“I was condemned by court-martial to be shot at 8 o’clock in the Morning ... Gen. [Doniphan] said it was cold-blooded murder [and] would have nothing to do with it.” — Joseph Smith¹

Alexander Doniphan was a lawyer, Missouri lawmaker, and a brigadier general in the Missouri state militia. He helped counsel the Latter-day Saints amidst the troubles in Jackson County and later played a significant role during the Missouri conflicts in 1838.² After the fall of De Witt, tensions continued to rise, and Doniphan commanded militia forces to subdue the Saints, despite his earlier support.³ When ordered by General Lucas to execute Joseph Smith and other prisoners, Doniphan refused, calling it "cold-blooded murder,” and threatened to hold Lucas accountable. His defiance saved the lives of Joseph Smith and others, and Lucas instead ordered the prisoners to be escorted to Jackson County.⁴

One of Joseph’s sons was named Alexander, in honor of Alexander Doniphan.⁵ Doniphan was later part of a regiment of Missouri volunteers that served during the Mexican-American War.⁶

1. Joseph Smith, Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 1, 21 December 1842–10 March 1843, page 15

2. ”Alexander William Doniphan,” josephsmithpapers.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 30, 350-351

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 31, 365-366

5. ”Joseph and Emma Hale Smith Family,” churchofjesuschrist.org

6. Roger D. Launius, Alexander William Doniphan: Portrait of a Missouri Moderate, 84, archive.org