Joseph F. Smith
Born: 13 November 1838
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 1 July 1866
Called as Additional Counselor in the First Presidency: 1 July 1866 (Brigham Young)
Returned to the Quorum: 29 August 1877
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1880
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 10 October 1880 (John Taylor)
Returned to the Quorum: 25 July 1887
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 7 April 1889 (Wilford Woodruff)
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 13 September 1898 (Lorenzo Snow)
Called as Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1901
Called as Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1901
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 6 October 1901 (Lorenzo Snow)
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 10 October 1901
Sustained as President of the Church: 17 October 1901
Died: 19 November 1918
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 1 July 1866
Called as Additional Counselor in the First Presidency: 1 July 1866 (Brigham Young)
Returned to the Quorum: 29 August 1877
Called as First Assistant Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1880
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 10 October 1880 (John Taylor)
Returned to the Quorum: 25 July 1887
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 7 April 1889 (Wilford Woodruff)
Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 13 September 1898 (Lorenzo Snow)
Called as Superintendent of the YMMIA: 1901
Called as Superintendent of the Sunday School: 1901
Called as First Counselor in the First Presidency: 6 October 1901 (Lorenzo Snow)
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 10 October 1901
Sustained as President of the Church: 17 October 1901
Died: 19 November 1918
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, March 1916
Image source: Juvenile Instructor, November 1901
Image source: Juvenile Instructor, November 1907
Image source: Relief Society Magazine, January 1919, Joseph F. Smith with his six wives and many children
|
Image source: Juvenile Instructor, November 1907
Image source: Young Women's Journal, January 1903
Image source: Juvenile Instructor, November 1914
Image source: Young Woman's Journal, November 1918
|
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 4 March 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 18 March 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 1 April 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 15 April 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 27 May 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 10 June 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 24 June 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 1 February 1900, Lives of Our Leaders: The Apostles - Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, December 1901, Joseph Fielding Smith, Sixth President of the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1907, A Present-Day Man of God
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1907, President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, December 1908, President Smith's Seventieth Birthday
Improvement Era, February 1914, In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, June 1915, A Tribute
Young Woman's Journal, February 1916, Cases of Healing
Improvement Era, June 1916, Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, November 1918, Gems from Sermons by President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, November 1918, An Episode in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, November 1918, Our President's Natal Day
Improvement Era, December 1918, President Joseph F. Smith
Juvenile Instructor, December 1918, President Joseph F. Smith As I Knew Him
Juvenile Instructor, December 1918, President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, Reminiscences of President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, Funeral of President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, In Memoriam Joseph F. Smith 1838-1918
Juvenile Instructor, January 1919, Tribute to President Joseph Fielding Smith
Relief Society Magazine, January 1919, In Memoriam: President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, President Joseph F. Smith, A Prophet of Truth
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, In Memoriam
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, Tributes to President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, For President Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, President Joseph F. Smith
Relief Society Magazine, June 1932, The Friendship of Charles W. Nibley and Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Joseph F. Smith's Last Message
Instructor, December 1938, Joseph F. Smith: A Preacher of Righteousness
Relief Society Magazine, February 1939, "Life of Joseph F. Smith"
Relief Society Magazine, January 1941, Excerpts from Life of Joseph F. Smith
Instructor, April 1949, President Joseph F. Smith
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds From Big Lives: Finding the Lost Oxen
Instructor, May 1960, In Preparation for Greatness
Instructor, December 1961, Fear Not Death
Instructor, October 1970, Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men
Ensign, June 1983, Remembering Joseph F. Smith: Loving Father, Devoted Prophet
Ensign, September 1993, Grandpapa Joseph F. Smith
Ensign, January 2000, Joseph F. Smith: Following the Prince of Peace
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 4 March 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 18 March 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 1 April 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 15 April 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 27 May 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 10 June 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 24 June 1871, Recollections
Juvenile Instructor, 1 February 1900, Lives of Our Leaders: The Apostles - Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, December 1901, Joseph Fielding Smith, Sixth President of the Church
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1907, A Present-Day Man of God
Juvenile Instructor, 15 November 1907, President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, December 1908, President Smith's Seventieth Birthday
Improvement Era, February 1914, In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, June 1915, A Tribute
Young Woman's Journal, February 1916, Cases of Healing
Improvement Era, June 1916, Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, November 1918, Gems from Sermons by President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, November 1918, An Episode in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, November 1918, Our President's Natal Day
Improvement Era, December 1918, President Joseph F. Smith
Juvenile Instructor, December 1918, President Joseph F. Smith As I Knew Him
Juvenile Instructor, December 1918, President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, Reminiscences of President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, Funeral of President Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, January 1919, In Memoriam Joseph F. Smith 1838-1918
Juvenile Instructor, January 1919, Tribute to President Joseph Fielding Smith
Relief Society Magazine, January 1919, In Memoriam: President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, President Joseph F. Smith, A Prophet of Truth
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, In Memoriam
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, Tributes to President Joseph F. Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, For President Smith
Young Woman's Journal, January 1919, President Joseph F. Smith
Relief Society Magazine, June 1932, The Friendship of Charles W. Nibley and Joseph F. Smith
Improvement Era, November 1936, President Joseph F. Smith's Last Message
Instructor, December 1938, Joseph F. Smith: A Preacher of Righteousness
Relief Society Magazine, February 1939, "Life of Joseph F. Smith"
Relief Society Magazine, January 1941, Excerpts from Life of Joseph F. Smith
Instructor, April 1949, President Joseph F. Smith
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds From Big Lives: Finding the Lost Oxen
Instructor, May 1960, In Preparation for Greatness
Instructor, December 1961, Fear Not Death
Instructor, October 1970, Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men
Ensign, June 1983, Remembering Joseph F. Smith: Loving Father, Devoted Prophet
Ensign, September 1993, Grandpapa Joseph F. Smith
Ensign, January 2000, Joseph F. Smith: Following the Prince of Peace
Jenson, Andrew. "Smith, Joseph Fielding." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 66-74.
