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Joseph Smith Jr.

Death by Force
Case Description
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Joseph Smith Jr., a 38-year-old white male, was the founder and leader of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was killed on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois, while awaiting trial in the Carthage Jail on charges of treason. Smith, along with his brother Hyrum, was attacked by an armed mob of 150-200 men who stormed the jail. The mob's faces were painted black with wet gunpowder to conceal their identities. Hyrum Smith was shot in the face and killed almost immediately, while Joseph Smith attemp ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (5)
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  • Killing of Joseph Smith - Wikipedia
  • Killing of Joseph Smith - Wikipedia
    •     ...View 3 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Joseph Smith, Jr.

    Male

    White / Caucasian

    Carthage

    IL

    1844-06-27

    38

    Joseph

    Smith Jr.

    11/10/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I've been reflecting on the role that Governor Thomas Ford played in the tragic events at Carthage J... ...Read More
    08/12/2024
    In discussing the tragic events at Carthage Jail, I've been thinking about the role of Governor Thom... ...Read More
    05/02/2024
    I've been thinking about the role that the Nauvoo Expositor played in the events that led to Joseph ... ...Read More
    10/15/2023
    Other Cases from Carthage, Illinois

    Hyrum Smith

    Death: Jun 27, 1844
    Hyrum Smith, a 44-year-old white male, was killed on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois. Hyrum, al a ...Read More