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History of Joseph Smith by His Mother
The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother is a biography of the Latter Day Saint prophet Joseph Smith, according to his mother, Lucy Mack Smith. It was originally titled Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations and was published by Orson Pratt in Liverpool in 1853.
Shortly following the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, and into 1845, Lucy Mack Smith dictated her recollections and family story to Nauvoo schoolteacher Martha Jane Coray. Coray worked with her husband to compile these books of notes and other sources into a manuscript, which was then copied.
Shortly following the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, and into 1845, Lucy Mack Smith dictated her recollections and family story to Nauvoo schoolteacher Martha Jane Coray. Coray worked with her husband to compile these books of notes and other sources into a manuscript, which was then copied.
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About the author
Lucy Mack Smith
26 books8 followersLucy Mack Smith was the mother of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She is most noted for writing an award-winning memoir: Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations. She was an important leader of the movement during the life of Joseph.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 25, 2025
I’ve wanted to read Lucy’s journal for a long time so when I found this one that had commentary by Susan Easton Black and artwork by Liz Lemon Swindle I was so excited! And I LOVED the combination! I would definitely recommend this book! I learned so much!
June 7, 2013
I have a new hero and her name is Lucy Mack Smith. I had no idea how awesome she was. And her family. Wow.
The one complaint I have with this book is that the title is misleading. I thought I was going to learn more about Joseph Smith, but this was actually more about the whole Smith family as well as the history of the church. I actually did not learn anything new about Joseph.
However, I really came to appreciate his family and the struggles of the early church. The chapter towards the end that was written by Hyrum, detailing the abuses the early saints endured was very hard to read. It boggles my mind that people could be so uncivil and cruel and that all this happened in America, and how many Americans even know about it? Probably not many.
Anyway, this was a very well written easy read. It reads almost like a novel and is very much worth reading!
The one complaint I have with this book is that the title is misleading. I thought I was going to learn more about Joseph Smith, but this was actually more about the whole Smith family as well as the history of the church. I actually did not learn anything new about Joseph.
However, I really came to appreciate his family and the struggles of the early church. The chapter towards the end that was written by Hyrum, detailing the abuses the early saints endured was very hard to read. It boggles my mind that people could be so uncivil and cruel and that all this happened in America, and how many Americans even know about it? Probably not many.
Anyway, this was a very well written easy read. It reads almost like a novel and is very much worth reading!
August 3, 2024
4.5 Stars. I've read this book several times. Since I'm a seminary teacher I read it this time as part of my summer lesson planning for teaching Doctrine & Covenants in January. Three things really stood out to me this time around: 1. Joseph was not alone in all he was doing to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His family played such an integral part. They were so supportive of him, and helped him so much. They weren't a perfect family, and they had a lot of disagreements (William vs. Joseph is epic) but they were so sincere and had so much love for each other. I loved seeing that this time around. 2. The story of Joseph on the stagecoach as a stranger walked 20 miles with him to his parent's home because the stranger knew Joseph would not be able to walk it alone. Who was this angel? History doesn't say. He learns Joseph is distressed at the loss of his first baby boy & Emma's near death experience (doesn't know Joseph is distraught about Martin loosing the 116 pages which adds to his heavy emotional burden), and he sees Joseph's emotional and physical strength is all but gone. When he learns Joseph planned to to walk 20 miles after getting off the coach he tells Joseph, "You will not walk alone..." Then this man walks 20 miles to the Smith family home with Joseph - and practically carries him the last 4 miles. This story reaffirmed my testimony that the Lord sends people - angels in disguise, if you will, - to meet us in our most difficult moments in life. 3. I don't think I really appreciated the violence and the injustice the Saints endured in Missouri. I read very carefully these chapters this time. The Saints were so desperate for help against the mobs - who raped, pillaged, stole, lied, poisoned, killed, and burned homes, farms, and fields to the ground. The Saints' repeated attempts for justice were ignored by the governor and local militias. NO ONE - regardless of religious affiliation - should have been treated with such violence - and then treated with such indifference by the government. I was especially infuriated at what church members endured as I read through these chapters this time around. I don't know if I could have endured all that they did. So many things made me so so so angry as I read through it all. wow.