SMITH, Joseph Fielding, second counselor to Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow, successively, is the son of Hyrum Smith and Mary Fielding, and was born Nov. 13, 1838, at Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri. His father, Hyrum Smith, was all and perhaps more to the Prophet Joseph Smith, his younger brother, than Jonathan anciently was to David. Mary Fielding, the mother of Joseph F. Smith, was a native of England, and for energy, faith and determination, coupled with good business abilities, was a most worthy and suitable companion for her noble husband. The period of Joseph F. Smith's advent into this world was a stormy and memorable one in the history of the Church. A few days previous to his birth, his father, together with Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and other leading men of the Church, were betrayed into the hands of armed mobocrats, through the cruel treachery of George M. Hinkle, who was a "Mormon" and at the same time an officer in the Missouri militia. The prisoners were court-martialed and sentenced to be shot, but were saved through the interference of Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan. They were then hustled off to prison, but before starting were allowed a few minutes to bid farewell to their families. While such scenes were being enacted and while mobs, plunderings, drivings, imprisonments without trial, or conviction, poverty and distress held full sway, Joseph F. Smith was born. .His childhood days were spent amid scenes of persecution and hardship which resulted in the martyrdom of his father and his uncle, Joseph, June 27, 1844. His widowed mother left Nauvoo in 1846 as an exile from her home and country for no other cause than that of worshiping God according to the dictates of her own conscience. Although Joseph F. at that time was but a lad eight years of age, he drove an ox team for his mother across the State of Iowa. During the sojourn of the family at Winter Quarters (now Florence, in the State of Nebraska), Joseph F. was occupied as a herd boy, in which he took special pride, feeling that his mother's cattle were the only means by which they would be able to make their exodus across the great plains of the "far West." Even after reaching Great Salt Lake valley, he was engaged in herding, and so close and conscientious was his attention to duty that he never lost a "hoof" through neglect or carelessness; this attention and devotion to responsibilities placed upon him has always marked his character, and is seen in all the labors of his life. During' his trials at Winter Quarters, while herding cattle, he passed through a thrilling experience with Indians, who suddenly came upon him and his companions for the purpose of driving off their cattle. In the exciting chase, two Indians rode up to Joseph F., one on either side of him, and taking hold of his arms lifted him from the saddle. They would probably have scalped him, but for the unexpected appearance of a number of men who were going to the hay field. The Indians suddenly dropped him to the ground, and thus by the aid of Providence his life was saved; his bravery and fidelity to trust saved the cattle. Joseph F. was taught by the example and precept of his noble mother that in the performance of all duties and labors, he should go to the Lord in prayer. As a striking illustration of the faith with which he became imbued in his early boyhood, by the example of his mother, we present the following incident, related by Joseph F., in his own language: "In the spring of 1847 a portion of our family crossed the plains, following the pioneers to the valley of the Great Salt Lake, the remainder of the family intending to proceed on their journey to the west in the following spring. In. the fall of 1847 my mother and her brother. Joseph Fielding, made a, trip down the Missouri river to St. Joseph, Mo., about fifty miles, for the purpose of obtaining provisions and clothing for the family for the coming winter, and for the journey across the plains the following spring. They took two wagons with two yokes of oxen on each. I was almost nine years of age at this time, and accompanied my mother and uncle on this journey as a teamster. The weather was unpropitious, the roads were bad, and it rained a great deal during the journey, so that the trip was a very hard, trying and unpleasant one. At St. Joseph we purchased our groceries and dry goods, and at Savannah we laid in our store of flour, meal, corn, bacon and other provisions. Returning to Winter Quarters, we camped one evening in an open prairie on the Missouri river bottoms, by the side of a small spring creek, which emptied into the river about three-quarters of a mile from us. We were in plain sight of the river, and could apparently see over every foot of the little open prairie where we were camped, to the river on the southwest, to the bluffs on the northeast, and to the timber which skirted the prairie on the right and left. Camping near by, on the other side of the creek, were some men with a herd of beef cattle, which they were driving to Savannah and St. Joseph for market. We usually unyoked our oxen and turned them loose to feed during our encampments at night, but this time, on account of the proximity of this herd of cattle, fearing that they might get mixed up and driven off with them, we turned our oxen out to feed in their yokes. Next morning when we came to look them up, to our great disappointment our best yoke of oxen was not to be found. Uncle Fielding and I spent all the morning. well nigh until noon, hunting for them but without avail. The grass was tall, and in the morning was wet with heavy dew. Tramping through this grass and through the woods and over the bluffs, we were soaked to the skin, fatigued, disheartened and