2-799-121 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late "Joe Smith", the Mormon prophet, 1844. Portait of American religious leader Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism. 'Joe Smith was Mayor, or Theocrat [of the City of Nauvoo]; and the influence of the prophet prevailed so widely that he commanded a majority of votes in the states of Illinois, and started for the office and dignity of President of the United States, with no mean prospects of success. In the spring-tide of his popularity he indulged in the most sensual excesses: he justified his licentiousness on each occasion of its notoriety by pretending to a new revelation from heaven; and twenty thousand Americans believed his lies and defended his conduct....the fanatic Smith had to seek refuge in a prison from an infuriated mob. In prison, however, he was murdered in cold blood'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.