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Lucy Mack Smith autobiography [photocopies]

 Collection
Identifier: ACCN 0989

Scope and Contents

The Lucy Mack Smith autobiography (1844-1845) contain two photocopies of a handwritten autobiography of Lucy Mack Smith (1776-1855). The autobiography was recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray. Coray (1821-1881), a Nauvoo schoolteacher, recorded the narrative, in a small notebook, probably during the winter of 1844-1845. Folders one through five hold loose pages, photocopies of the autobiography, totaling 254 pages. The second duplicate is a 254-page bound copy with the label, "Martha Coray Diary." Both versions have some typewritten notations explaining the compilation of the material. The autobiography concentrates on Smith/Mack family activities, particularly on Lucy's son, Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844). Included are descriptions of her dreams and visions in her struggle to find the right church to join because of "the confusion and discord that were extant in the Christian religions." She describes also her husband Joseph's visions, his religious beliefs, and skeptical view of denominational religion. She tells of Joseph Smith, Jr.'s visions, the golden plates, the transcription of the Book of Mormon, and the founding of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with early events in the church's history.

Dates

  • 1844-1845

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Lucy Mack Smith autobiography (1844-1845) contain two photocopies of a handwritten autobiography of Lucy Mack Smith (1776-1855). The autobiography was recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray. Lucy Smith was the mother of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchased by the library in 1987.

Existence and Location of Originals

Original located at the LDS Church Historical Department in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Processing Information

Processed by Dorothy Mortensen in 1998.
Title
Inventory of the Lucy Mack Smith autobiography [photocopies]
Author
Finding aid created by Dorothy Mortensen.
Date
1998 (last modified: 2019)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
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Salt Lake City Utah 84112 United States
801-581-8863