William Smith (1811

Mormon History: 1830 to 1839

William Smith (1811–1893)

Joseph Smith's problem brother, apostle, church patriarch, Strangite apostle, LDS, RLDS.
Born		William B. Smith, March 13, 1811 in Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont.	William Smith William Smith on Mormonism, William Smith (Lamoni, Iowa: Herald Steam Book and Job Office, 1883). , transcript in Early documents Early Mormon Documents, compiled and edited by Dan Vogel. 4 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002). 1:493.
Died		November 13, 1893 in Osterdock, Clayton county, Iowa.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 276.
Father		Joseph Smith Sr.
Mother		Lucy Mack
Revival in 1822–1823		In 1822 and 1823, the people in our neighborhood were very much stirred up with regard to religious matters by the preaching of a Mr. Lane, an Elder of the Methodist Church, and celebrated throughout the country as a "great revival preacher."	William Smith William Smith on Mormonism, William Smith (Lamoni, Iowa: Herald Steam Book and Job Office, 1883). , transcript in Early documents Early Mormon Documents, compiled and edited by Dan Vogel. 4 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002). 1:493.
Baptism		[June 9, 1830] [I] was accordingly baptized by Elder David Whitmer, on [500] the 9th day of June, 1830, at the same time with nine others; viz, Don Carlos Smith, John Jolly, John Poorman, Porter Rockwell, Jerusha Smith, Caroline Rockwell, Electa Rockwell, Julia Ann Jolly, and Harriet Jolly.	William Smith William Smith on Mormonism, William Smith (Lamoni, Iowa: Herald Steam Book and Job Office, 1883). , transcript in Early documents Early Mormon Documents, compiled and edited by Dan Vogel. 4 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002). 1:499–500; TS Times and Seasons 4, no. 2 (Nov. 15, 1842): 23 also has Katharine Smith, but not Harriet Jolly; HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 1:86 includes both Katharine and Harriet, making ten baptized that day. Cp. Exorcisms. Original: Newell
Confirmation Newel Knight's visions (not William)		The next evening we had a prayer meeting, during which we were confirmed under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, (one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon), according to the order of the ancient church and the teachings of the apostles of our Lord and Savior. Some of the brethren received marvelous manifestations during the evening. Bro. Newel Knight saw the heavens opened and he heard things which he was unable to utter: his strength was taken from him twice, and he was obliged to be lifted up and placed upon a bed. I did not, myself, receive any such manifestations, but felt the Spirit of God like a burning fire shut up in my bones.
To Kirtland		May 1831 moves to Kirtland with his mother, sisters, Don Carlos.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 276.
June conference		June 3–6, 1831 minutes indicate William attends as a teacher, but this is error (he is ordained a teacher in October).	Minutes of June [3]–6, 1831
Teacher		October 5, 1831 ordained a teacher by Joseph Smith in Hiram, Ohio.	Transcript of William's license, Early documents Early Mormon Documents, compiled and edited by Dan Vogel. 4 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002). 1:501n37.
Priest		October 25, 1831 ordained a priest by Oliver Cowdery.	Minutes of October 25–26, 1831
Elder		December 19, 1832 ordained an elder by Lyman E. Johnson.	Minutes of December 19, 1832
Marries		February 14, 1833 marries Caroline Amanda Grant, sister of Jedediah M. Grant.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 276.
Mission	¶	Brothers Hyrum and William Smith have just returned home, after an absence of about three weeks, having baptized twenty three in Pennsylvania.	"Extracts of Letters from the Elders Abroad," EMS The Evening and the Morning Star 1, no. (Feb. 1833).
High priest		June 21, 1833 ordained a high priest by Sidney Rigdon.	Minutes of June 21, 1833
Joseph's blessing to William		December 18, 1833 Joseph blesses William:	"A BLESSING / Pronounced by Joseph Smith, jr., upon the head of William Smith his brother, Dec. 18th, 1833," TS Times and Seasons , 5 no. 20 (Nov. 1, 1845): 694.
