629 BIOGRAPHICAL
CHAPTER 24.
IN consequence of its being impracticable to insert biographies in the body of the work, because it would often break into the historical narrative, it is thought best to place short biographical sketches in separate chapters, which we do in the following pages.
JOSEPH SMITH THE PROPHET.
We think it unnecessary to write of Joseph Smith the Prophet, as the history of his early life is given in the body of the work, and the remainder of his life work is interwoven in the history of the church.
JOSEPH SMITH, THE PATRIARCH.
Joseph Smith, the Patriarch, was the first Presiding Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the father of Joseph Smith the Prophet.
He was born in Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, July 12,1771, and was the third child and second son of Asael and Mary (Duty) Smith.
He had six brothers; namely: Jesse, Asael, Samuel, Silas, John, and Stephen; and four sisters; namely: Priscilla, Mary, Susanna, and Sarah.
In 1791 he removed with his father to Tunbridge, Orange County, Vermont.
On January 24, 1796, he married Lucy, daughter of Solomon and Lydia (Gates) Mack, by whom he had ten children; namely:-
Alvin; born February 11, 1799.
Hyrum; " " 9, 1800.
Sophronia; " May 18,1803.
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