Joseph F. Smith II: The Complexities of Family Legacy

Although he was the son of an apostle and the grandson of a prophet, Joseph F. Smith II lived a quiet life as a university professor. It must have been a surprise, when he was called as the Patriarch to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A calling which he would hold for only four years. The facts of his life demonstrate the complexities of fulfilling a family legacy and guarding a secret. His son, Hyrum W. Smith summarized the life of is father with the council he received: "The sorrows will outnumber the joys, but the joys will far outweigh the sorrows"