I will say that sometimes the narrative is a little wandering and it is sometimes difficult to know who is "speaking" because she quotes different people's journals, and sometimes the way she describes things is a little confusing. But overall, it is a precious piece of history for the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I will say that sometimes the narrative is a little wandering and it is sometimes difficult to know who is "speaking" because she quotes different people's journals, and sometimes the way she describes things is a little confusing. But overall, it is a precious piece of history for the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
September 8, 2024
I would rate this 5 stars but her rough draft, which can be found in the Joseph Smith Papers, is more accurate to Lucy Mack's recollection of events. In her rough draft, She does not mention a "first vision" of God and Jesus appearing to Joseph Smith; rather, together with all of Joseph's contemporaries who left records, she describes the appearance of the angel Moroni as Joseph's first visionary experience. As Lucy Mack recalled in her original draft, it was Moroni who told Joseph Smith that there was no true church on the earth at the time.
June 17, 2025
The history of Joseph Smith
I found the story to be very interesting and insightful. It gave detailed of Joseph life that are not really taught in Church. I never knew he had been accused of murdering seven men. A group of men came to his home to kill him and he surprised them by greeting them and shaking their hands. The mothers thought he was a nice guy and left. I enjoyed it.
I found the story to be very interesting and insightful. It gave detailed of Joseph life that are not really taught in Church. I never knew he had been accused of murdering seven men. A group of men came to his home to kill him and he surprised them by greeting them and shaking their hands. The mothers thought he was a nice guy and left. I enjoyed it.
November 2, 2023
All Latter-day Saints should read this book. It gives so much more insight and details and history and 'background' to the entire story of Joseph Smith, from an adult perspective even when he was a babe (something even Joseph can't do!) I never knew Lucy's story - and I must say I've added her to my heroine list right up there with Eve, Mary, Emma, Esther, Abish, and many others. Amazing story that one just has to read for themselves. Highly recommend. It added and strengthened the testimony of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the full gospel and true Church of Jesus Christ that the Lord had already blessed me with. Truly a testimony is as a plant that needs continual nourishment. This book nourishes testimonies.
One of the many quotes I really liked and wanted to share because it's so true:
From CH 8 -
In the midst of this anxiety of mind I determined to obtain that which I had heard spoken so much of from the pulpit. A change of heart. To accomplish this I spent much of my time reading the Bible and praying. But not withstanding my great anxiety to experience a change of heart, another matter would always interpose in all my meditations. If I remain a member of no church all religious people will say I am of the world. And if I join some of the denominations all the rest will say I am in error. No church will admit that I am right, except the one with which I am associated. This makes them witnesses against each other, and how can I decide in such a case as this, seeing they are all unlike the Church of Christ as it existed in former days?
This is the question that lead Joseph and his entire family to wonder: which Church should we join. They took it seriously. They knew it was a celestial matter not to be triffled with. They knew from ancient Christianity and the true interpretation of the Bible through the Holy Ghost that there are not "many roads that lead to heaven", but only one. This is what caused Joseph to go to the Lord in prayer and receive the heavenly vision - calling him to be another boy-prophet, Just as Samuel and David had been. What a most magnificent event in the history of the world - the one event all the prophets from Adam on down had prophesied about and looked forward to, the even which Paul describes as the restitution of all things: the Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood and Church of Jesus Christ, just as He has founded it when He walked the earth, but this was for the Latter-days, not the ancient days, and it was never again to be taken from the earth until Christ returns. And so it is. And the best part? ALL human beings are invited to shed their old paradigms and incorrect "traditions of their fathers" and learn the new celestial way that Christ has always tried to teach but only those with ears and eyes to hear and see will understand. But the invitation stands for all who are willing to put forth the effort to approach God with all their heart and mind. What a glorious invitation!