Fierce, proud Will be humbled Will be saved, endowed with power	¶	Brother William is as the fierce lion which divideth not the spoil because of his much strength, and in the pride of his heart he will neglect the more weighty matters, until his soul is bowed down in sorrow; and then he shall return and call on the name of his God, and shall turn and call on the name of his God, and shall find forgiveness and shall wax valiant in the cause of truth: therefore he shall be saved unto the uttermost, and shall be endowed with power from on high.
Satan to flee from him		At his rebuke, in the name of the Lord, the eyes of the blind shall be unstopped; the tongue of the dumb shall be made to speak … Hell shall tremble because of him, and Satan shall flee from before his face and he shall be as a roaring lion of the forest in the midst of his prey: so shall his hand be in the midst of his enemies among those who know the Lord, but seek the injury of the righteous.
Zion's Camp		May–June 1834 member, Zion's Camp.
Apostle		February 15, 1835 ordained an apostle.
Not worker on House of the Lord		March 7–8, 1835 not included in the list of 111 workers on the House of the Lord, though Hyrum is a member of the building committee and Don Carlos and Samuel H. are workers.	¶ Minutes of March 7–8, 1835
Mission with Twelve		Summer 1835 mission with the Twelve to the eastern states.
Argues with Joseph over Mother's testimony Dares Joseph to knock him down		October 29, 1835 argues with Joseph in high council meeting over whether their mother's testimony is relevant in a child abuse case. Joseph orders William to sit down, William dares him to knock him down. Joseph Sr. intercedes and order is restored.	¶ Minutes of October 29, 1835 annotation.
William censured Joseph tarnished his reputation		October 30, 1835 in the evening Joseph receives a letter from William requesting a meeting. He has been unjustly "censured by the brethren" and feels Joseph has injured his reputation. Joseph thought they had "parted with the best of feelings, that I was not to blame on account of the dissatisfaction of others," but invites William to stop by.	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 2:296.
Attempt to reconcile fails		October 31, 1835 Joseph and William meet with Hyrum and Warren Parrish as mediators, but William is unable to control his emotions and storms out.	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 2:296.
Revelation criticizes the Twelve		November 3, 1835 Joseph receives a revelation that some of the Twelve are under condemnation for not sharing their assets equitably with the rest of the Twelve and not being sufficiently humble. The other eleven are to pray for William, that he will return [to the mission], for, says the Lord, "will yet make him a polished shaft in my quiver, in bringing down the wickedness and abominations of men and their shall be none mightier than he in his day and generation." William E. McLellin, Orson Hyde, and David Patten are singled out for criticism [for disparaging Sidney's teaching in the school of the prophets].	Revelation of November 3, 1835
Orson Hyde charges William is favored		December 15, 1835 Orson Hyde complains William gets preferential treatment at the Kirtland store.	¶ Orson Hyde's 1835 Complaint
Scuffle at debating school.		December 16, 1835 Joseph attends a debate and gets into a scuffle with William. Hyrum and Joseph Sr. try to intervene.	Debating School Incident, 1835
Apologizes		December 18, 1835 Hyrum and Joseph receive written apologies from William. Joseph replies as ecclesiastical superior and older brother.	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 2:338–339.
Parents move out of William's home		December 29, 1835 by this date, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack have moved into Joseph Jr.'s home.	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 2:346.
Unchristian-like conduct		December 29, 1835 Orson Johnson charges William with "unchristianlike conduct in speaking disrespectfully of President Joseph Smith Junr. and the revelations & commandments given through him," and "attempting to inflict personal violence on President J. Smith Junr."	Orson Johnson's Charge Against William Smith
Trial		January 2, 1836 confesses to the high council, presidency, and congregation. Confession accepted.	¶ Minutes of January 2, 1836
Confession		January 3, 1836 (Sunday) William makes his confession to the church and is "cordially received into fellowship again." He preaches "a fine discourse" in the evening and Joseph thanks the Lord "for the union and harmony which now prevail in the Church."	Diary-2 Joseph Smith diary (Sept. 22, 1835-Apr. 3, 1836). Selected Collections, 1:20 // Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., 221-225. Original, Church Archives, MS 155. , 98.
