“I was born in Far West, Caldwell Co. Missouri, thirteen days after my father was taken a prisoner by the mob.” — Joseph F. Smith¹

Joseph F. Smith was born on November 13, 1838, in Far West, Missouri, while his father Hyrum Smith was in jail with the prophet Joseph Smith. He experienced significant hardships early in life, losing his father at age five, and his mother, Mary Fielding Smith, at age thirteen. At fifteen, Joseph F. Smith began his missionary service, first to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and later to Great Britain. In 1866, he was ordained an Apostle and later served in the First Presidency under four Church Presidents before becoming the sixth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1901. Smith married five women and had 48 children. His family was known for their close relationships.²

1. Joseph F. Smith, Reminiscences, circa 1869, MS 1325, Church History Library

2. “Joseph F. Smith,” churchofjesuschrist.org; Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 32, 375; “Historical Summary,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith