Yes. There have been many real men named Joseph Smith. The most well-known Joseph Smith was a real man who lived from 1805 to 1844 in the eastern United States. He founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the "Mormon" church).
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, including myself, believe that he was, but you will have to make that decision yourself.
Some great resources you can use are:
josephsmith.net - official Church website about Joseph Smith
mormon.org - official Church website outlining basic beliefs of the Church, also a way to chat live with Church representatives to ask your questions
maps.lds.org - a way to find a local congregation, visit a worship service and ask Church members about their faith!
Yes, Joseph Smith was a real person. He even has his own Wikipedia page. Joseph Smith, Jr. (December 23, 1805 - June 27, 1844) was an American religious leader and the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, the predominant branch of which is Mormonism. At age twenty-four, Smith published the Book of Mormon, and in the next fourteen years he attracted thousands of followers, established cities and temples, and created a lasting religious culture.
Joseph Smith Jr. son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith.
The prophet Joseph in The Bible was simply named Joseph, they didn't really have last names back then. Although he might be called Joseph son of Jacob, to distinguish him from others with the same name. Within Mormonism, there is another 'Prophet Joseph', Joseph Smith, Jr.
Upon his birth, Joseph Smith was named Joseph Smith. Throughout his life he was called Joseph Smith, Jr. because his father's name is also Joseph Smith. His son was named Joseph Smith, III. His enemies often referred to him as Joe Smith. This was intended to be very disrespectful, and it was often offensive.
No, Joseph Smith, Jr. did not have a middle name. His full name is simply Joseph Smith, Jr.
Brigham Young's last words were "Joseph, Joseph, Joseph" presumably about the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.
Joseph Smith Jr. was born on December 23, 1805.
Yes. Joseph Smith, Jr. owned several different horses over the course of his lifetime.
"Mormons", members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe that Jesus Christ founded their church by revealing His truth and restoring priesthood authority to Joseph Smith, Jr. They consider Joseph Smith a Prophet, and Jesus Christ the founder of the Church. You can learn more about what Mormons believe regarding Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith at the "Related Links" below.
T.I.'s real name is Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr.
Joseph Smith Jr. was born on December 23, 1805 and died on June 27, 1844. Joseph Smith Jr. would have been 38 years old at the time of death or 209 years old today.
Joseph Smith? Joseph Smith, Jr. is considered a prophet by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). He is regarded just as Moses, Abraham, Isaiah, and other Biblical prophets are. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ restored the truth and authority of the original New Testament Christian Church to Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith, Jr. ran for President of the United States of America in the 1844 election. He ran as an independent. He was murdered in June, 1844, before the election took place. To read an article about Joseph Smith's campaign for the presidency, click the "Related Link" below.