| Alvin Smith | |
|---|---|
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| Personal details | |
| Born | February 11, 1798 Tunbridge, Vermont |
| Died | November 19, 1823 (aged 25) Palmyra, New York |
| Cause of death | mercury poisoning from calomel |
| Resting place | General John Swift Memorial Cemetery 43°03′54″N 77°14′01″W / 43.0650°N 77.2336°W |
| Parents | Joseph Smith Sr. Lucy Mack Smith |
Alvin Smith (February 11, 1798 – November 19, 1823) was the eldest brother of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Alvin took a leading role in helping the Smith family work toward paying their debts and building their home. His death at age 25 resulted in his younger brothers Hyrum and Joseph taking more of a leading role in family affairs. A vision by Joseph Smith showed Alvin, who was not baptized while alive, in the celestial kingdom, which is the highest of the degrees of glory. His presence in the life of young Joseph Smith and in that vision played a significant role in the establishment of the Latter Day Saint doctrines of redemption of those who die without a knowledge of the gospel, as well as the practice of baptism for the dead in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).