Vision		January 28, 1836 sees "the heavens opened, and the Lord's host protecting the Lord's anointed" during meeting of the Twelve in the House of the Lord.	¶ Member Visions
Vision		February 6, 1836 at a meeting of the Twelve in the House of the Lord, "President" William Smith sees a vision of "the Twelve, and Seven in council together, in old England, and prophesied that a great work would be done by them in the old countries, and God was already beginning to work in the hearts of the people."	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 2:392.
Status as apostle questioned		April 7, 1838 in reporting on the Twelve at conference in Far West, David W. Patten (h) is "doubtful" about William Smith "from something which he had heard respecting his faith in the work" and cannot recommend William E. McLellin (h), Luke (h) or Lyman Johnson (h), or John F. Boynton (h).	Minutes of April 7, 1838
Defends Nauvoo charter		December 9, 1842 defends the Nauvoo Charter as representative of Hancock county in the Illinois legislature.	HC History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932). 5:201.
		May 12, 1844 endowed in the Nauvoo Temple.
Brigham: William Patriarch to whole church	¶	[October 7, 1844] President Young arose and said that it had been moved and seconded that Asahel Smith should be ordained to the office of Patriarch.—He went on to show that the right to the office of Patriarch to the whole church belonged to William Smith as a legal right by descent.—Uncle Asahel ought to receive the office of Patriarch in the church.	"Conference Minutes," TS Times and Seasons 5, no. 20 (Nov. 1, 1845): 694.
Approved	¶	The motion was put and carried unanimously.
Presidency in the East endorsed		[January 11, 1845, Parley P. Pratt:] I have just returned from a short visit to Boston and vicinity . . . I must now hasten to close by saying that I highly approve of the course pursued by Elder Wm. Smith and the presiding officers in general in this region . . . and by a strict and just administration of the laws and discipline of the church they have been enabled to cut off from the tree those branches which were most bitter and to excommunicate those members which were seeking the destruction of the society in which they were. Thus they have preserved the church in union by the aid of the Spirit of God.	Parley P. Pratt letter to the editor, January 11, 1845, The Prophet, January 18, 1845, qtd. in William Smith patriarch "William Smith, 1811-93: Problemmatic Patriarch," Irene M. Bates in Dialogue 16, no. 2 (Summer 1983): 11-23. , 16.
Reinstates Sam Brannan	¶	Some few weeks ago an article appeared in the "Neighbor," wherein it was stated that Elder Samuel Brannan was cut off from the church. From representations made by Elder William Smith, who has since returned home and is personally acquainted with him, the order is reversed, and Elder Brannan restored to his former standing.	"Notice," TS Times and Seasons 6, no. 7 (Apr. 15, 1845): 879.
Patriarch over the whole church	¶	[May 15, 1845, W. W. Phelps:] The office of Patriarch over the whole church is to be a father to the church, and to confer blessings on its members, according to the order handed down from the first of Patriarchs to the present. …	TS Times and Seasons 6, no. 9 (May 15, 1845): 905; Lost Legacy Lost Legacy: The Mormon Office of Presiding Patriarch, Irene Bates and E. Gary Smith (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1996). , 84; William Smith wart "William B. Smith: 'A Wart on the Ecclesiastical Tree'," Paul M. Edwards in Differing Visions: Dissenters in Mormon History, edited by Roger D. Launius and Linda Thatcher (Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1994), 140-157. , 144. The Royal Smith Lineage
William's right	¶	But in order to carry out the pattern of scripture, one of the chosen seed, and he the eldest, is set apart to bless (all) and such as have not a father living to do it. He is called the patriarch of the whole church: such was our father Adam; such was Abraham; such was Jacob; such was Joseph Smith, sen.; such was Hyrum Smith, and such is William Smith now inheriting the right by lineage.