almost exhausted. In this pitiable plight I was the first to return to our wagons, and as I approached I saw my mother kneeling down in prayer. I halted for a moment and then drew gently near enough to hear her pleading with the Lord not to suffer us to be left in this helpless condition, but to lead us to recover our lost team, that we might continue our travels in safety. When she arose from her knees I was standing near by. The first expression I caught upon her precious face was a lovely smile, which, discouraged as I was, gave me renewed hope and an assurance I had not felt before. A few moments later Uncle Fielding came to the camp, wet with the dews, faint, fatigued and thoroughly disheartened. His first words were: 'Well, Mary, the cattle are gone!' Mother replied in a voice which fairly rang with cheerfulness, 'Never mind, your breakfast has been waiting for hours, and now, while you and Joseph are eating, I will just take a walk out and see if I can find the cattle." My uncle held up his hands in blank astonishment, and if the Missouri river had suddenly turned to run up stream, neither of us could have been much more surprised. 'Why, Mary,' he exclaimed, "what do you mean? We have been all over this country, all through the timber and through the herd of cattle, and our oxen are gone—they are not to be found. I believe they have been driven off, and it is useless for you to attempt to do such a thing as to hunt for them. Never mind me,' said mother, 'get your breakfast and I will see,' and she started toward the river, following down ceded out of speaking distance the man in charge of the herd of beef cattle rode up from the opposite side of the creek and called out; 'Madam, I saw your oxen over in that direction this morning about daybreak,' pointing in the opposite direction from that in which mother was going. We heard plainly what he said, but mother went right on, paid no attention to his remark and did not even turn her head to look at him. A moment later the man rode off rapidly toward his herd, which had been gathered in the opening near the edge of the woods, and they were soon under full drive for the road leading toward Savannah, and soon disappeared from view. My mother continued straight down the little stream of water, until she stood almost on the bank of the river, and then she beckoned to us. (I was watching her every moment and was determined that she should not get out of my sight.) Instantly we rose from the 'mess-chest,' on which our breakfast had been spread, and started toward her, and, like John, who outran the other disciple to the sepulchre, I outran my uncle and came first to the spot where my mother stood. There I saw our oxen fastened to a clump of willows growing in the bottom of a deep gulch which had been washed out of the sandy banks of the river by the little spring creek, perfectly concealed from view. We were not long in releasing them from bondage and getting back to our camp, where the other cattle had been fastened to the wagon wheels all the morning, and we were soon on our way homeward bound, rejoicing. This circumstance was one of the first practical and positive demonstrations of the efficacy of prayer I had ever witnessed. It made an indelible impression upon my mind, and has been a source of comfort, assurance and guidance to me throughout all my life." The impression made upon Joseph's mind by this striking answer to his mother's prayer, has never left him, but has done much to encourage him in meeting every responsibility; causing him to realize that no matter how arduous the task the Lord will not fail those who put their trust in Him. Crossing the plains from Missouri river, to the Great Salt Lake valley, Brother Smith (though less than ten years of age at that time) drove two yoke of oxen attached to a heavily laden wagon, the entire distance of more than one thousand miles. Reaching the valley of Salt Lake with his mother, Sept. 23, 1848, he continued in charge of the cattle as herd boy for several years, and never lost an animal, notwithstanding the great number of large wolves in the valley. This work of herding was interchanged with plowing, harvesting, canyon work, etc., idleness taking no part in the life of this noble man. The opportunities for education in those early days of trying experiences of the Church, were limited. Such learning as Brother Joseph F. possessed he acquired chiefly from his mother. She taught him to read the Bible during their pilgrimage across the plains, in the tent, and by the camp fire. Such facilities as have been afforded him have not passed by unimproved. Being fond of books, he reads extensive- Iv the best of them, always for the purpose of learning lessons of worth for practical use in life, and it is safe to say that no man living applies them better to himself and family than does President Joseph F. Smith. His mother died Sept. 21, 1852, leaving him an orphan at the age of fourteen. When fifteen years of age he was called on a mission to the Sandwich Islands. He received his endowments in the Old Council House, and was set apart in the same building by Apostles Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde. Brother Pratt, who was spokesman in setting him apart, declared that he should receive the knowledge of the Hawaiian language "by the gift of God as well as by study." This prophecy was literally fulfilled, for in less than four months from his arrival he was able to make a tour of the island of Maui, to preach, baptize and administer the Sacrament, etc., all in the native language. He left his mountain home to fulfill this mission. May 27, 1854, in company with other missionaries. The southern route was taken, accompanying as far as Cedar City President Brigham Young and party, who were on their tour to the southern settlements. This