Joseph Smith, born in Shropshire England, submitted his intention to become a US citizen of February 7, 1846, while living in the town of Hartland in Niagara county. After the mandatory 5 year waiting period, Joseph became a citizen on May 17, 1852. Joshua B. Smith and Joseph Webb served as witnesses. Joseph Smith could write, as his signature appears on his naturalization paperwork.

The 1855 New York census for Joseph Smith, shows that he had a rather substantial 100 acre farm in Hartland. He also stated in that census, that he had lived in Hartland for 22 years. This would indicate that he arrived in Hartland in 1833.

Joseph Smith can be thought of as a New York pioneer. In November of 1837, for the sum of three hundred and eighty six dollars, he purchased 72 acres of land located in Township 15 and Range 5 in the town of Hartland. The fact that this land was purchased from the Holland Land Company, indicates that Joseph was the original owner of this land.