Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God

This is one of the fundamental beliefs of Mormonism. That was one of the accidental results of the Second Great Awakening, early in the 19th Century.

Different members of the Smith family were attracted to different churches, that were involved in this religious revival. But one son, Joseph, said he had a revelation from God, telling him they were all inadequate - and God would use him to establish his church. This became the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS).

These Saints considered themselves better than anyone else - something that other Americans resented strongly. And eventually resulted in the death of Smith at the hands of an angry mob, in 1844.

Eventually, two churches resulted - the LDS church, with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah - and the RLDS, with headquarters in Independence, Missouri (also the hometown of President Truman).

My family were RLDS - and I grew up being a Missouri Mormon. This had the advantage of not smoking or drinking. But subjected me to whole range of mental illnesses. Including the sexual problems common in many religious organizations.