little band of missionaries was headed by Parley P. Pratt. In crossing the desert country, from southern Utah to California, they were followed a long distance by numbers of the Pah-Ute Indians, who were almost famishing for food. The only alternative was to share food with them, which they did to keep on friendly terms. As a result the missionaries were compelled to subsist on very short rations, consuming the last of their supplies the day they reached Cajon Pass. During the sojourn of Brother Joseph P. in California, he worked hard to earn means sufficient to pay his passage across the Pacific to Honolulu; much of his time being spent in the manufacture of cut shingles. He and his fellow missionaries embarked upon the "Vaquero," and after a somewhat disagreeable voyage they landed at Honolulu, Sept. 27, 1854. Joseph F. was assigned to the Island of Maui, to labor in company with his cousin, Silas Smith, Smith B. Thurston and Washington B. Rogers. He was assigned to Kula, the place where President Geo. Q. Cannon first introduced the gospel to the Hawaiian race. He pursued the study of the language with much diligence and faith, soon being able to bear witness that "by the gift of God, as well as by study," were the words of Brother Pratt concerning his acquisition of the language verified; his experiences brought him near to the Lord. Relative to the manifestations of the Spirit to him he says: "Of the many gifts of the Spirit which were manifest through my administration, next to my acquirement of the language, the most prominent was perhaps the gift of healing, and by the power of God, the casting out of evil spirits which frequently occurred." One instance occurred at Wailuku, where he sojourned with a native family, being engaged in the study of the language. One night the woman was suddenly seized with evil spirits. She went through all manner of hideous contortions. Her husband was overcome with such fear that he trembled as a leaf in the wind. Brother Joseph F. was seized with fear at this new and unexpected demonstration, but suddenly all fright left him, the power of the Holy Ghost rested upon him, and he stood upon his feet, facing the woman possessed of demons. "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I rebuke you," he said, when suddenly the woman fell limp to the floor and became as one dead. The husband pronounced her dead, and then set up a hideous howl, which Joseph F. promptly rebuked, after which quiet and peace was restored and the young missionary proceeded with his studies. Joseph F. labored upon the island of Maui over eighteen months with great success. The readiness by which he acquired and used the language astonished his brethren and the natives. After President Hammond took his departure for his home in Utah, Joseph P. presided over the Maui conference; later he presided over the Kohala conference for six months, and still later over the Hilo conference; the two latter conferences were on the island of Hawaii. He was laboring upon this island at the time of the great volcanic eruption of 1855, about which he writes: "I experienced the tremendous shocks of earthquake which Immediately preceded the eruptions, and subsequently visited the great lava flow which Issued from the crater. It was said that this eruption, In the quantity of lava thrown out, has probably never been surpassed during the residence of foreigners on the islands. The flow continued for about thirteen months, reaching to within six or seven miles of the city of Hilo, more than sixty miles from the crater. The city and bay of Hilo were in imminent danger of destruction for months. I have seen it stated since that the area covered by lava from this eruption exceeded three hundred square miles, or about one-thirteenth of the area of the island of Hawaii." After laboring a year upon the island of Hawaii, Joseph F. was transferred to the presidency of the Molokai conference with Elder Thos. A. Dowell as an assistant. On this island they found many of the Saints on the back-ground and most of the people afflicted with a scarcity of food. In making a journey from the east to the west end of the island, they were compelled to journey nearly thirty miles on foot in the hot sun, without either food or water to drink the .whole distance, until Brother Dowell flagged and finally declared his inability to go further; but Joseph stood by him, urged and helped him along until they reached the home of Mr. R. W. Meyers, a German, who kindly received them and administered to their necessities, and with whom, by his request, they spent several days. Mr. Myers, from this time forward, became their warm and faithful friend, and ever made them welcome at his home. He furnished Joseph F. with a good riding horse to visit the branches of the Church, from time to time. During Joseph F.'s sojourn on the island of Molokai he passed through a very trying and prolonged spell of sickness, in consequence of which he returned to Lanai, which for some time had been the headquarters of the mission. Previous to this, the conference house of Palawai, Lanai, was burned down and Bro. Joseph F.'s trunk with its contents, together with effects belonging to other Elders, were destroyed, leaving them almost destitute of clothing. Joseph F. remained on Lanai till the fall of 1857, and having in the meantime regained his health, he went to Honolulu and there met with the Elders of the mission in conference. About this time instructions came from the First Presidency to release the foreign Elders to return home to Utah, in consequence of the movement of the U. S. army towards the Territory. Accordingly, on the 6th day of October, 1857, Joseph F. embarked on board the bark "Yankee" for San Francisco, in company with other returning Elders. On landing at San Francisco in the