Did you know that Joseph Smith is responsible for creating one of the world's dominant religions? Joseph Smith is well known as the first prophet of the religion commonly known as Mormonism. He lived a life of just 38 years and accomplished many things during that time. From this essay you will learn why he should be considered an American hero, something I truly believe. Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805. He was born into the Smith family, consisting of his father Joseph Smith Sr., his mother Lucy Mack Smith, and three other children named Alvin, Hyrum, and Sophronia. He was the fifth of what would be eleven children in the Smith family. They lived in Sharon, Vermont, and moved to West Lebanon, New Hampshire. Early in his life, Joseph Smith, when he was about seven years old, began to display his “extraordinary character.” (lds.org, Life and Ministry of Joseph Smith) During an epidemic, he contracted typhoid fever, along with the rest of his family. Although most others recovered, Joseph Smith developed an infection in his left leg. He had to undergo surgery to recover and bravely faced the surgery. He recovered, although he had to use crutches for several years, and limped for the rest of his life. The family moved to Palmyra, New York, after repeated crop failures. The Smith family was Christian. However, the family noticed that key tenets of the religion were missing from Christian churches. At that time there were “several Christian denominations trying to make proselytes.” (lds.org, Life and Ministry of Joseph Smith) Joseph Smith didn't know what to do or, more specifically, which church denomination was right for him. For this reason... middle of the paper... ...for many today. For these reasons, I consider Joseph Smith an American hero. The works cite "Joseph's Three Greatest Achievements." Dave's Mormon Investigation. Notepad, 12 30 2005. Web. November 12, 2013. I used it because it summarizes information from hard-to-find and/or paid for sources, see "Dave's Mormon Inquiry" http://mormoninquiry.typepad.com/mormon_inquiry/ 2005/12/josephs_tre_b.html "Topics". MUG: Joseph Smith. LDS Church, 2 21 2012. Web. 12 November 2013. .LDS, . "Teachings of Joseph Smith: The Life and Ministry of Joseph Smith." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, n.d. Web. November 5 2013. .