Famous DNA: Looking into the genetic history of Joseph Smith Jr., founder of Mormonism

This is a review of nearly 20 years of research work about Joseph Smith Jr. and his family using DNA tools. This case study is also helpful to see DNA in action and how it can be applied to anyone's own personal family history research. It includes Y chromosome testing to trace both the origin of this particular Smith family and issues regarding alleged posterity; mitochondrial DNA to learn about their ancient maternal origins; and a unique, more than 180 years old paternity case using autosomal DNA.