Sylvester Smith's Rebellious Horse Dies — A Divine Sign in Zion's Camp

Sylvester Marshall Smith (1806–1880) was an early Church leader — a member of the Kirtland High Council — who marched with Zion's Camp in 1834. His story stands as one of the most striking cautionary accounts of what happens when a man murmurs against a prophet of God.

From the earliest days of the march from Kirtland, Sylvester Smith openly criticized Joseph Smith's leadership. He complained about short bread rations, withheld food from other brethren including Parley P. Pratt, and repeatedly sowed discord and rebellion. Joseph reproved him sharply multiple times but Sylvester continued to justify himself.

On the evening of May 16, 1834, Joseph confronted the rebellious spirit in camp. He declared prophetically: 'You will meet with misfortunes, difficulties and hindrances, and you will know it before you leave this place,' exhorting all to humble themselves or be scourged.

That very night, every horse in camp was found to be severely foundered — so lame they could scarcely be led to water. Joseph Smith told the brethren that if they would humble themselves, God would restore their horses. By noon of the same day, every horse in camp was miraculously restored and 'as nimble as ever' — with one exception: Sylvester Smith's horse, which soon afterward died.

The fulfillment was immediate and unmistakable: those who humbled themselves were healed; the horse belonging to the chief rebel was the sole one that died.

Later in the march, Sylvester openly defied Joseph Smith's leadership before hundreds of men, planting himself in the road and turning back as many soldiers as he could, crying: 'Are you following your general, or some other man?' — a direct act of mutiny.

After Zion's Camp, Sylvester formally accused Joseph Smith before the High Council. The council found the accusations groundless and required Sylvester to make a public apology. He complied, and the matter was resolved, but his story remains a powerful historical witness of what divine judgment looks like when a member of the Church rebels against the Lord's prophet.