Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith Jr. (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844) was an American religious leader and founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, which established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), now one of the largest American-born religions. Born in Vermont and raised in upstate New York during the religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening, Smith claimed to have received divine visions beginning at age 14. He reported that the Angel Moroni revealed to him the location of golden plates containing the Book of Mormon, which Smith published in 1830, describing itself as a history of pre-Columbian America and a companion scripture to the Christian Bible. Smith established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830 with a small group of followers. Throughout his life, he claimed to receive numerous revelations, which were recorded and later published as the Doctrine and Covenants. He led his followers westward, establishing communities in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, where he founded Nauvoo, which became a major city. His teachings introduced controversial doctrines, including polygamy and eternal marriage, which generated significant opposition and persecution. Smith was arrested multiple times and was eventually killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, in 1844. Despite his violent death, his religious movement continued and grew substantially, with millions of adherents worldwide today. Smith's life remains intensely studied and debated, with interpretations ranging from religious believer to charlatan.