Hereditary descent	¶	Father Smith, the first Patriarch and Hyrum his sucessor conferred many blessings upoin the Saints that made their hearts glad. But they, in the wisdom of God, have been called away and William the son and brother succeeds them. … William is the last of his father's house, as well as the priesthood and patriarchal office from his father and brother, legally, and by hereditary descent.
Wife's death		May 22, 1845 death of William's wife, Caroline Amanda Grant.	FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0.
Opposes Twelve		[May 23, 1845, William Clayton:] W[illiam] Smith is coming out in opposition to the Twelve and in favor of [George J.] Adams. The latter has organized a church at Augusta, Iowa Territory with young Joseph Smith for President, W[illiam] Smith for Patriarch, Jared Carter for President of the stake and himself for spokesman for Joseph. Wm. says he has sealed some women to men and he considers he is not accountable to Brigham nor the Twelve nor any one else. There is more danger from William Smith than from any other source, and I fear his course will bring us much trouble.	William Clayton journals (Smith) Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William Clayton, edited by George D. Smith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1991, 2d ed., 1995). , 166. George J. Adams, baptized 1840, excommunicated 1845, counselor to James J. Strang, staged Strang 's coronation, but dropped for immorality in 1856, organized the Church of the Messiah in January 1861 in Springfield, Massachusetts, moved to Maine, sailed to Palestine in summer 1865, 156 church members follow the next year to colonize near Jaffa but effort fails, returns to the U.S. 1870, dies in Philadelphia 1880. Divergent paths Divergent Paths of the Restoration, 4th ed., Steven L. Shields (Independence: Herald House, 2001). , 99.
Patriarch to the Church		May 24, 1845 ordained Patriarch to the Church by the Twelve on the same day as Caroline's funeral (sermon by Orson Pratt)	Origins Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1994). , 651; TS Times and Seasons 5, no. 10 (June 1, 1845): 918.
John Taylor's correction	¶	[June 1, 1845, John Taylor] Since the publication of the last Times and Seasons, we have frequently been interrogated about the meaning of some remarks made by Eld. Wm. Smith in an article headed patriarchal, and also concerning some expressions in the editorial connected therewith; and as the nature of the office of Patriarch, does not seem to be fully understood, we thought a little explanation on this point might not be amiss.	"Patriarchal," TS Times and Seasons 6, no. 9 (June 1, 1845): 920.
W. W. Phelps mistaken Not what William meant	¶	So far as the editorial is concerned it was written rather hastily by our junior editor, W.W. Phelps, and did not come under our notice until after it was published. There are some expressions contained in it, which might have been worded better and have rendered it less subject to criticism; but he assures us that no such intention was intended to be conveyed as that which is conceived by some. And concerning Brother Wm. Smith, we are better acquainted with him, and with his views, than to believe that he intended to convey any such idea as the one which some persons would put upon, or gather from his sayings.
Patriarch to the church	¶	[921] In regard to the office of Patriarch, William Smith has been ordained Patriarch to the church; but he is not the only Patriarch, but would act as a senior patriarch, holding the keys of that priesthood; and his labors would be more especially connected with the church in Zion; and he would take the lead, priority, or presidency of the Patriarchal office in this place; and in this capacity if there should be a council of Patriarchs, he as a matter of course would preside by right of office But every legally ordained Patriarch has the same right to bless that he has, and their administrations are just as legal as his are. …
Every father a patriarch	¶	Every father, after he has received his patriarchal blessing, is a Patriarch to his own family; and has the right to confer patriarchal blessings upon his family; which blessing will be just as legal as those conferred by any Patriarch of the church: in fact it is his right; and a Patriarch in blessing his children, can only bless as his mouth-piece.
Patriarch to the church blesses orphans	¶	A Patriarch to the church is appointed to bless those who are orphans, or have no father in the church to bless them. Not as stated in advertently, in the editorial above alluded to "to bless all, and such as have not a father to do it," for this he could not do, where the church is so extensive; the burthen would be too onerous …
	¶	We have been asked, "Does not patriarch over the whole church" place Brother William Smith at the head of the whole church as president?
