Samuel Harrison Smith
Jan 1st, 2008 by Alison Moore Smith
The Prophet’s younger brother, Samuel, played a very important role in the early history of the Church. He is called by name six times in the Doctrine and Covenants. Four are calls to serve as a missionary, one is as a member of the high council, and one is a member of the bishopric. Samuel remembered that his parents had always taught their children to read the Bible, and to follow its teachings in their lives, without any particular reference to any church. Samuel was overwhelmed with awe when his childhood playmate, Joseph, told them about his vision. But in the heart of that twelve-year old boy, a seed of faith had been planted which was to become the motivating force of his whole life!
The Book of Mormon is a translation of a sacred record, which ancient prophets had inscribed on plates of gold containing impressive spiritual truths and great prophecies of divine origin.
Birth
Born – March 13, 1808 in Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont
Samuel’s Physical Features and Character
Samuel was large in stature (6’6”), strength, and physical fitness. He was a faithful, noble, honest, righteous saint. He was devoted to duty… “ His labors in the Church from first to last, carrying glad tidings to eastern cities; and finally his steadfastness as one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon, and many saintly traits of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, goodness, brotherly kindness, and charity, shall be given to him hereafter, as a man of God.” He converted many scores of converts, helped organize several branches, and strengthened the saints wherever he went. Samuel also had the gift of healing.
Marriages
Mary Bailey – August 13, 1834 in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio
Mary was born on December 20, 1808 in Bedford, Hillsborough, New Hampshire, she died in Nauvoo at the age of 31 as stated in the Times and Seasons, on January 25, 1841 and was buried in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois.
Levira Clark – May 30, 1841 in Geneva, Scott County, Illinois
Levira was born on July 30, 1815 in Levonia, Livingston, New York, she died January 1, 1893.
Samuel’s Death
Samuel died on July 30, 1844 at the age of 36 in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, of a fever, occasioned by over exertion in getting away from a mob, when his brothers were killed in Carthage. He is buried in the family cemetery in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois.