Too many hands in the Pot

It seems that everyone wants to be related to Joseph. It is not historically valid saying he had that many wives. It's my opinion that nothing should be posted here unless it can be backed up with documentation. When Brigman (sp) Young split the group and headed to Utah there was quite a smear campain that has lasted to this day and has ruined the reputation of this very thoughtful and wonderful man.

Thank you for your post. As a member of another church I find it interesting that Joseph Smith is a relative but not sure if I am proud of that fact. He was just another struggling human as we all are. Don't agree with his teachings but the neat thing about America is that we have the right to believe what we want due to men like Gov. Roger Williams who established Religious Freedom in this country.

Hi Wesley,

Thanks for responding to my post. I agree with you as far as religious freedom. When Joseph Smith Jr. was killed a small group of his followers stayed behind and kept his beliefs alive.

The chruch today is at: http://www.cofchrist.org/ and is nothing like the freaks that have split off and did their own thing, giving the original chruch it's bad reputation.

Many churches have their own documents, whether from "an angel" or the pope or other profets(sp).

I do have a problem with the addition of more than 30 wives to his geneology. No where in the chruch history or any public record is there evidence of his being married more than once. I think that this addition is causing alot of false connections of families all over this site. That's why I made my comment.

btw, I don't attend chruch so I'm not defending any religion, just trying to keep the family line as true as can be proven.

Thanks again for such a quick response,

Your Cousin? Cheryl

I think this is a very surprising thing that is coming to light as to the fact that Joseph Smith is a relative to our family. I am a Mormon or Latterday Saint and have been since my parents joined the church in 1954. My family consisting of Joseph M. Martin and Claire E Martin and my two sisters and Brother lived in the State of Alaska where the Mormon missionaries were introduced them. My father knew that what he heard was true. He had been looking for a while and the Spirit brought him to a place where he could be taught. He wanted to join right away but My mother was a hold off for a while. The spirit of the Holy Ghost worked on her spirit until she excepted the Gospel. They read the Book of Mormon and followed the challenge to pray about what they heard and read to know if it was the truth.
As I grew up I was and am still active in this wonderful Church. I met my future husband Kent Charles Larsen. He was born in Salt Lake City to a family of 10 children. Come to find out his Grandfather is called Christian Smith Larsen. Kent told me that his father is related to Samuel Smith, not the brother but a cousin to the prophet. Now this is interesting that I am related to this wonderful man who did so much to restore the gospel.
Wesley have you read the Book of Mormon or any of you who have responded. The book is another set of books that coincide with the Bible. It is another wittness that There is a loving Heavenly Father who cares for us then and today. These books are known as the Gold Plates which Joseph translated. I have seen the box that held the plates and what a spriritual thing to behold.
Joseph Smith was Married to Emma Smith. There is a book out that is called Emma that describes her life with Joseph and the children they had and those that Died. It was some of those children who lived who thought that the oldest living son should be the prophet, but that is not how it works. So the Reformed LDS church was formed which now has gone other ways with a women leader.
I am proud to be related to this inspired man who brought back to much to world. The church is growing in leaps and bounds so there must be something to this don't ya think. It is said the Jospeh's Name would be known for good and bad and the bad is the lies.
Wesley why would you not be proud to be related to Him. I know I am. He was an upstanding Man who went thru things that you can not imagine.

Joseph's only "legal" wife for his whole life was "Emma Hale" born 10 Jul 1804 in Harmony, Susquehanna, PA...they were "married" 18 Jan 1827 in South Bainbridge, Chenango, NY. They had nine children. Emma passed away on 30 Apr 1879 in Nauvoo, Hancock, IL.

I am so sorry for the errors on what I wrote. I know that Emma was Joseph's partner in this life and the life to come. She was a special elect lady in the sight of the Lord. A movie is out about the life of Emma and it shows more in detailed what she went thru with Joseph. The movie is simply called "Emma". He had other wives for a reason. Plural marriage back then was a protection to those who were single, widowed and needed help. I know it hard for some to understand what all of it meant.

Emma and Joseph had children and many died in infancy. they adoped twins. I know that at least 4 lived and of the living children they were convinced that the oldest son should be the leader of the church. But that is not how the church operates. Many stories about the reason why Brigham Young was chosen leader after 3 years. The 12 apostles kept things going until the decision was made. It was by devine revelation. It has been and always be the senior apostle if it meant to be will be the next Prophet. Right now the Prophet is President Monson. Many leaders of the world make it a special trip to see the Prophet. President of the United States Pres.Johnson often called President David OMckay to talk and get advice. It was President Hinckly that brought the media to the church. Again I challenge any or all of you who read this to read the Book Of Mormon. Make and ernest offering of prayer as to the thruth of the Book. It is a companion to the Holy Bible and tells the stories of the inhabitants in the American Continent.