Smith, Joseph F. (1838-1918), was the sixth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church). His uncle Joseph Smith founded the church. Joseph F. Smith became church president in 1901. He showed little interest in theology and doctrine. But he helped the Mormons by paying off their debts and by starting a building program. He was born in Far West, Missouri. Smith’s early life was tragic. His father, Hyrum, and his uncle Joseph were murdered when he was 5. Several years later, he went to Utah with the Mormons. His full name was Joseph Fielding Smith.