Not over the whole church	¶	Ans. No. Brother William is not patriarch over the whole church; but patriarch TO the church, and as such he was ordained. The expression "over the whole church," is a mistake made by W.W. Phelps. He is patriarch TO the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. The Twelve are commanded to ordain evangelical ministers in all large branches of the church abroad, and who has charge over them, the patriarch? No. Those who ordained them, and to whom is committed the power and authority to regulate all the affairs of the churches abroad. And who has the charge of the whole priesthood here? Ans. The presidency of the church; and not the patriarch >.
Patriarchal blessing alluding to polygamy		[June] 1845 blesses Lovinia Dame, "although thy fears have troubled thee and doubts have arisen because of strange questions that have troubled thee this has become a matter of talk and conversation between thee and thy husband, yet because of the integrity of his heart and because of thy desires to do right, thou hast made thyself content and desired to become reconciled to thy fate and to the will of God."	Blessing routinization "Patriarchal Blessings and the Routinization of Charisma," Irene M. Bates in Dialogue 26, no. 3 (Fall 1993): 1-29. , 18. Reference to polygamy.
Lucy's three visions of William as church president		June 27, 1845 on the first anniversary of the martyrdom, Lucy Mack Smith relates three visions that indicate William is already church president by virtue of his patriarchal office.	Origins Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1994). , 651.
William's hand in vision?		[June 28, 1845] A new revelation has come to light from Mother Smith, corrected and altered by William Smith so as to suit his wishes by representing him as the legal successor of Joseph in the presidency.	William Clayton journals (Smith) Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William Clayton, edited by George D. Smith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1991, 2d ed., 1995). , 169.
William to Brigham Always slighted		[June 30, 1845 William Smith letter to Brigham Young:] I said in a short note to you the other day that I would stand by you till death. But it might be asked upon what principle? I will answer, on the principle that I am dealt justly by in the church. The next morning after our meeting I noticed an article that appears under the head of Patriarch[al] <. It is not so much the doctrine that I care about; it is the spirit of the article, a disposition that appears in the brethren to cut and shave me down to the last cent, every hour and minutes in the day. I do not like it. And again, why was not the article shown to me as it was an article touching my office and standing in the church, nothing was said to me on the subject. …	William Clayton journals (Smith) Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William Clayton, edited by George D. Smith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1991, 2d ed., 1995). , 170–171.
You president, I patriarch over whole church		I have often said and sufficient to satisfy all the saints that I was willing, it was my wish that you should stand as President of the church, but I claim to be patriarch over the whole church, this gives me my place and proper standing, and what I inherit …
We discussed this		[171] … you know the understanding and the conversation we had on this subject when we met at Brother Taylors that I was Patriarch over the whole church. This is what I claim and must have …
My share of the kingdom		My proposition is my share of the kingdom and if you publish in the Neighbor and Times & Seasons the true state of the case in regard to my office as patriarch over the whole church, this will give me a right to visit all branches of the church and intrude on no mans rights … I want all men to understand that my fathers family are of the royal blood and promised seed and no man or set of men can take their crown or place in time or in eternity.	The Royal Smith Lineage
Spiritual wifery		August 17, 1845 preaches in favor of "spiritual wifery," immediately countered by John Taylor.	Origins Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1994). , 652.
Remain an apostle?		October 6, 1845 when it is moved and seconded that William "be continued and sustained as one the Twelve Apostles,"	"Conference Minutes," TS Times and Seasons 6, no. 16 (Nov. 1, 1845): 1008, 1009.
