William Smith | |
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Petitioner for Patriarchate (RLDS Church) | |
April 6, 1872 | – November 13, 1893|
Predecessor | None |
Successor | Alexander Hale Smith |
Reason | Doctrine of Lineal succession |
3rd Presiding Patriarch (LDS Church) | |
May 24, 1845 | – October 6, 1845|
End reason | Removed from position by a vote of the church |
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
May 25, 1839 | – October 6, 1845|
End reason | Removed from Quorum by a vote of the church |
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles | |
February 15, 1835 | – May 4, 1839|
End reason | Removed from Quorum by a vote of the church |
Latter Day Saint Apostle | |
February 15, 1835 | – October 6, 1845|
Reason | Initial organization of Quorum of the Twelve |
End reason | Excommunication for apostasy |
Reorganization at end of term |
No apostles ordained |
Personal details | |
Born |
Royalton, Vermont, United States |
March 13, 1811
Died | November 13, 1893 Osterdock, Iowa, United States |
(aged 82)
Resting place | Osterdock - Bethel Chapel Cemetery |
William Smith (also found as William B. Smith) (March 13, 1811 – November 13, 1893) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Smith was the eighth child of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith and was a younger brother of Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement.
Born in Royalton, Vermont, Smith and his family suffered considerable financial problems and moved several times in the New England area. He was living in the home of his parents near Manchester, New York, when his brother Joseph reported that he had taken golden plates from the hill Cumorah. William was told by Joseph that he could not view the golden plates but was allowed to reach into the case and feel what Joseph said were the plates. William was baptized into his brother's Church of Christ on June 9, 1830, by David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses to the golden plates.
On February 14, 1835, the Three Witnesses designated Phineas Young, brother of Brigham, as one of the inaugural members of the Quorum of the Twelve. However, Joseph Smith insisted that his own younger brother, William, be selected instead. Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer later reported that William's selection was "contrary to our feelings and judgment, and to our deep mortification ever since." William Smith was ordained an apostle on February 15.