Archives West Finding Aid

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.