latter part of October, 1857, they at once reported themselves at the office of the "Western Standard," to Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon, who was then editing that paper. He perceived the destitute condition that Elders Joseph F. and Edward Partridge were in and took them to a clothing store, where he fitted them out with a good, warm overcoat each and a pair of blankets between them. With this outfit the two Elders started down the coast to Santa Cruz county, Cal., where they joined a company of Saints under the captaincy of Charles W. Wandell, with whom they traveled through the country southward as far as the Mojave river, where Joseph F. and others left the company and made a visit to San Bernardino. Here he found a number of his old friends, who were very kind to him and provided him with means to clothe himself very comfortably for the remainder of the journey home. Being under no obligations to continue traveling with Charles W. Wandell's company any further, he engaged to drive team for George Crismon, and accordingly crossed the desert as teamster. He arrived in Great Salt Lake City Feb. 24. 1858. having been absent from home about three years and five months. Immediately upon his return home he joined the militia, and started with an expedition to intercept the hostile army, which had been sent to Utah. He served under Col. Thomas Callister, and later was chaplain of the regiment under Col. Heber C. Kimball. He says, In speaking of his enlistment and experiences in the Utah army: "The day following my arrival home I reported myself to President Young and immediately enlisted in the Legion to defend ourselves against the encroachment of a hostile and menacing army. From that time until the proclamation of peace, and a free and full pardon, by President Buchanan, came, I was constantly in my saddle, prospecting and exploring the country between Great Salt Lake City and Fort Bridger, under the command of Col. Thos. Callister and others. I was on picket guard with a party of men under Orrin P. Rockwell, when Commissioners Powell and McCollough met us near the Weber river with the President's proclamation. Subsequently I was on detail in the deserted city of Great Salt Lake, until after the army passed through the city, and thence to Camp Floyd. After this I assisted my relatives to return to their homes, from which they had fled, going to the south some time previous." At the session of the legislature held in the winter of 1858-59,Joseph F. Smith officiated as sergeant-at-arms in the council, and on March 29, 1858, he was ordained into the Thirty-second Quorum of Seventy. He was married April 5, 1859, and on Oct. 16th, of the same year, was ordained a High Priest, also "being made a member of the High Council of Salt Lake Stake of Zion. At the April conference. 1860, he was called on a mission to Great Britain. He was in straightened circumstances financially and was almost obliged to discontinue housekeeping, and allow his wife to return to her mother's home for the time being. He was soon on his way, in company with his cousin, Samuel H. B. Smith, each driving a four-mule team, to pay their way across the plains. They had an interesting trip to the Missouri river; from that point to New York they went by way of Nauvoo and viewed the homes of their childhood days, calling upon The wife and children of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They sailed for Liverpool July 14, 1860, arriving in that port on the 27th of that month. During his mission in England, Elder Smith traveled in various conferences, and in all bis ministrations among the Saints and strangers left an impression for good that can never be effaced. President George Q. Cannon was also in Great ^Britain on a mission at the same time, and it was while there, perhaps, more than any other place, they learned to love and esteem each other, and where a friendship was established which grew stronger as the years went by. During his mission in Europe, Joseph F. Smith President George Q. Cannon, visited several of the conferences in Denmark, and with Elder Brigham Young jr. and others, visited Paris, France. He was released after filling a most honorable and efficient mission, returning home in 1863. Crossing the plains, he was chaplain in Capt. John W. Woolley's company. Arriving home, he found his wife in a very poor state of health, which for some time grew worse; but he waited upon her day and night with little or no rest for many weeks, when she gradually recovered her health. It was not in the providences of the Lord that Joseph F. should remain long at that period of his life to enjoy the quiet and peace of home, for in March, 1864, he started on his second mission to Hawaii. He went in company with Apostles Ezra T. Benson and Lorenzo Snow and other Elders. The purpose of their mission was to regulate the affairs of the Church on the Islands, which had been greatly interfered with by Walter M. Gibson, who had presumptuously established himself as leader of the Church in Hawaii. They labored faithfully to convert Mr. Gibson from his wrong doing, but to no avail. The man was not honest at heart, and they were obliged, for the protection of the native Saints, to excommunicate Gibson from the Church. The trouble being settled, the Apostles soon returned to America, leaving Joseph F. in charge of the mission. He returned home in the winter of 1864-65. While upon this mission an incident\ occurred which is worthy of note. The ship upon which the brethren arrived was anchored in the channel off Lahaina, where the sea was usually very rough. A breakwater had been constructed, and by the protection of it the natives successfully ran their boats ashore. However, in approaching it, there was always danger of disaster. It was proposed to land