“If ever there lived a good man upon the earth, Samuel H. Smith was that person. His labors in the church from first to last, carrying glad tidings to the eastern cities; and finally his steadfastness as one of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, and many saintly traits of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity, shall be given of him hereafter, as a man of God.’” — History of the Church¹

Samuel H. Smith, Joseph and Hyrum's younger brother, played a key role in Nauvoo, serving in positions like city alderman, guard in the Nauvoo Legion, Nauvoo City Council, and bishop.² On June 27, 1844, Samuel tried to reach Carthage Jail to aid his brothers but was chased away by a mob. After Joseph and Hyrum’s deaths, Samuel helped Willard Richards transport their bodies to Nauvoo.³ Samuel fell ill with a bilious fever shortly thereafter, likely from the strain of running from the mob, and died just 34 days later. His obituary praised him as a virtuous man whose sacrifices aided in building the kingdom of God.⁴

1. History, 1838–1856, volume F-1, 292-293, josephsmithpapers.org

2. “Smith, Samuel Harrison,” josephsmithpapers.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 45, 554-555

4. LaRene Porter Gaunt, “Samuel H. Smith: Faithful Brother of Joseph and Hyrum,” Ensign, August 2008, 50-51 churchofjesuschrist.org