Joseph Smith saw God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, in 1820, in answer to an inquiry. He became the first modern prophet and president of the Church.

• The Book of Mormon was translated from an ancient record by Joseph Smith, Jr., when he was 23. He did not have access to much conventional education.
• He experienced great poverty and pain. His family made huge sacrifices over many years, because they trusted his honesty.
• Two of their adopted children died of exposure partly as a result of mobs intruding into Joseph Smith's house at night, and extracing him to tar & feathre him.
• He (and his family) never denied this, though was persecuted legally, chased from place to place, physically abused, and finally killed for his faith.
• His brother Hyrum also trusted Joseph, and was killed at the same time, for his faith. The family still didn't deny the truth of what Joseph taught.
• (Actually, it is Joseph Smith Jr. (junior), as his father had the same name.)
• Article: The Miraculous Mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith
• These prophecies by the Lord to Joseph Smith (in the D&C, maybe others) were fulfilled
• The prophecies about the last days are being fulfilled (this is a whole subject in itself)
• Daniel Peterson, Arabist, has written much on evidences, & "apologetics" (or answering questions of critics) and about Joseph Smith, and refers to many others.