Hyrum Smith

Hyrum Smith

1800–1844 (44 years)

Hometown: Tunbridge, Vermont

Biography

Hyrum Smith was Joseph Smith’s older brother, Assistant President of the Church, and an apostle. He was killed alongside Joseph at Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844, making him a martyr of the faith.

Hyrum was a devoted supporter of his younger brother throughout his life. He practiced polygamy with two wives. He served as Church Patriarch and was deeply involved in temple ceremonies and church administration.

His death alongside Joseph made him a co-martyr and significantly increased the Smith family’s sacred status in Mormon memory. His descendants have included numerous church presidents and leaders.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Joseph Smith Joseph Smith 1805–1844 (38 years)

Wives (5)

Hyrum Smith was a polygamist with 5 marriages.

Marriage Age Comparison

5 wives · Ages at marriage

Her age His age Teenage bride (<18)
#NameMarriage DateHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1 Jerusha Barden Nov 2, 1826 202666
2 Mary Fielding Dec 24, 1837 363712
3 Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson Jan 1, 1843 354270
4 Catherine Phillips c. Aug 1, 1843 c. 484350
5 Lydia Dibble Granger Jan 30, 1846 5545100

Children (8)

With Jerusha Barden (6 children)

  1. Lovina Smith (b. Sep 16, 1827)
  2. Mary Smith (b. Jun 27, 1829)
  3. John Smith (b. Sep 22, 1832)
  4. Hyrum Smith Jr. (b. Apr 27, 1834)
  5. Jerusha Smith (b. Jan 13, 1836)
  6. Sarah Smith (b. Oct 2, 1837)

With Mary Fielding (2 children)

  1. Joseph Fielding Smith (b. Nov 13, 1838)
  2. Martha Ann Smith (b. May 14, 1841)

Related Posts (15)

Related Images

“Dissenters within the Church and opponents outside the Church brought about the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith. Their deaths added a powerful seal to their testimonies of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. A study of the life and martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith will help students consider the many blessings the Lord has given them through the ministry of the Prophet Joseph Smith, through whom He restored His gospel in the latter days... Joseph Smith laid the foundation for God’s work in this gospel dispensation. The Prophet Joseph Smith was innocent at the time of his death, and he had faithfully fulfilled the mission given to him by God.” - Foundations of the Restoration Teacher Manual, Lesson 22: The Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith | wasmormon.org “He said there were many that had a great deal to say about the ancient order of things as Solomon and David having many wives and concubines, but it is an abomination in the sight of God. If an angel from heaven should come and preach such doctrine, some would be sure to see his cloven foot and cloud of darkness over head, though his garments might shine as white as snow. A man might have one wife but concubines he should have none.” - Hyrum Smith, Levi Richards Journal | wasmormon.org Martrydom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. A lingering member of the Warsaw militia, his face blackened with mud and gunpowder, is about to decapitate Joseph Smith's corpse. A Mormon witness claimed a pillar of light thrust down from heaven and the made ruffian's arm powerless. In the background, the dead body of Hyrum Smith is carried from the jail.