Joseph Smith's Alcohol Drinking Habit


There is substantial evidence that Joseph Smith drank alcohol on numerous occassions. Here are some specific references found in LDS sources:

May 3, 1843 - "drank a glass of wine with Sister Janetta Richards, made by her mother in England". (History of the Church, vol. 5, pg. 380).

January 29, 1844 - Capt[ain] White of Quincy was at the Mansion last night and this morning drank a toast" The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, edited by Scott H. Faulring, Signature Books, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1989, pg. 443).

June 1, 1844 - "Drank a glass of beer at Mooessers" (The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, edited by Scott H. Faulring, Signature Books, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1989, pg. 486).

June 27, 1844 - "Dr. Richards uncorked the bottle, and presented a glass to Joseph, who tasted, as also Brother Taylor, and the doctor,..." (History of the Church, vol. 6, pg. 616)

In the last six months of Joseph Smith's life LDS records indicate that he drank at least three times. In the last month, he drank at least twice.

Other references that indicate that Joseph Smith did not object to alcohol:

March 7, 1843 - "Reconed with Theodore, who enquired what was wisdom concerning a brewery in this place?" (The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, edited by Scott H. Faulring, Signature Books, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1989, pg. 443).

March 10, 1843 - "Joseph decided that he had no objection to having a brewery put up by Theodore Turley." (The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, edited by Scott H. Faulring, Signature Books, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1989, pg. 329).

There was a bar in the Joseph Smith's own house as indicated by Joseph Smith's statement, "I read my letter to H[enry] Clay to many strangers in the bar room among whom was advocated for H[enry] Clay." (The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, edited by Scott H. Faulring, Signature Books, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1989, pg. 488).

Joseph Smith even obtained a liquor license to distribute alcohol from his home. Take a look at History of the Church, vol. 6, pg. 111, "Section 1 - Be it ordained by the City Council of Nauvoo, that the Mayor [Joseph Smith] of the city is hereby authorized to sell or give spirits of any quantity as he in his wisdom shall judge to be for the health and comfort, or convenience of such travelers or other persons as shall visit his house from time to time."

I think the words "drinking habit" are not completely out of line. LDS historical records at one point have Joseph Smith drinking at least twice in less than one month. Joseph Smith had a bar in his home (Mansion House), and a liquor license to distribute and sell alcohol. This information supports a conclusion that Joseph Smith enjoyed drinking alcohol. The evidence is very clear that he drank on numerous occasions and that he did not object to a bar in his home (Mansion House), selling and distributing alcohol from his home, having a brewery nearby, or going for a beer at the local tavern. So from this I think it is reasonable to conclude that Joseph Smith had a "drinking habit", not to be confused with an extreme habit, such as "alcoholism".


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