Alvin Smith

Wikipedia Biographical Summary:

...Alvin Smith (11 February 1798 – 19 November 1823) was the older brother of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Alvin took a leading role in helping the Smith family work toward paying their debts and building their home. His death in 1823 at age 25 resulted in his younger brother Joseph taking more of a leading role in family affairs. A vision claimed by Joseph Smith Jr. is said to have included Alvin and played a significant role in the establishment of the Mormon doctrine of redemption of those who die without a knowledge of the gospel and baptism of the dead..."

"...Alvin Smith was born in 1798, the first surviving child of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith..."

"...On 19 November 1823, at age 25, Alvin died of mercury poisoning from calomel, which was administered to cure a case of “bilious colic.”..."

SOURCE: Wikipedia contributors, 'Alvin Smith (brother of Joseph Smith, Jr.)', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 27 October 2011, 01:07 UTC, <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alvin_Smith_(brother_of_J...> [accessed 4 November 2011]

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Oldest brother of Joseph Smith Jr., founder and Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
On one occasion, Joseph described his older brother as "a very handsome man, surpassed by none but Adam and Seth, and of great strength" Alvin's mother said he was "a youth of singular goodness of disposition -- kind and amiable."
In November of 1823, Alvin suddenly became sick with what is called by his mother "bilious colic." The family doctor was not available, so a substitute was procured, who prescribed "a heavy dose of calomel" - a compound of mercury and chlorine that some thought would encourage the discharge of bile. Alvin at first refused to take the medicine, but was eventually persuaded. According to Lucy's account, "This dose of calomel lodged in his stomach, and all the medicine afterwards freely administered by four very skillful physicians could not remove it."
Realizing that he was dying, Alvin called the family members to him and one by one gave counsel and encouragement. Joseph at this time was almost 18 years old, and had only recently had his first visit with the Angel Moroni. Alvin's counsel to Joseph was: "I am now going to die...I want you to be a good boy, and do everything that lies in your power to obtain the Record. Be faithful in receiving instruction, and in keeping every commandment that is given you." The family mourned greatly at the death of Alvin, and frequently wept in sorrow when they remembered his devotion to Joseph and his divine calling.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Oct 6 2017, 20:20:55 UTC