John Smith (1832-1911)

John Smith (1832-1911) was the fifth Presiding Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His father was Hyrum Smith, the older brother of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of Mormonism.

Related Topics:
1832 - 1911 - Presiding Patriarch - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Hyrum Smith - Joseph Smith, Jr. - Mormonism

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John was born in Kirtland, Ohio to Hyrum and his first wife, Jerusha Barden Smith. This was during the early days of the Latter Day Saint movement, and he was among the first generation of children raised in Mormonism. The office of Presiding Patriarch was initially created to honor Joseph Smith, Sr., the father of the religion's founder. Before his death in 1840, Joseph Smith, Sr. declared that the position should pass by Lineal Succession to his eldest son, Hyrum. Hyrum Smith at this time was one of the most influential members of the church and was widely seen as the most likely successor to its leadership should he outlive his brother. However, in 1844, both Hyrum and Joseph Smith were assassinated by a mob in Carthage, Illinois.

Related Topics:
Kirtland, Ohio - Latter Day Saint movement - Joseph Smith, Sr. - 1840 - Lineal Succession - 1844 - Carthage, Illinois

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This event left the LDS Church leaderless. By consensus, it was expected that title of Presiding Patriarch would pass to Hyrum Smith's eldest son, John. However, because John Smith was only 11 years of age at the time of his father's death, the position was instead claimed by two younger brothers of Joseph Smith, Sr.: first by William Smith and later by another John Smith, who was known as "Uncle John". Meanwhile, Hyrum's son John Smith travelled with the family of Heber C. Kimball to Winter Quarters, Nebraska. In 1848, John Smith, along with Kimball, reached Salt Lake City, Utah to join Brigham Young, who had assumed leadership of the largest Mormon faction.

Related Topics:
William Smith - John Smith - Heber C. Kimball - Winter Quarters, Nebraska - 1848 - Salt Lake City, Utah - Brigham Young

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In February, 1855, the younger John Smith succeeded his great uncle, "Uncle John" Smith as Presiding Patriarch of the Church, following the latter's death. He became the longest-serving Presiding Patriarch, remaining in that position for fifty-six years, until his death in 1911. Among his accomplishments during this time were a mission to Scandinavia, begun in 1862. Following his death, he was succeeded by his grandson, Hyrum G. Smith.

Related Topics:
February - 1855 - 1911 - Scandinavia - 1862 - Hyrum G. Smith

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