the passengers in the ship's freight boat, which was unwieldy and not easily managed. Joseph F. at f .ice apprehended the danger and stoutly protested against the proposition, warning the brethren of the great danger of capsizing the boat at the breakwater. He refused to accompany them in the boat, and tried to persuade his co-laborers not to go They were persistent, however, an made the attempt, while Joseph F. offered even to go alone for a better boat. When they were determined t go he persuaded them to let him remain on the anchored ship in charge of their satchels, their clothing and valuable articles. They consented to this reluctantly, and as they moved away from the ship. Joseph F. stood upon the latter, gazing at his brethren with awful anxiety, apparently knowing their fate. His fears were not ungrounded, for as their unwieldy freight boat struck the breakwater a heavy wave dashed against it and instantly capsized it. emptying its human cargo into the surging billows. A boat from the shore manned by natives came to the rescue and recovered all but Apostle Snow, when they started for shore. Brother Wm. W. Cluff demanded the return of the boat, that they might secure Brother Snow, which was done, and when he was recovered, to all appearances he was dead. Through the mercies of the Lord, however, he was restored to life. All this time Brother Joseph F. stood in awful suspense, a helpless spectator upon the deck of the anchored ship. This action on the part of Joseph F. on that occasion indicates that fearless trait of his character which has been manifest throughout his life, showing that he has the courage of his convictions, and is most vigorous and earnest in expressing them. When he returned home from this mission, he was employed as a clerk in the Historian's Office, and later in the Endowment House, frequently performing home missionary work in the Territory. He was also an active and efficient member of the Salt Lake City municipal council for several terms, the effects of his influence in that bod> are today monuments of worth to the city of Salt Lake. The possession of Liberty Park to-day by Salt Lake City is due to his influence and determined convictions, more than to the labors of any other man. Pioneer Square was also purchased by the city owing to his manly and persistent efforts. The mayor and many of the members of the council were strongly opposed to the purchase. as they considered the monetary outlay connected with it unnecessary and uncalled for; but Joseph F.'s arguments prevailed at last, and this square became city property. Also as a lawmaker in the legislative assembly of the Territory of Utah did Joseph F. Smith exhibit unusual ability and tact He served as a member of the Territorial House of Representatives seven consecutive terms, namely in the 10th. (1863-66), 16th (1866-67), 17th (1868), I8th (1869), 19th (1870), 20th (1872), and 21st. (1874) sessions. And after his return from his last mission to Europe he served two terms (1880 and 1882) in the council branch of the Utah legislature; during the last of these terms he acted as president of the council. He presided over the Constitutional Convention held in 1882. His labors as a legislator would undoubtedly have been continued much longer, had he not been declared disqualified through the passage of the infamous Edmunds' anti-polygamy bill. Joseph F. was ordained an Apostle July 1. 1866, by President Brigham Young, and at the October conference, 1867, he was called to fill a vacancy in the Council of the Twelve. When President Young: chose to have more than two counselors Joseph F. was one of the number selected. In 1868, in connection with Apostle Wilford Woodruff, Elder Abraham A. Smoot and others, he was called to go to Provo and labor for the upbuilding of that city and Utah county. He served one term in the Provo city council. By permission of President Young he in 1868-69 removed his family back to Salt Lake City and resumed his labors in the Endowment House and Historian's Office. Feb. 28, 1874, Apostle Joseph F. started on his second mission to Great Britain, this time to preside over the European mission. During his labors in Europe, he visited .Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland and France as well as the several conferences of the British Isles, and he proved himself to be one of the very choicest presidents that has ever presided over any mission, not only for his prompt and wise methods of conducting affairs, but also his humbleness in obeying the whisperings of the Spirit, for which he constantly lives. His personal love and tenderhearted kindness to every Elder in the mission has endeared him to the hearts of hundreds of Elders and Saints who have lived and labored directly under his personal ministrations. Soon after the decease of President Geo. A. Smith, in the fall of 1875, Joseph F. was released to return home; and upon returning from his labor of love he was appointed to fireside over the Saints in Davis county, the county at that time not being organized into a Stake of Zion. He held this position until the spring of 1877, when he was called on his third mission to Great Britain. Before leaving he witnessed the dedication of the St. George Temple, the first Temple completed in the Rocky Mountain country. During his labors on this mission Elder Orson Pratt came to Liverpool to publish new editions of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Later they appeared with copious marginal references and foot notes prepared by Elder Pratt. Upon receiving the sad news of the death of President Brigham Young they were requested by the council of the Apostles to immediately return home. They reached Salt Lake City Sept. 27, 1877, and the following year Brother Joseph F. and Orson Pratt went on a short mission to