How did Joseph Smith die?

Question

My family lived in Carthage at the time of his death, and it's been passed down in my family that he stole cattle from the farms, tried for squatters rights on people's property, and was thrown in jail for it.

The jail was then attacked by angry townsfolk, but he was eventually hanged.

I've also heard that he was accused of polygamy, and that's why he was jailed.

What have you heard?

Answer 1

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/peopl...

I've heard all kinds of funny things about Joseph Smith and Mormons. Some of the list includes: they don't believe in music, they don't dance, they have horns... or that Joseph Smith was a liar, stealer, etc. We can talk about rumors all day, but that would rather constitute chatting, I think.

However, when I want the true facts on a subject, I generally go to the source, which in this case would be one of the LDS websites. Some contain historical documentation from that time period and include testimony from the political authorities both in Missouri and Illinois. As many of Smith's relatives still belong to that church, it would make sense they would have the truth about his jailing and death and naturally would be the most credible sources on that subject.   Here are some for your perusal: http://www.utlm.org/onlineresources/jose...  or try:

lds.org (under search type in Joseph Smith or Carthage). One article will give you a report of what the newspapers printed at the time of the death. It is located under "I have a question" and it describes both accuracies and inaccuracies. Smith DID practice polygamy.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The story Princess Deb relates is the same I've heard.  But I must warn, Wikipedia is not a reliable source - anyone can post or change a posting regardles of lack of credentials or qualification.

Answer 3

On June 27, 1844, an armed group of about 200 men stormed the jail, and went to Smith's cell. After a brief struggle, the group was able to open fire on Smith and his associates. Hyrum Smith was shot in the face, and died immediately. As the mob burst through the doorway, Joseph Smith (who had earlier been given a six-shooter by a visitor) managed to fire three shots at the mob.[citation needed] Richards was unharmed, while Taylor was shot several times, but survived. (One of the bullets may have glanced off the pocket watch in his left breast pocket.) Smith, however, was shot multiple times while trying to jump out an open window. After he fell from the window, he was shot several more times, killing him. He was 38 years of age.

Smith and his brother were initially buried below the Smith Homestead in Nauvoo. They were later disinterred in 1928 on the orders of Smith's grandson Frederick M. Smith, then President of the RLDS Church, and reburied along with Smiths' wife Emma in a location thought to be safer from Mississippi flooding.

Answer 4

Now I'm laughing....He lived in Nauvoo...

He was accused of burning down a press called the Nauvoo Expositor.  He had nothing to do with Carthage or the famous Carthage greys. He was in court three times in Nauvoo and found innocent, but the populace of Carthage, Quincy and others along with Gov. Ford ordered him to be tried in Carthage. Double Jeopardy didn't apply then. He was attacked by the mob most likely the Carthage Greys, the militia of that city. He was shot to death not hanged.

What Princess Deb is correct

Answer 5

He didn't die, it's just that he couldn't rise to the occasion when LeBron was guarded by Pierce.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3003