Joseph Smith Senior (July 12, 1771 September 14, 1840) was the father of Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. Joseph Sr., was also one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, which Mormons believe was translated by Joseph Jr. from the Golden Plates. In addition, Joseph Sr. was the first Presiding Patriarch of the Latter Day Saint church, a member of the First Presidency of the church, and a Master Freemason of the Ontario Lodge No. 23 of Canandaigua, New York.