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.

Parents

Joseph Smith Sr.
Joseph Smith Sr. Father
Lucy Mack Smith
Lucy Mack Smith Mother

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith

Wives (4)

Hyrum Smith was a polygamist with 4 wives. Note these are simultaneous marriages — married to multiple living spouses at the same time.

4 wives · Lifespan: 1800–1844

Jerusha Barden
1826–1837 (11 yrs)
Mary Fielding
1837–1844 (7 yrs)
Catherine Phillips
1843–1844 (1 yrs)
Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson
1843–1844 (1 yrs)
1800 (born) 1811 1822 1833 1844 (died)
Wife

8 children from 2 wives · Lifespan: 1800–1844

Jerusha Barden
6 children
Mary Fielding
2 children
1800 (born) 1811 1822 1833 1844 (died)
Wife Child born

4 wives · Ages at marriage

Her age His age Teenage bride (<18)
#NameBornDiedMarriedHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1
Jerusha Barden Jerusha Barden
Feb 15, 1805Oct 13, 1837 Nov 2, 1826 212656
2
Mary Fielding Mary Fielding
Jul 21, 1801Sep 21, 1852 Dec 24, 1837 363712
3
Catherine Phillips
Aug 1, 1819Sep 26, 1905 Aug 1, 1843 2443190
4
Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson
Jun 15, 1807Sep 15, 1893 Aug 11, 1843 c. 364370

Children (8)

With Jerusha Barden Jerusha Barden  (6 children)

  1. Lovina Smith (b. Jan 1, 1827)
  2. Mary Smith (b. Jan 1, 1829)
  3. John Smith (b. Jan 1, 1832)
  4. Hiram Smith (b. Jan 1, 1834)
  5. Jerusha Smith (b. Jan 1, 1836)
  6. Sarah Smith (b. Jan 1, 1837)

With Mary Fielding Mary Fielding  (2 children)

  1. Joseph Fielding Smith Joseph Fielding Smith (b. Jan 1, 1838)
  2. Martha Ann Smith (b. Jan 1, 1841)

Posts Related to Hyrum Smith

Images Related to Hyrum Smith

“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. Hyrum Smith