Joseph Smith, Sr.

Joseph Smith, Sr. (July 12, 1771 – September 14, 1840) was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr. was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In 1833 Joseph Sr. was named the first Presiding Patriarch of the Church of Christ, which was renamed to the Church of the Latter Day Saints in 1834 and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1838. Joseph Sr. was also a member of the First Presidency of the church and a Master Freemason of the Ontario Lodge No. 23 of Canandaigua, New York.