A Mormon is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The name Mormonism, which is commonly used in speaking of this religion, comes from the use of the Book of Mormon as one of the works of scripture in this church.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints was formally organized by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York, on April 6, 1830. Because of the persecution to which Joseph Smith and his followers were subjected, some moved westward to Ohio, some to Missouri, and finally, to Nauvoo, Illinois where they established their first permanent settlement. In 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob even though they were in the Carthage, Illinois, jail for protection from the mob.