William Smith

1811–1893 (82 years)

Hometown: Royalton, Vermont

Biography

William Smith was the younger brother of Joseph Smith and an original apostle. His relationship with church leadership was tumultuous, marked by conflicts, suspensions, and eventual excommunication.

William practiced polygamy, reportedly marrying up to 22 women. After Joseph’s death, he briefly served as Church Patriarch but was excommunicated in 1845 for misconduct and apostasy.

He later affiliated with the Reorganized Church (now Community of Christ) and spent years competing with the Utah church. His contentious personality and conflicts with multiple factions make him one of the most controversial figures in early Mormon history.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Joseph Smith Joseph Smith 1805–1844 (38 years) Brigham Young Brigham Young 1801–1877 (76 years) John Taylor John Taylor 1808–1887 (78 years) Wilford Woodruff Wilford Woodruff 1807–1898 (91 years)

Wives (4)

William Smith was a polygamist with 4 marriages.

Marriage Age Comparison

4 wives · Ages at marriage

Her age His age Teenage bride (<18)
#NameMarriage DateHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1 Caroline Amanda Grant Feb 14, 1833 182133
2 Mary Ann Covington Sheffield c. Apr 1, 1844 c. 4333100
3 Roxey Ann Grant Jan 31, 1846 263481
4 Eliza Elsie Sanborn Nov 12, 1857 2746191

Children (5)

With Caroline Amanda Grant (3 children)

With Roxey Ann Grant (1 child)

With Eliza Elsie Sanborn (1 child)