Rejected		Elder Pratt arose and said, I have an objection to Brother William continuing in that office. I feel, as an individual, that I cannot, conscientiously, uphold and sustain Brother William as one of the Twelve Apostles, until he thinks different from what he does now. I have many reasons for this … In the first place, I have proof positive that he is an aspiring man; that he aspires to uproot and undermine the legal Presidency of the church, that he may occupy the place himself. This he has avowed openly in the east, which I can prove. I have been waiting in all long suffering, for an alteration in Brother William's course, and up to the present time, I have been disappointed. For these two reasons, I would plead for one, that we no longer sustain him in his office, till a proper investigation can be had, and he make satisfaction. I do this individually; I leave others to do as they please. The motion being seconded, a vote was then taken to sustain him, but was lost unanimously.
	¶	[1009] Isaac Morley presents William to be sustained as "the Patriarch of the church … seconded and lost unanimously."
Disfellowshipped		[October 6, 1845] Wm Smith was disfellowshiped from his standing in the quorum of the Twelve and from the office of Patriarch.	William Clayton journals (Smith) Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William Clayton, edited by George D. Smith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1991, 2d ed., 1995). , 184.
Notice of excommunication	¶	Elder William Smith having been cut off from the Quorum of the Twelve for apostacy, on the Sunday following, several letters & a pamphlet having been read, showing he had turned away from the truth; on motion, it was unanimously resolved by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that the said William Smith be cut off from said church, and left in the hands of God.	Willard Richards, clerk, Oct. 12, 1845 "Notice," TS Times and Seasons 6, no. 16 (Nov. 1, 1845): 1019.
Excommunication		[October 19, 1845] Wm. Smith was cut off from the Church by unanimous vote. He has published a pamphlet against the Twelve.	William Clayton journals (Smith) Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William Clayton, edited by George D. Smith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1991, 2d ed., 1995). , 187.
Anti-Brigham pamphlet		Brigham Young was pampering the church with the idea that although little Joseph was the rightful heir to the priesthood and office of his father as a prophet, seer, and revelator, that it was not prudent to mention this for fear of the little child's life.	William Smith pamphlet printed in Warsaw Signal, October 29, 1845.
Anti-Brigham tour		Fall 1845 tours eastern states preaching against Brigham Young.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
Speaking voice		Mormonism—The Young Joseph!—Mr. Wm. Smith, a veritable brother of the martyred Joe. lectured on Tuesday Evening, in the hall of the Mechanics' Institute, on the existing abuses in the Mormon Church. His style is of that peculiarly effective sing-song and nasal character which distinguished the primitive reformers.	Weekly Reveilee (St. Louis), Nov. 3, 1845. Link to source at UDR Uncle Dale's Readings in Early Mormon History website. .
Nauvoo		March 1846 returns to Nauvoo.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
Strangite		April 6, 1846 accepted as apostle and patriarch under James Jesse Strang.	William Smith pretender "William B. Smith: The Persistent 'Pretender'," Paul M. Edwards in Dialogue, 18 no. 2 (Summer 1985): 128-139. , 130.
		1847 expelled from Strang's church.	William Smith pretender "William B. Smith: The Persistent 'Pretender'," Paul M. Edwards in Dialogue, 18 no. 2 (Summer 1985): 128-139. , 130.
Advocates polygamy		Spring 1850 openly advocates practice of polygamy after conference in Covington, Kentucky.	RLDS 1852-1882 "Reorganized Church in Illinois, 1852-82: Search for Identity," Richard P. Howard, Dialogue 5, no. 1 (Spring 1970): 62-75. , 64.
		Summer 1851 visits Jason W. Briggs, an important supporter in Beloit, Rock county, Wisconsin, who does not like William's new position on polygamy, severs ties, William's followers soon fall away.	RLDS 1852-1882 "Reorganized Church in Illinois, 1852-82: Search for Identity," Richard P. Howard, Dialogue 5, no. 1 (Spring 1970): 62-75. , 64.
Iowa		1858 moves to Elkader, Clayton county, Iowa.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
Rebaptized LDS		1860 rebaptized by J. J. Butler, writes Brigham Young he wants to come to Utah and be restored to his position, but later withdraws from the church.	Brigham Young office journal, May 1860, cited in William Smith pretender "William B. Smith: The Persistent 'Pretender'," Paul M. Edwards in Dialogue, 18 no. 2 (Summer 1985): 128-139. , 132.
