35 Facts About Joseph Smith Death

The Early Life of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, lived a life filled with significant events and controversies. His death, like his life, is surrounded by numerous intriguing facts.

1. Born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, Joseph Smith was the fifth of eleven children.
2. At age 14, Smith claimed to have experienced a vision of God and Jesus Christ, which he called the First Vision.
3. Smith's family moved to Palmyra, New York, in 1816, where he later said he found the golden plates that became the Book of Mormon.

The Founding of the Church

Smith's religious experiences led to the founding of a new religious movement, which faced both support and opposition.

4. On April 6, 1830, Smith officially organized the Church of Christ, later known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
5. The church quickly grew, attracting followers and critics alike, leading to tensions with local communities.
6. Smith and his followers faced persecution, forcing them to move multiple times, including to Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois.

The Events Leading to His Death

Smith's leadership and the growing influence of the church led to conflicts that ultimately resulted in his death.

7. In 1844, Smith declared his candidacy for President of the United States, which increased tensions with non-Mormons.
8. Smith and his brother Hyrum were arrested and jailed in Carthage, Illinois, on charges of inciting a riot and treason.
9. The charges stemmed from Smith's order to destroy the printing press of the Nauvoo Expositor, which had published critical articles about him.

The Carthage Jail Incident

The events at Carthage Jail are crucial to understanding the circumstances of Smith's death.

10. On June 27, 1844, an armed mob of about 200 men stormed Carthage Jail.
11. Smith, his brother Hyrum, and two other church leaders, John Taylor and Willard Richards, were inside the jail at the time.
12. Hyrum Smith was shot first and died almost immediately.
13. Joseph Smith attempted to defend himself with a small pistol smuggled into the jail but was overwhelmed by the mob.
14. Smith was shot multiple times as he tried to escape through a second-story window.
15. He fell from the window and was shot again after hitting the ground.

Aftermath of His Death

Smith's death had significant repercussions for his followers and the future of the Latter Day Saint movement.

16. Smith's death did not end the persecution of his followers, who continued to face hostility.
17. Brigham Young emerged as the new leader of the majority of the Latter Day Saints, leading them to Utah.
18. Some followers, known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, chose to follow Smith's son, Joseph Smith III.
19. Smith's death is considered a martyrdom by many Latter Day Saints, who believe he died for his faith.
20. The site of Carthage Jail has become a place of pilgrimage for many Latter Day Saints.

Controversies and Theories

Smith's death has sparked various theories and controversies over the years.

21. Some believe that Smith's death was part of a larger conspiracy involving political and religious opponents.
22. Others argue that Smith's own actions, including the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor, led to his demise.
23. There are claims that Smith's death was a result of internal conflicts within the church.
24. Some historians suggest that Smith's presidential campaign increased the urgency among his enemies to eliminate him.
25. The exact number of assailants and their identities remain a topic of debate among scholars.

Legacy and Impact

Joseph Smith's death left a lasting legacy on his followers and the broader religious landscape.

26. Smith's teachings continue to influence millions of Latter Day Saints worldwide.
27. His death is commemorated annually by many Latter Day Saints as a day of remembrance.
28. The events surrounding his death have been depicted in various books, films, and documentaries.
29. Smith's life and death have been the subject of extensive academic research and debate.
30. The church he founded has grown to become one of the largest and fastest-growing religious movements in the world.

Personal Reflections and Accounts

Personal accounts and reflections provide a deeper understanding of the impact of Smith's death.

31. Willard Richards, one of the men in Carthage Jail, wrote a detailed account of the attack and Smith's final moments.
32. John Taylor, who was severely wounded during the attack, later became the third president of the LDS Church.
33. Many of Smith's followers wrote letters and diaries expressing their grief and shock at his death.
34. Smith's wife, Emma, remained in Nauvoo and later joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
35. Smith's death is often seen as a pivotal moment in the history of the Latter Day Saint movement, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter.

Reflecting on Joseph Smith's Legacy

Joseph Smith's death marked a pivotal moment in American religious history. His life, filled with visions, revelations, and controversies, left an indelible mark on the world. From founding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to translating the Book of Mormon, his contributions continue to influence millions. His assassination in Carthage Jail remains a topic of intrigue and debate, highlighting the intense opposition he faced. Despite his untimely death, Smith's teachings and legacy endure, shaping the beliefs and practices of the Latter-day Saints community. Understanding these 35 facts about his death provides a deeper insight into the complexities of his life and the profound impact he had on his followers. His story is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the challenges faced by those who dare to lead.