Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon church, was held in the old jail in Carthage, Hancock County, Illinois, in June 1844, along with his brother Hyrum. On June 27, 1844, a mob of about 200 men with painted faces stormed the jail and fired into the room, killing Joseph and Hyrum. His followers did not retaliate, and his grave was neglected for many years. Members of the Utah church later erected a monument over the graves of the Smith brothers.

Cause of death, as reported: Taken from custody and lynched. A mob stormed the Carthage jail in Illinois, where Smith was held, and shot him; accounts do not say whether jail staff resisted.

Reported by: historical newspaper accounts.

Custody: Awaiting trial.

Sources (13)

• The Daily Times, August 7, 1887, page 2 The Daily Times, August 7, 1887
• Helena Weekly Herald, August 18, 1887, page 1 Helena Weekly Herald, August 18, 1887
• Democratic Northwest, August 18, 1887, page 10 Democratic Northwest, August 18, 1887
• San Antonio Daily Light, August 26, 1887, page 3 San Antonio Daily Light, August 26, 1887
• The Anderson Intelligencer, September 1, 1887, page 1 The Anderson Intelligencer, September 1, 1887
• Waterbury Evening Democrat, July 30, 1894, page 3 Waterbury Evening Democrat, July 30, 1894
• The Daily Ardmoreite, April 9, 1907, page 6 The Daily Ardmoreite, April 9, 1907
• The Roswell Daily Record, April 9, 1907, page 2 The Roswell Daily Record, April 9, 1907
• The Evening Times, April 9, 1907, page 7 The Evening Times, April 9, 1907
• El Paso Herald, November 19, 1918, page 5 El Paso Herald, November 19, 1918
• The Alaska Daily Empire, November 20, 1918, page 6 The Alaska Daily Empire, November 20, 1918
• The Dawson News, November 26, 1918, page 2 The Dawson News, November 26, 1918
• Douglas Daily International, December 4, 1918, page 3 Douglas Daily International, December 4, 1918