Joseph Smith was born in a small
farmhouse on December 23, 1805 in the
rural town of Sharon, Vermont to Lucy
Mack Smith and Joseph Smith Sr.
Although Joseph Smith Sr. was once a
prosperous individual, he lost a
considerable amount of his fortune on a
failed business venture. Ultimately, Lucy
and Joseph Sr. were poor tenant farmers.
Both had strict religious backgrounds.
Lucy was born in Connecticut; her mother
was a Congregationalist, while her father,
Solomon, stood firm in his beliefs of
Universalism, an understanding that God
would save mankind. Interestingly, Lucy
remained unbaptized until her adult years
and in her older years attended
Presbyterian meetings.
Story by Vance Savage
Photography courtesy
Kenneth Mays
W
ithin the now-worn pages of
the Vermont Bicentennial
Guide, one will observe that
Sharon, Vermont was “the birthplace of
one of the immortals of American history,
Joseph Smith.” Smith is widely known for
translating The Book of Mormon and for
establishing The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints.
Without question, Joseph Smith stood
strong in the face of adversity. Within
his brief 38 years, Smith was plagued by
serious illness, the tragic loss of loved ones,
and near-death experiences. In his later
years, resolute and unwavering, he would
fight numerous false arrests and malicious
court trials.
Regardless of the daunting tasks presented
to this man, Smith would adhere to his be-
liefs steadfastly and unrelentingly. How did
this poor Vermont native become such an
important religious and historical figure?
60 VERMONT MAGAZINE
Joseph Sr. was well taught in a wide array
of theology. His father, Asael, a man
steeped in Rationalism, was somewhat of a
celebrity to those living in the community
of Topsfield, Massachusetts. Asael rooted
his beliefs in Universalism and Seekerism
(a movement that sought a new revelation
that would restore Christianity), and was
displeased with the teachings in churches
of his day. Joseph Sr. was suspect of all
clergy and rejected organized religion.
He not only refused to accompany Lucy
to church, but also kept young Joseph at
home by his side.
In his vital learning years, young Joseph
would be taught that visions or dreams
were divine messages communicated by
God. Both parents, in addition to his
maternal grandfather, were stern believers
of this premise. In fact, Lucy often
recorded her husband’s dreams and
nightmares in utmost detail, believing they
would lead to spiritual enlightenment.
As a young, influential boy, it can be
imagined Joseph Smith was nothing short
of confused and conflicted. He was
deprived of any formal education,