One of the many quotes I really liked and wanted to share because it's so true:
From CH 8 -
In the midst of this anxiety of mind I determined to obtain that which I had heard spoken so much of from the pulpit. A change of heart. To accomplish this I spent much of my time reading the Bible and praying. But not withstanding my great anxiety to experience a change of heart, another matter would always interpose in all my meditations. If I remain a member of no church all religious people will say I am of the world. And if I join some of the denominations all the rest will say I am in error. No church will admit that I am right, except the one with which I am associated. This makes them witnesses against each other, and how can I decide in such a case as this, seeing they are all unlike the Church of Christ as it existed in former days?
This is the question that lead Joseph and his entire family to wonder: which Church should we join. They took it seriously. They knew it was a celestial matter not to be triffled with. They knew from ancient Christianity and the true interpretation of the Bible through the Holy Ghost that there are not "many roads that lead to heaven", but only one. This is what caused Joseph to go to the Lord in prayer and receive the heavenly vision - calling him to be another boy-prophet, Just as Samuel and David had been. What a most magnificent event in the history of the world - the one event all the prophets from Adam on down had prophesied about and looked forward to, the even which Paul describes as the restitution of all things: the Restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood and Church of Jesus Christ, just as He has founded it when He walked the earth, but this was for the Latter-days, not the ancient days, and it was never again to be taken from the earth until Christ returns. And so it is. And the best part? ALL human beings are invited to shed their old paradigms and incorrect "traditions of their fathers" and learn the new celestial way that Christ has always tried to teach but only those with ears and eyes to hear and see will understand. But the invitation stands for all who are willing to put forth the effort to approach God with all their heart and mind. What a glorious invitation!
April 2, 2009
This was the second time I have read this book, and I loved it even more. I am so amazed and the detail of every story in this book. Mother Smith was an amazing woman, with faith and courage to face all the trials she had. I love these stories she writes, you do not hear these in your Gospel Doctrine class. Well, my class did, once. I never tire of hearing stories about the History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A Personal Story: I have been sick for the last few days, really sick. I was cleaning up a spill, I made, and was brought to tears. I was so tired, weak, and in pain. I cried and thought, "I can not do any more I just can't." Then I went upstairs, to read. I read the part where Mother Smith is describing the persecution of the saints leaving Far West. Here they were, driven from their homes, sick, sleeping on the ground with three inches of snow, with "no provisions to care for their sick". How humbled I felt, I was there with a similar sickness, snow outside on the ground, with a fridge full of food, a nice warm bed, with extra blankets if needed, a warm house and plenty of herbs to treat my illness. I really did not think I could endure more, but after reading about these people, I was given courage and strength. I could do more if I had to.
What great lessons we learn from the stories of our forebearers. Things can always be worse, be happy and grateful for what we have.
A Personal Story: I have been sick for the last few days, really sick. I was cleaning up a spill, I made, and was brought to tears. I was so tired, weak, and in pain. I cried and thought, "I can not do any more I just can't." Then I went upstairs, to read. I read the part where Mother Smith is describing the persecution of the saints leaving Far West. Here they were, driven from their homes, sick, sleeping on the ground with three inches of snow, with "no provisions to care for their sick". How humbled I felt, I was there with a similar sickness, snow outside on the ground, with a fridge full of food, a nice warm bed, with extra blankets if needed, a warm house and plenty of herbs to treat my illness. I really did not think I could endure more, but after reading about these people, I was given courage and strength. I could do more if I had to.
What great lessons we learn from the stories of our forebearers. Things can always be worse, be happy and grateful for what we have.
June 3, 2022
One of the greatest, most fascinating and faith-building books I’ve ever read. I totally cried at the end, my heart just shattered for Mother Smith. And the paintings throughout the book—man… they add *SO* much. Holy cow. Lucy Mack Smith was truly brilliant and amazing, and isn’t talked about enough. She’s one of my new heroes. I absolutely love her and will likely read this book again in the future.
Just… this whole family went through *so* much. They were tortured, abused, robbed, beaten, murdered. Their property was constantly taken from them. They were driven like animals from city to city, desperate for refuge and kindness, and they died with almost nothing. It would’ve been so much easier for them to burn their books and claim it was all a hoax. All the abuse would’ve all gone away.
But they didn’t.
