Joseph Smith: A Man of Honor
Joseph Smith, Jr. is known to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator. He is also a son, brother, husband, and father and a man loyal
to his words and actions. Although he has been dead for more than 168 years, he is still and
always will be a great leader amongst the members of the church.
Joseph Smith, Jr. was born on a cold winter day, December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont
to Lucy Mack and Joseph Smith, Sr. At the age of 12, his father moved the family to New York
and eventually the family had a mortgage on a 100 acre farm in Manchester.
At the age of 14, Joseph decided to find out which church he should join. After reading a
passage in the bible, he went to a wooded area near his home and prayed in hopes of receiving
guidance and answers to his personal questions. During this time, he saw a vision for which he
would be ridiculed for the rest of his life. He was told not to join any of the churches and in time,
all would be reveled to him.
On January 18, 1827, Joseph married Emma Hale. During this time, Joseph continued to
translate the Book of Mormon with the help of Emma and several scribes and in 1830, the
translation was complete. It had taken Joseph almost 2 ½ years to complete the translation and
nearly 275,000 words.
Joseph Smith, Jr. was killed on June 27, 1844 while serving a sentence in the Carthage
Jail when an armed mob stormed the jail. Hyrum Smith, the prophet’s brother died instantly
when he was shot in the face. Joseph Smith, Jr. died after being shot multiple times as he fell out
the window.
I chose to write about Joseph Smith, Jr. because he is such a great man. He proved
himself to be not only a leader but a friend to all. He did not have much formal education but
was quite well read and yet he translated and published the Book of Mormon, designed and
created cities, temples and “created a lasting religious culture” (Wikipedia).
I have a deep respect for this man who was tortured, tarred and feathered, and falsely
imprisoned on several occasions and yet, he never held a grudge towards anyone; even those
who opposed his belief. He never had a minute to himself as he always made himself available
to help those in need.
The one thing that I admire about Joseph Smith, Jr. was the fact that he never did falter
on the things he witnessed, and believed, even knowing that he would die for his beliefs. He was
a man, true to himself, his faith, and those who followed him. Joseph Smith will always be
known as “A Prophet of God, A Seeker of Truth, A Leader of Jesus Christ’s Church, A Devoted
Husband and Father, and A Martyr of the Restored Gospel” (lds.org)
Works Cited
"Joseph Smith Biography." Joseph Smith Biography. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. <http://www.ldsmormon.com/jsmith.shtml>.
"Joseph Smith." Mormon.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. <http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/>.
"Joseph Smith." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2012.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith>.
PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. <http://www.pbs.org/americanprophet/joseph-smith.html>.