Civil War veteran		Participates in the Civil War.
Negotiations with Joseph III		[November 11, 1872] I feel it a duty that I owe to the old time saints, and for the good of the cause of Zion abroad, to say to you, and to all whom it may concern, that I am not a leader of any class of Mormons whatsoever; and that I do most cordially endorse the Reorganization; [719] and further stated now, as I always have done from the time of the great apostasy in 1844 and 1845, that the legal presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints belongs of right to the oldest son of the martyred prophet, Joseph Smith, who was the first prophet of the church, and the called of God.	William Smith to Joseph Smith III, 3:718–719n quoting Saints Herald, 17:723.
		[January 1873 Joseph III replies, recognizing] your office as High Priest, the highest grade known to the Melchisedec priesthood, and carrying with it the right to officiate in every ministerial office in the church. Therefore I am ready to recognize you publicly in this office, at once; leaving the question of apostleship, and patriarchate, to be settled subsequently as the necessity of the case may demand, wisdom direct, or the spirit command. … The temper of the church is well known to me, better than it has been possible for you to know it … and to attempt to urge anything further than this at the start will not meet with success."	Joseph Smith III letterbook qtd. in William Smith pretender "William B. Smith: The Persistent 'Pretender'," Paul M. Edwards in Dialogue, 18 no. 2 (Summer 1985): 128-139. , 132.
RLDS		1878 joins RLDS Church.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
Letter to Joseph III		April 15, 1879 the RLDS Saints' Herald publishes William's letter to Joseph Smith III from Kingston, Caldwell county, Missouri. As summarized by Dale Broadhurst, the letter presents the following account of Nauvoo:	Link to source at Dale Broadhurst website. Quoted summary appears at the end of the letter.
Blames Brigham for polygamy and, indirectly, death of Joseph and Hyrum		Joseph Smith and his followers remained on relatively cordial terms with their Gentile neighbors, until: (1. Brigham and his fellow Apostles started polygamy; and (2. the Brigham bunch made polygamy look like the invention of Joseph Smith, Jr.; and (3. The Nauvoo Expositor accepted the lies of Brigham's bunch, and published affidavits saying that Joseph was practicing polygamy; and (4. Two of Brigham's Apostles tricked Joseph into destroying the Expositor; and, lastly, (5. the Gentiles got angry over the destruction of the press and the polygamy and killed Joseph and Hyrum.
		1890 moves to Osterdock, Iowa.	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.

		Families
Wife		Caroline Amanda Grant, md. February 14, 1833 (b. Jan. 22, 1814 in Windsor, Broome Co., NY; d. May 22, 1845 in Nauvoo)	Sister of Jedediah M. Grant; FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0.
Children		Mary Jane (b. Jan. 1835 in Kirtland) Caroline L. (b. Aug. 1836 in Kirtland)	FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0.
Wife		Mary Jane Rollins, md. June 22, 1845	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277. Left William after a couple of months.
Wife		Roxie Ann Grant, md. May 18, 1847 (b. Mar. 16, 1825 in Naples, Ontario Co, NY; d. Mar. 30, 1900 in Lathrop, Clinton Co., MO)	Sister of Caroline Amanda Grant. Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277; FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0.
Children		Thelia (b. Sept 21, 1848 in Lee Co., IL) Hyrum Wallace (b. Aug 17, 1850 in Altona, Knox Co., IL; d. 1935.)	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277; FamilySearch™ International Genealogical Index v5.0.
Wives		Mary Ann Sheffield, Mary Jones, Priscilla Mogridge, and Sarah and Hannah Libbey, md. 1845	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
Wife		Eliza Elise Sanborn, md. before 1858	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
Children		William Enoch Edson Don Carlos Louie May	Revelations Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy�s Mission Bookstore, 1981). , 277.
		Debating School Incident, 1845 William and Joseph Smith's Apologies 1845 Biographies