To the end, despite all the mistakes people made and all the strife and pain, they stood by the Book of Mormon and testified of its truth. Why would they do all of that—sacrificing their reputations, their mental and physical health, their homes, and their very lives—if it wasn’t true?
Just… this whole family went through *so* much. They were tortured, abused, robbed, beaten, murdered. Their property was constantly taken from them. They were driven like animals from city to city, desperate for refuge and kindness, and they died with almost nothing. It would’ve been so much easier for them to burn their books and claim it was all a hoax. All the abuse would’ve all gone away.
But they didn’t.
To the end, despite all the mistakes people made and all the strife and pain, they stood by the Book of Mormon and testified of its truth. Why would they do all of that—sacrificing their reputations, their mental and physical health, their homes, and their very lives—if it wasn’t true?
October 28, 2011
This is a truly remarkable read. It wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but again, after consideration, it is exactly what a mother would write.
But more than that, I was astonished by some of the brutal hardships that the early pioneers had to endure, in general and specifically as being the matriarch of the Smith family. That family was prepared generations before Joseph arrived on the scene, for the mantel that he was to ultimately bear.
The physical hardships coupled with on one hard the stark cruelty from one's fellow man, but on the other hand totally unexpected acts of kindness from strangers toward the early saints, were starkly illuminating.
I will take away most however from this book is the faith of Lucy Mack Smith. She relates instances where she prayed for hours ... hours ... for the safety and protection of not only her sons, but their mission in life. The loss due to disease and other health considerations of her siblings, children and grandchildren was as stark as the faith she exhibited enduring those trials.
But more than that, I was astonished by some of the brutal hardships that the early pioneers had to endure, in general and specifically as being the matriarch of the Smith family. That family was prepared generations before Joseph arrived on the scene, for the mantel that he was to ultimately bear.
The physical hardships coupled with on one hard the stark cruelty from one's fellow man, but on the other hand totally unexpected acts of kindness from strangers toward the early saints, were starkly illuminating.
I will take away most however from this book is the faith of Lucy Mack Smith. She relates instances where she prayed for hours ... hours ... for the safety and protection of not only her sons, but their mission in life. The loss due to disease and other health considerations of her siblings, children and grandchildren was as stark as the faith she exhibited enduring those trials.
January 31, 2019
Remarkable Truths
I would recommend this book to all interested members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as any interested person seeking to better understand some of the mostly forgotten hardships and history of the early days of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints on the earth. I was saddened by most of the events and hardships of the early saints. But thoroughly appreciated the overall historic transcript. I am grateful to have been able to read the account of a dear woman of God who actually lived through the events that are now such an inspiration and great lesson to me and I hope many others.
I would recommend this book to all interested members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as any interested person seeking to better understand some of the mostly forgotten hardships and history of the early days of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints on the earth. I was saddened by most of the events and hardships of the early saints. But thoroughly appreciated the overall historic transcript. I am grateful to have been able to read the account of a dear woman of God who actually lived through the events that are now such an inspiration and great lesson to me and I hope many others.
April 3, 2020
A memoir of faith
This is less history and more memoir, not touching every detail, but hitting in significant events in her life as it relates to her son. As I read, I was struck that the Prophet Joseph learned so much from his parents. It is clear that he likely learned to pray in a Grove from his mother, who likely would’ve shared her own experience of praying in such a setting.
These details concave great shape to the life of the prophet, and help us understand what the restoration was a family affair. Her faith and testimony are clear.
This is less history and more memoir, not touching every detail, but hitting in significant events in her life as it relates to her son. As I read, I was struck that the Prophet Joseph learned so much from his parents. It is clear that he likely learned to pray in a Grove from his mother, who likely would’ve shared her own experience of praying in such a setting.
These details concave great shape to the life of the prophet, and help us understand what the restoration was a family affair. Her faith and testimony are clear.
May 23, 2009
Although often written with run-on sentences, I can imagine Lucy Mack Smith sitting in her rocking chair telling this history. Her voice and strong character truly shine through. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book is that there are many faith promoting experiences that I had not read elsewhere. Definitely a very interesting read for anyone wanting to learn more about the Smith family and the restoration of the gospel.
