Church History Matters Podcast Summary

Episode: 098 BONUS The Smith Family
Host: Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths
Guest: Kyle Walker
Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In this special bonus episode of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve into the intricate dynamics of the Smith family, foundational to the Latter-day Saint Restoration. They are joined by Kyle Walker, a renowned expert on the Smith family, who provides deep insights into the lives, contributions, and challenges faced by each family member.

Kyle Walker: An Expert on the Smith Family

Kyle Walker brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion, holding a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University. His dissertation focused on the family dynamics of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. Kyle is the editor of United by the Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family and the author of the award-winning biography, William B. Smith in the Shadow of the Prophet. He recently published Sister of the Prophet: The Life of Katherine Smith Salisbury, shedding light on one of Joseph Smith's lesser-known sisters.

Overview of the Smith Family

The Smith family, as outlined in Joseph Smith History (Chapter 1, Verse 4), consisted of eleven members:

• Parents: Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith
• Brothers: Alvin, Hiram, Samuel Harrison, William Don Carlos, and Don Carlos
• Sisters: Sophronia, Catherine, and Lucy (youngest)

Kyle emphasizes the often-overlooked roles of the siblings and the profound impact they had on the early Restoration movement.

Individual Family Members and Their Contributions

Joseph Smith Jr.

As the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith Jr. was central to the family's mission. His strength, both physical and spiritual, was evident in stories where the family banded together to protect his revelations and belongings, such as the sacred plates.

Joseph Smith Sr.

Standing at six feet three inches, Joseph Sr. was a pillar of strength and mediation within the family. He played a crucial role in uniting the family amidst internal and external conflicts, often acting as a bridge during disputes. His steadfast belief in universalism influenced the family's perception of God as approachable and loving.

“Joseph Smith Sr....mediating between the two. (06:18)

Lucy Mack Smith

Lucy Mack Smith was the spiritual bedrock of the family, balancing the household chores based on each member's strengths. Her dedication to prayer and scripture was instrumental in maintaining the family's faith and unity.

Hyrum Smith

Hyrum emerged as a key supporter of Joseph, especially after the death of Alvin. His compassionate care during Joseph's leg surgeries solidified their bond, making Hyrum an indispensable ally in Joseph's prophetic journey.

Samuel Harrison Smith

Samuel is honored as the first missionary of the church. Despite facing personal challenges and rumors surrounding his death, he remained a dedicated servant, contributing significantly to the early missionary efforts and supporting key figures like Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball.

William Don Carlos Smith

William's tumultuous journey, from being a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to his eventual excommunication and affiliation with the RLDS Church, showcases the complex dynamics within the Smith family. His later years demonstrated a shift towards reconciliation and defense of his family's legacy.

“William's ready to turn in his preaching license and kind of resign from his position... (22:31)

Don Carlos Smith

Don Carlos played a pivotal role in the publication of the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon, overcoming financial hurdles through faith-driven efforts alongside Ebenezer Robinson. His untimely death at age 25 was a significant loss to the family and the church.

Sophronia and Catherine Smith

Both sisters were instrumental in the protection of the sacred plates. Their courage and unity during raids exemplified the family's collective dedication to the Restoration. Catherine's later life, marked by hardship and resilience, highlighted her unwavering faith and the support she received from church leaders like Brigham Young.

“Catherine's will to protect the plates was evident when... (49:36)

Lucy Smith (Youngest Sister)

Married to Arthur Milliken, Lucy supported the family through various hardships, including working in coal mines and maintaining the family legacy. Her marriage, conducted by Joseph Smith, underscored the intertwined nature of the Smith family's personal and spiritual lives.

Family Dynamics and Challenges

The Smith family's journey was fraught with conflicts, both internal and external. Disagreements, such as the notable scuffle between Joseph Jr. and William, highlighted the human side of the prophetic family. Despite these challenges, the family's commitment to the Restoration remained steadfast.

“William's ready to turn in his preaching license and kind of resign from his position... (22:31)

Kyle also discussed the economic hardships the family faced, particularly following Alvin's death, which led to the loss of their farm and increased reliance on Joseph Jr.'s prophetic mission for support.

Loyalty and Defense of the Restoration

A recurring theme throughout the episode was the Smith family's unwavering support for Joseph Smith Jr. Members like William actively defended his reputation, even in hostile environments:

“He is very outspoken about that... (71:46)

Catherine, in particular, published accounts and corresponded with newspapers to uphold her brother's legacy. This internal loyalty is seen as a testament to the authenticity and sincerity of Joseph Smith Jr.'s prophetic mission.

Impact of the Smith Family on the Restoration

The Smith family's collective efforts laid the foundation for the Latter-day Saint movement. Their sacrifices, leadership roles, and personal testimonies strengthened the early church and ensured the preservation of its teachings.

Kyle Walker emphasized that a solid family foundation was crucial for Joseph Smith Jr.'s ability to lead and sustain the Restoration amidst adversity.

“I think Joseph needed that support, maybe that foundation... (71:46)

Conclusion

This episode of Church History Matters offers a comprehensive exploration of the Smith family, highlighting their indispensable roles in the Restoration. Through Kyle Walker's expertise, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the familial bonds, sacrifices, and unwavering faith that propelled the early Latter-day Saint movement forward.

Notable Quotes:

• “We need more voices from women's history.” – Kyle Walker [04:10]
• “William's ready to turn in his preaching license and kind of resign from his position.” – Kyle Walker [22:31]
• “I can see and hear as well as I ever could.” – Joseph Smith Sr. [33:11]
• “We and our family... it wasn't Joseph's mission, it was our mission.” – Kyle Walker [71:27]

Further Reading and Resources:

• United by the Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family by Kyle Walker
• William B. Smith in the Shadow of the Prophet by Kyle Walker
• Sister of the Prophet: The Life of Katherine Smith Salisbury by Kyle Walker

For more detailed accounts and personal testimonies, visit Scripture Central.

This summary is crafted to provide an insightful overview for those unfamiliar with the episode, capturing the essence of the discussions and the depth of the Smith family's involvement in church history.