, he is best known as the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as the Mormon Church.
From humble beginnings in upstate New York to visions of angels and golden plates, Smith’s legacy includes profound revelations, a new religious text (the Book of Mormon), and a tragic assassination that cut short a dramatic life.
📌 Quick Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Smith Jr. |
| Date of Birth | December 23, 1805 |
| Place of Birth | Sharon, Vermont, U.S. |
| Age at Death | 38 years |
| Death | June 27, 1844 (Carthage, Illinois) |
| Cause of Death | Assassination by armed mob |
| Known For | Founder of the Latter Day Saint movement |
| Wives | Estimated 30–40 (including Emma Smith) |
| Children | 9 (including Joseph Smith III) |
| Religious Movement | Mormonism / Latter Day Saint movement |
🌱 Early Life and Background
Joseph Smith Jr. was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, into a large and poor farming family. The Smiths later moved to Palmyra, New York, part of the so-called “Burned-over District”, a region famous for religious revivals.
As a teenager, Joseph reported a series of divine visions, including the appearance of God the Father and Jesus Christ when he was just 14 years old. This event, known in LDS belief as the First Vision, marked the beginning of his spiritual journey.
📖 The Revelation of the Book of Mormon
At age 17, Joseph claimed that an angel named Moroni directed him to a buried set of golden plates inscribed with ancient writings. Over several years, he “translated” the plates into what became the Book of Mormon, published in 1830.
That same year, he formally founded the Church of Christ, later renamed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
📜 Key Teachings Introduced:
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New scriptures beyond the Bible
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Modern-day prophecy
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Eternal progression and exaltation
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Baptism for the dead
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Plural marriage (polygamy)
💍 Marriage and Wives: Plural Marriage Controversy
While legally married to Emma Hale Smith, Joseph Smith entered into what is now known as plural marriage—one of the most controversial aspects of his leadership.
👰 Estimated Number of Wives: 30 to 40
These included:
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Emma Hale Smith – His first and only legal wife
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Louisa Beaman – Possibly the first plural wife
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Other wives ranged from teenagers to already-married women
🤐 Secrecy and Internal Conflict:
Joseph kept many of his marriages secret, even from Emma initially. This caused significant tension within the church and led to lasting doctrinal splits after his death.
👨👩👧👦 Children and Descendants
Joseph Smith is believed to have fathered nine biological children, with four surviving to adulthood. His most well-known son is:
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Joseph Smith III – Later became the leader of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), now known as Community of Christ
There are also claims of children from some plural wives, though conclusive evidence is limited.
🧠 Church Growth and Persecution
Smith’s church grew rapidly, attracting converts across the U.S. and Europe. But so did opposition, especially due to:
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New theological claims
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Secret polygamous practices
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Smith’s political ambitions, including running for U.S. President in 1844
By the 1840s, the Mormons had established Nauvoo, Illinois, a thriving city with its own militia and charter. But tensions with non-Mormons escalated quickly.
⚰️ Death and Martyrdom: Carthage Jail Attack
On June 27, 1844, while jailed in Carthage, Illinois, awaiting trial for charges of treason, Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by an armed mob. Smith was just 38 years old.
🔥 Cause of Death:
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Gunshot wounds during a mob attack
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Considered a martyr by Latter-day Saints
Pull Quote:
“A man is not a fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
🏛️ Legacy and Influence
Joseph Smith’s impact is monumental:
📈 Church Growth:
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From a handful of followers in 1830 to over 17 million members worldwide in 2025
📚 Scriptural Contributions:
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Book of Mormon
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Doctrine and Covenants
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Pearl of Great Price
🌍 Institutions:
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BYU (Brigham Young University)
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LDS Temples and Genealogy Centers
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Humanitarian Aid Organizations
🧾 Pull Quotes & Reflections
“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing.” – Joseph Smith
“The standard of truth has been erected.”
“God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man.” – Joseph Smith (King Follett Discourse)
🧠 Joseph Smith’s Teachings and Innovations
✨ Unique Doctrines Introduced:
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God has a physical body
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Humans can become gods
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Pre-mortal existence
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Eternal marriage and sealing
These teachings were radical for his time and remain distinctive to the Latter-day Saint faith.
🕊️ Cause of Death: The Final Days
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | June 27, 1844 |
| Location | Carthage Jail, Illinois |
| Cause | Shot by an armed anti-Mormon mob |
| Brother Killed With Him | Hyrum Smith |
| Age at Time of Death | 38 years |
| Aftermath | Church split, Brigham Young takes westward migration |
❓ FAQs About Joseph Smith
1. How old was Joseph Smith when he died?
He was 38 years old when he died on June 27, 1844.
2. How many wives did Joseph Smith have?
Historical accounts estimate between 30 to 40 wives, including his first legal wife, Emma Smith.
3. Who killed Joseph Smith?
He was killed by an armed mob while incarcerated at Carthage Jail in Illinois.
4. What religion did Joseph Smith found?
He founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormonism.
5. What scriptures did Joseph Smith produce?
He translated the Book of Mormon and produced the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price.
🏁 Conclusion: Prophet, Martyr, Visionary
Joseph Smith’s life was one of vision, turbulence, faith, and controversy. For his followers, he is a prophet of God who restored true Christianity. For critics, he remains a complex and polarizing figure.
Whether one views him as divinely inspired or deeply flawed, there’s no denying that Joseph Smith changed the course of American religion forever. His legacy continues to shape millions of lives across the globe—even nearly two centuries after his death.