February 13, 2015
This once rare book is now available on kindle and many other places on the internet, and should be read by anyone interested in early Mormon history Lucy Mack Smith's bio of her famous son is full of gossip and anecdotes found nowhere else - and her self-assertive personality comes through on every page. Even though she dictated the book to a scribe, there's no hding the personality of this feisty woman. Clearly, Joseph Smith had his mom in corner, no matter what he did.
January 12, 2015
a mothers heart rending, but strong, account of her family
Wonderful, heart rending account of the joys and sorrow of the Smith family. Her words bring to life the trials and tribulations of not only her son Joseph Smith, but also the rest if the family. It was poignant, stoic, and a true lesson in faith and endurance. Well worth the read!
Wonderful, heart rending account of the joys and sorrow of the Smith family. Her words bring to life the trials and tribulations of not only her son Joseph Smith, but also the rest if the family. It was poignant, stoic, and a true lesson in faith and endurance. Well worth the read!
January 29, 2021
Strength through hardships
This history of Lucy Mack Smith is a testimony of faith, hope and charity in it's most challenging period of time. It is a testimony to me of the hardships and wickedness that can challenge us, and how the strength of our testimonies can support us during the hardest times in our lives.
This history of Lucy Mack Smith is a testimony of faith, hope and charity in it's most challenging period of time. It is a testimony to me of the hardships and wickedness that can challenge us, and how the strength of our testimonies can support us during the hardest times in our lives.
December 23, 2016
His mothers view
This is a very humbling book concerning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Church history. All members should read this book and others if they desire to know what happened and the horrors the early Saints went through
This is a very humbling book concerning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Church history. All members should read this book and others if they desire to know what happened and the horrors the early Saints went through
February 10, 2018
why can't I just go back to kindle home instead of writing a review? I loved the book but dislike how books end on kindle..
the book but dislike how books end on kindle.. please don't make me write a review. book was great. Lucy Smith is a great woman.
the book but dislike how books end on kindle.. please don't make me write a review. book was great. Lucy Smith is a great woman.
March 9, 2019
A faithful and powerful woman
Lucy Mack Smith was a strong and courageous woman, mother, wife who demonstrated hard work and constant faithful belief. She was never afraid to express and defend her family and their actions and lived an exemplary life of service.
Lucy Mack Smith was a strong and courageous woman, mother, wife who demonstrated hard work and constant faithful belief. She was never afraid to express and defend her family and their actions and lived an exemplary life of service.
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February 5, 2021Wowzers! What a lady! I was moved by her faith and inspired in many ways to increase my own devotion to God. How deeply grateful I am to those who have suffered so much that I might live my religion with such great ease and comfort. I hope that I will never take that privilege for granted.
June 11, 2009
I love this book because it goes beyond what we culturally grow up with hearing and learning about Joseph Smith. I love his mother's recollections.
September 15, 2009
Highly recommended. A lot of it was familiar from Living Scriptures, Sunday School lessons, etc., but it was still interesting to read a firsthand perspective of the Restoration.
October 21, 2010
It was good to read Mother Smith's perspective of events.
March 18, 2011
Amazing that that could be recorded. What a glimpse of history.
November 16, 2014
Great book
If you want to know more about this man, his life and sacrifices he made, as well those around him. its a must read.
If you want to know more about this man, his life and sacrifices he made, as well those around him. its a must read.
January 19, 2016
I found this history to be complete and straightforward. Love it from a mother's perspective.
December 17, 2019
Honest portrayal of her son and events of this time.
November 22, 2018
Learned so much!
Learned so much about the sacrifice of the Smith family! Great read for anyone that wants to know more about Joseph Smith Jr. And family.
Learned so much about the sacrifice of the Smith family! Great read for anyone that wants to know more about Joseph Smith Jr. And family.
January 16, 2019
This was a wonderful story of Joseph Smith.
It was well written and a story of truth. I would hope many will read it. The bless those who wrote it.
It was well written and a story of truth. I would hope many will read it. The bless those who wrote it.
September 15, 2019
I enjoyed the author's writing style and I felt her passion. The book could well have been named The History of the Family of Joseph Smith.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews