Podcast Summary: Church History Matters – Episode 176

Title: D&C 135 CFM - The Tragedy of Joseph & Hyrum Smiths Martyrdom
Hosts: Scott & Casey (Scripture Central)
Date: November 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on Doctrine & Covenants Section 135, which marks the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and briefly touches on Section 136. Scott and Casey explore the immediate events, the aftermath, legacy, and controversies regarding the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, examining witness accounts and the significance of their martyrdom in Latter-day Saint theology.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Context of Section 135

• Transition in Church History: Section 135 is not a revelation but a declaration/announcement marking the end of Joseph Smith’s life and prophetic ministry. The section was added as a capstone to the 1844 Doctrine and Covenants, hurriedly inserted as the book was being printed (01:01).
• Authorship Debate: Previous editions attributed Section 135 to John Taylor; recent research (Michael Burnham) suggests it was a composite, likely written in cooperation with others (e.g., Willard Richards, W.W. Phelps), as Taylor was wounded and claimed no sole authorship (02:36–05:22).
  • “John Taylor probably contributed, but was assisted by others. And it doesn't take away from John Taylor's witness or sacrifice one whit to say he's not the sole author” – Casey (05:22).

Events Leading to the Martyrdom

• Internal Pressures: Rising tensions within the church due to plural marriage and teachings about the nature of God. Dissenters (esp. William Law, formerly in the First Presidency, and others) called Joseph a fallen prophet (07:02).

• The Nauvoo Expositor Affair: The publication, critical of Joseph Smith’s doctrines and actions, led to its destruction by order of the Nauvoo city council—a move that, while arguably legal under 1844 Illinois law, was inflammatory (11:06, 13:57).

  • Quote: “‘This would have led to bloodshed one way or the other. And it seems like they were trying to quell it … the two words that pop up in the meeting minutes are Hans Mill’” – Casey (13:57).
  • President Oaks researched the legality and historical context, noting it was arguably legal then, though perhaps not wise (13:57).

• External Pressures: Political and social tensions in Illinois—Nauvoo’s growth, Joseph Smith’s presidential run, and fear of a powerful voting bloc alarmed local and regional opponents, including Thomas Sharp who openly called for Joseph’s death (07:02–11:06).

  • “Joe Smith is not safe out of Nauvoo. We would not be surprised to hear of his death by violent means in some time” – Thomas Sharp, as cited by Casey (09:19).

The Arrest and Attack at Carthage Jail

• Legal Maneuvering: Charges escalated from “riot” (over the press destruction) to “treason,” aimed specifically at Joseph and Hyrum to ensure their detention in Carthage, where anti-Mormon sentiment was highest (15:58).
• Martyrdom Details:
  • Attackers: An armed mob, mostly the Warsaw Militia (not merely a spontaneous mob), stormed the jail on June 27, 1844, at around 5 p.m. (21:56).
  • Willard Richards and John Taylor are the prime eyewitnesses; their vivid accounts are quoted at length (24:54–40:32).
  • Hyrum was killed first, uttering “I am a dead man.” Joseph attempted to leap from the window, cried “O Lord, my God,” and died after being shot (21:56).
  • Taylor was severely wounded; Richards miraculously unscathed in fulfillment of a prophecy by Joseph (23:28–23:44).

“A shower of musket balls were thrown up the stairway … A ball was sent through the door which hit Hyrum on the side of his nose when he fell backwards, extended at length without moving his feet … As he struck the floor, he exclaimed, ‘I'm a dead man.’ Joseph looked towards him and responded, ‘Oh, dear Brother Hyrum.’” – Willard Richards (24:54)

“I shall never forget the feeling of deep sympathy and regard manifested in the countenance of Brother Joseph as he drew nigh to Hyrum and leaning over him, exclaimed, ‘oh, my poor dear Brother Hyrum’… These were the last words I ever heard him speak on earth.” – John Taylor (34:33)

The Significance and Legacy of Joseph & Hyrum Smith

• Bold Claims in Section 135:

  • “Joseph Smith, the prophet and seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.” (44:17–44:30)
  • The hosts clarify that ultimate salvation is through Jesus Christ; Joseph is a witness, not a replacement of Christ, but his legacy as a bringer of scripture and temple ordinances is unprecedented (44:17–46:42).
    • “We got to get better at saying both of those things at the same time, don’t we? That he was a weak servant in the hands of Jehovah. But look what God was able to do through him… Both are true.” – Scott (46:42)