the East. They visited noted places associated with Church history, in Missouri, Illinois, Ohio and New York, and called upon David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. When the Endowment House was re-opened in Salt Lake City, subsequent to the death of President Young, Joseph F. was placed in charge. In October, 1880, when the presidency of the Church was organized, with John Taylor at the head, Joseph F. Smith was chosen to be his second counselor. He was chosen to the same position in 1889 under President Woodruff, and now occupies that honored station under the presidency of Lorenzo Snow. During the presidency of John Taylor, and under the trying scenes of the anti-Mormon crusade. Brother Smith performed another faithful mission in the Sandwich Islands, by direction of President Taylor. While there he obtained an exact copy of the old Spaulding story, and by evidence incontrovertible showed that not the slightest resemblance existed between the Book of Mormon and the story named. President Smith has filled every position of trust assigned him with such unblemished honesty and fidelity, that no man can justly say aught against him. One of the grandest traits of his character is impartial justice. The great system of patriarchal marriage, so well designed to prove the hearts of men and women, and to develop in them the principles of pure love, charity, justice and impartiality, has no better examples among God's noblemen than Joseph F. Smith. Whatever obligation he is under to that sacred principle for his existence, and for the possession of his own posterity, he is meeting that obligation manfully, with the record that his example shall exemplify the truth of celestial marriage as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. During his counselorship in the First Presidency he has traveled extensively in the Stakes of Zion, in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Canada and Mexico, and continues active,' whether at home or abroad. The following pen sketch of President Joseph F. Smith is written by Elder Edward H. Anderson: "President Smith has been constantly in the service of the public, and by his straightforward course has won the love, confidence and esteem of the whole community. He is a friend of the people, is easily approached, a wise counselor, a man of broad views, and, contrary to first impressions, is a man whose sympathies are easily aroused. He is a reflex of the best character of the Mormon people—inured to hardships, patient in trial. God-fearing, self-sacrificing, full of love for the human race, powerful in moral, mental and physical strength. President Smith has an imposing physical appearance. He is tall, erect, well-knit and symmetrical in build. He has a prominent nose and features. When speaking, he throws his full, clear, brown eyes wide open on the listener, who may readily perceive from their penetrating glimpse the wonderful mental power of the tall forehead above. His large head is crowned with an abundant growth of hair, in his early years dark, but now, like his full beard, tinged with a liberal sprinkling of gray. In conversation, one is forcibly impressed with the sudden changes in appearance of his countenance, under the different influences of his mind; now intensely pleasant, with an enthusiastic and childlike interest in immediate subjects and surroundings; now absent, the mobility of his features set in that earnest, almost stern, majesty of expression so characteristic of his portraits—so indicative of the severity of the conditions and environments of his early life. As a public speaker, his leading trait is an intense earnestness. He impresses the hearer with his message more from the sincerity of its delivery, and the honest earnestness of his manner, than from any learned exhibition of oratory or studied display of logic. He touches the hearts of the people with the simple eloquence of one who is himself convinced of the truths presented. He is a pillar of strength in the Church, thoroughly imbued with the truths of the gospel and the divine origin of this work. His whole life and testimony are an inspiration to the young. I said to him: 'You knew Joseph, the Prophet; you are old in the work of the Church: what is your testimony to the youth of Zion concerning these things?' And he replied slowly and deliberately: 'I was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph in my youth. I was familiar in his home, with his boys and with his family. I have sat on his knee, I have heard him preach, distinctly remember being present in the council with my father an-d the Prophet Joseph Smith and others. From my childhood to youth I believed him to be a Prophet of God. From my youth until the present I have not believed that he was a Prophet, for I have known, that he was. In other words, my knowledge has superseded my belief. I remember seeing him dressed in military uniform at the head of the Nauvoo Legion. I saw him when he crossed the river, returning from his intended western trip into the Rocky Mountains to go to his martyrdom, and I saw his lifeless body, together with that of my father, after they were murdered in Carthage jail; and still have the most palpable remembrance of the gloom and sorrow of those dreadful days. I believe in the divine mission of the Prophets of the nineteenth century with all my heart, and in the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and the inspiration of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and hope to be faithful to God and man and not false to myself, to the end of my days.' " (For further details, see "Historical Record," by Andrew Jenson, Vol. 6, p. 183; sketch by Matthias F. Cowley in "Southern Star," Vol. 2, p. 209: sketch by Edward H. Anderson in "Juvenile Instructor," Vol. 35, p. 65, etc.)
