Joseph Smith’s 1843 Trial

An assassination attempt on former Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs leads to Joseph Smith’s arrest. John C. Bennett, the first mayor of Nauvoo and a member of the First Presidency is excommunicated for immoral conduct. Joseph is taken to Springfield, Illinois for trial. His appearance fascinates its citizens, including one Mary Todd Lincoln. Historian, Alex Smith, with the Joseph Smith Papers brings background to these events.