John Smith autobiography

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: ACCN 1567

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The John Smith autobiography [photocopy] was written in 1885 and tells of his journey from Ohio to Utah between 1838 and 1848 as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), as well as his early experiences in the Salt Lake Valley and during his mission for the Mormon church to Scandinavia.

Dates

1832-1911

Creator

Smith, John, 1832-1911 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Note

Smith was born on September 22, 1832 to Hyrum and Jerusha Smith in Kirtland, Ohio. After his father and uncle, Joseph Smith, were murdered in 1844, John was sent to work with Heber C. Kimball, and helped Kimball's family travel from Nauvoo to Winter Quarters (near Florence, Nebraska) in 1846. The company arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1848 and began making their home there with the other pioneers. The autobiography tells of the persecution against the Mormons in the Midwest and outlines Smith's journey across the plains, including his experiences during two years spent at Winter Quarters. In 1850 Smith became a member of the "Battalion of Life Guards," who stood guard against possible invading Indians. He married Helen Maria Fisher, with whom he had nine children, on December 25, 1853. On February 18, 1855, he was ordained Patriarch of the Mormon church by Brigham Young. In April 1862 he embarked on a proselytizing mission for the Church in Scandinavia.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The John Smith autobiography was written in 1885 and tells of his journey from Ohio to Utah between 1838 and 1848 as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), as well as his early experiences in the Salt Lake Valley and during his mission for the Mormon church to Scandinavia. PHOTOCOPIES ARE NOT ALLOWED.