Joseph Smith's Surprising Irish Origins: A DNA-Driven Revelation of The Mormon Founder
The Founder's Hidden Heritage Unveiled by DNA
For nearly two centuries, it was widely assumed that Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, hailed from a purely English lineage. However, groundbreaking DNA research led by Dr. Ugo Perego has definitively revealed a startling truth: Joseph Smith's paternal line is of distinct Irish origin.
The Scientific Breakthrough: R1b-M222
Dr. Perego's studies utilized Y-chromosome DNA analysis, tracing the paternal lineage. His findings established that Joseph Smith's direct paternal descendants carry the R1b-M222 haplogroup. This specific genetic marker is anything but common in most of England. Instead, genetic databases like those referenced by Eupedia unequivocally show:
- High Concentration in Ireland: The R1b-M222 haplogroup's highest frequencies are found predominantly in Northwest Ireland and parts of Western Scotland.
- "Irish and Scottish": Eupedia and other genetic resources specifically identify R1b-M222 as characteristic of "NW Irish, Dalriadic, [and] Ui Neill" populations, often associated with ancient Celtic clans.
- Zero English Matches: Notably, Perego's extensive search for similar Y-chromosome profiles among contemporary populations in England yielded virtually no matches for Smith's specific DNA signature. In stark contrast, numerous matches were found in Ireland and parts of Scotland.
This robust genetic evidence effectively removes any ambiguity: Joseph Smith's Y-chromosome DNA points decisively to an ancient Irish Celtic ancestry, overturning previous historical assumptions.
Re-evaluating the Historical Narrative: Robert Smith and the New World
This DNA revelation demands a re-examination of early Smith family history, particularly concerning Joseph Smith's earliest known American ancestor, Robert Smith (c. 1626-1693).
From English Settler to Irish Refugee?
- Previous Assumption: Robert Smith, who arrived in Boston in 1638 as a 12-year-old indentured servant, was traditionally believed to be English, possibly from Lincolnshire.
- DNA's Insight: Given the R1b-M222 finding, a new, more plausible narrative emerges:
- Robert was likely of recent Irish descent, perhaps only a generation or two removed from Ireland.
- His family may have migrated to England due to the tumultuous Anglo-Irish conflicts and economic hardships of the 17th century.
- It's even conceivable his original Irish surname was Anglicized to "Smith" following such a migration to facilitate assimilation or avoid prejudice.
- The image of a 12-year-old Irish boy, alone and indentured, seeking refuge in the New World, aligns far more powerfully with historical realities of the time than that of a typical English immigrant.
The Profound Impact of This Discovery
Reshaping a Foundational Story
For nearly two centuries, the Smith family narrative shaped the understanding of a major American religion. The DNA evidence, however, provides a powerful and specific rewrite:
- Joseph Smith's ethnic background is now firmly rooted in Irish heritage.
- His family's migration path across the Atlantic takes on a deeper, more poignant context.
- The circumstances of his ancestor's arrival in America are better understood through the lens of Irish displacement during an era of significant social upheaval.
A Testament to DNA's Power
This discovery is a prime example of how modern genetic science can penetrate centuries of historical conjecture and reveal accurate ancestral truths. It demonstrates the remarkable ability of DNA to illuminate previously hidden chapters of our past, even for pivotal historical figures.
Sources for Joseph Smith's Irish Origins
Perego, Ugo A. (2008). "Joseph Smith DNA Revealed: New Clues from the Prophet's Genes." FAIR Conference Proceedings.
Perego, Ugo A. (YouTube Video). "Joseph Smith's DNA revealed: New Clues to the Prophet's Genes."
Deseret News. (2008, August 8). "DNA shows Joseph Smith was Irish."
IrishCentral. (2011, March 18). "Irish roots of Mormon founder Joseph Smith discovered."
JosephSmithJr.org. "Joseph Smith's Genealogy Goes to Ireland."
Eupedia. "Haplogroup R1b (Y-DNA)." (For genetic context of R1b-M222)
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