Ion bearing liquid crystalline compounds based on trans-1,2-bis (4-pyridinium) ethylene were synthesized and studied. These compounds included low molecular mass analogues, twin model compounds and main chain ionomers. Most of these exhibited liquid crystallinity of the smectic type. As a general rule the introduction of charges into the mesogenic moiety increased the stability (transition temperature) of the mesophase. Large supercooling effects, broad mesophase intervals and tendency to polymorphism are common features of these ionic mesogenic compounds.