• Final Acts—Witness of Sincerity:

  • In their last moments, Joseph and Hyrum read and found comfort from the Book of Mormon (Hyrum had Ether 12 marked), preached to guards, and acted with profound integrity, strengthening the case for their sincerity (45:00–52:03).
    • Elder Holland’s memorable quote (referencing the Book of Mormon Hyrum read in jail):
      “Would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book … they had fictitiously created? … Never mind that their wives are about to be widows … these two men would not do that. They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (50:14)

Why Were Joseph and Hyrum Required to Die?

• Sealing with Blood: Section 136:39, revealed to Brigham Young, states, “It was needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood, that he might be honored and the wicked might be condemned” (54:42).
• Law of Witnesses: Joseph Fielding Smith posited that two witnesses (as the law of Moses requires) were needed to establish the dispensation. Hyrum’s co-martyrdom fulfilled this; had Oliver Cowdery remained faithful, he may have been the second witness (57:48).

Notable Controversies & Memorable Moments

Was Joseph a Martyr? Did Firing a Gun Disqualify Him?

• Defense in Carthage Jail: Joseph fired back at the mob in defense after Hyrum was killed, using a smuggled pistol from Cyrus Wheelock. Hosts maintain defending oneself does not disqualify one as a martyr; both Taylor and Richards record it without censure (58:54–63:46).
  • “Short answer then, no, that does not disqualify him from being called a martyr. That is ridiculous. Even etymologically, the word martyr … means witness. It doesn’t mean someone who is killed without resistance.” – Scott (63:05)

Authorship of Section 135

• As discussed, authorship is most likely a composite and doesn’t diminish the value or accuracy of the account (02:36–05:22, 34:34).

“Good and Evil Among All Nations”

• Prophecy to Joseph Smith (Moroni, 1823) that his name would be had for both good and evil—a statement that has proven accurate in global discourse about Joseph (44:30).

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:58: Introduction; shift from Joseph’s revelations to announcement of martyrdom.
• 02:36–06:00: Authorship controversy around Section 135.
• 07:02–13:57: Historical and political context leading to martyrdom.
• 14:41–19:54: Legal actions, escalation, and Joseph/Hyrum’s arrest.
• 21:56–24:54: Section 135’s announcement tone and eyewitness roles.
• 24:54–40:32: Willard Richards’ and John Taylor’s martyrdom accounts.
• 44:17–46:42: Joseph Smith’s legacy and “save Jesus only” verse.
• 50:14–52:03: Elder Holland’s moving testimony on sincerity.
• 54:42–57:48: Theological rationale for martyrdom—sealing testimony, law of witnesses.
• 58:54–63:05: Controversy—does self-defense preclude “martyr” status?
• 63:46–66:01: Aftermath and legacy; upcoming discussions.

Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Joseph Smith, the prophet and seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.” (44:17)
• “A ball was sent through the door which hit Hyrum on the side of his nose … He exclaimed emphatically, ‘I’m a d—’ Joseph looked towards him and responded, ‘Oh, dear Brother Hyrum’” – Willard Richards (24:54)
• “These were the last words I ever heard him speak on earth.” – John Taylor on Joseph’s instruction to parry guns (34:34)
• Elder Holland (50:14): “In this, their greatest and last hour of need, I ask, would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives … on a book … they had fictitiously created? … They were willing to die rather than deny the divine origin and the eternal truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.”
• “That’s part of the marvel and the wonder is what God was able to do through his flawed servant, Joseph Smith.” – Scott (46:42)
• “You want to know what they believe and you want to know what kind of men they are. There you go.” – Scott (66:01)

Conclusion: Aftermath & Sincerity

Section 135 stands as a powerful witness to the character, legacy, and sincere faith of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Their deaths are presented as both a profound loss and a testimony of conviction, sealing their witness with blood and cementing their place in religious history. The section (and this episode) invites listeners to wrestle with both the controversies and the profound reverence with which Latter-day Saints remember the events at Carthage.

If you’d like a deeper dive, the hosts mention a 10-hour series on the martyrdom and all its controversies, including forensic analysis of the events.