John Smith (uncle of Joseph Smith) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Smith |
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| 4th Presiding Patriarch | |
| January 1, 1849 – May 23, 1854 | |
| Assistant Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| September 3, 1837 – June 27, 1844 | |
| End reason | First Presidency dissolved upon death of Joseph Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 16, 1781 Derryfield, New Hampshire, United States |
| Died | May 23, 1854 (aged 72) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′33″N 111°51′45″W / 40.77592°N 111.86247°W |
John Smith (July 16, 1781 – May 23, 1854) was an important early leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was often known as Uncle John.
John Smith was the younger brother of Joseph Smith Sr.. This made him the uncle of Joseph Smith, who founded the Church, and Hyrum Smith. He was also the father of George A. Smith, grandfather of John Henry Smith, and great-grandfather of George Albert Smith.
Contents
Early Church Leadership
John Smith held several key positions in the early Church. He was a member of the first presiding high council in Kirtland, Ohio. This council helped guide the Church.
Serving in the First Presidency
He also served as an assistant counselor in the First Presidency. This was the main leadership group of the Church, led by Joseph Smith. He held this role from 1837 until Joseph Smith's death in 1844.
Presiding Patriarch Role
Later, John Smith became the Presiding Patriarch of the Church. He served in this role under Brigham Young from 1849 until his death in 1854. A patriarch gives special blessings to Church members. After him, his great-nephew, also named John Smith, took on this role.
Leadership in Iowa and Utah
John Smith was a leader in different places as the Church moved west.
President in Iowa
During the time the Church was in Nauvoo, Illinois, John Smith served as the president of the stake in Lee County, Iowa. A stake is a group of local congregations.
First Utah Stake President
He was also the very first president of the Salt Lake Stake. This was the first stake established in Utah Territory. Because of this role, he was a key leader for the Latter-day Saints in Utah during the winter of 1847–48.
Later Life and Burial
John Smith passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Monument to four generations of a branch of the Smith family, prominent in LDS history
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Back of monument
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Headstone of John Smith