SMITH, Joseph Fielding, second counselor to Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow, successively, is the son of Hyrum Smith and Mary Fielding, and was born Nov. 13, 1838, at Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri. His father, Hyrum Smith, was all and perhaps more to the Prophet Joseph Smith, his younger brother, than Jonathan anciently was to David. Mary Fielding, the mother of Joseph F. Smith, was a native of England, and for energy, faith and determination, coupled with good business abilities, was a most worthy and suitable companion for her noble husband. The period of Joseph F. Smith's advent into this world was a stormy and memorable one in the history of the Church. A few days previous to his birth, his father, together with Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and other leading men of the Church, were betrayed into the hands of armed mobocrats, through the cruel treachery of George M. Hinkle, who was a "Mormon" and at the same time an officer in the Missouri militia. The prisoners were court-martialed and sentenced to be shot, but were saved through the interference of Gen. Alexander W. Doniphan. They were then hustled off to prison, but before starting were allowed a few minutes to bid farewell to their families. While such scenes were being enacted and while mobs, plunderings, drivings, imprisonments without trial, or conviction, poverty and distress held full sway, Joseph F. Smith was born. .His childhood days were spent amid scenes of persecution and hardship which resulted in the martyrdom of his father and his uncle, Joseph, June 27, 1844. His widowed mother left Nauvoo in 1846 as an exile from her home and country for no other cause than that of worshiping God according to the dictates of her own conscience. Although Joseph F. at that time was but a lad eight years of age, he drove an ox team for his mother across the State of Iowa. During the sojourn of the family at Winter Quarters (now Florence, in the State of Nebraska), Joseph F. was occupied as a herd boy, in which he took special pride, feeling that his mother's cattle were the only means by which they would be able to make their exodus across the great plains of the "far West." Even after reaching Great Salt Lake valley, he was engaged in herding, and so close and conscientious was his attention to duty that he never lost a "hoof" through neglect or carelessness; this attention and devotion to responsibilities placed upon him has always marked his character, and is seen in all the labors of his life. During' his trials at Winter Quarters, while herding cattle, he passed through a thrilling experience with Indians, who suddenly came upon him and his companions for the purpose of driving off their cattle. In the exciting chase, two Indians rode up to Joseph F., one on either side of him, and taking hold of his arms lifted him from the saddle. They would probably have scalped him, but for the unexpected appearance of a number of men who were going to the hay field. The Indians suddenly dropped him to the ground, and thus by the aid of Providence his life was saved; his bravery and fidelity to trust saved the cattle. Joseph F. was taught by the example and precept of his noble mother that in the performance of all duties and labors, he should go to the Lord in prayer. As a striking illustration of the faith with which he became imbued in his early boyhood, by the example of his mother, we present the following incident, related by Joseph F., in his own language: "In the spring of 1847 a portion of our family crossed the plains, following the pioneers to the valley of the Great Salt Lake, the remainder of the family intending to proceed on their journey to the west in the following spring. In. the fall of 1847 my mother and her brother. Joseph Fielding, made a, trip down the Missouri river to St. Joseph, Mo., about fifty miles, for the purpose of obtaining provisions and clothing for the family for the coming winter, and for the journey across the plains the following spring. They took two wagons with two yokes of oxen on each. I was almost nine years of age at this time, and accompanied my mother and uncle on this journey as a teamster. The weather was unpropitious, the roads were bad, and it rained a great deal during the journey, so that the trip was a very hard, trying and unpleasant one. At St. Joseph we purchased our groceries and dry goods, and at Savannah we laid in our store of flour, meal, corn, bacon and other provisions. Returning to Winter Quarters, we camped one evening in an open prairie on the Missouri river bottoms, by the side of a small spring creek, which emptied into the river about three-quarters of a mile from us. We were in plain sight of the river, and could apparently see over every foot of the little open prairie where we were camped, to the river on the southwest, to the bluffs on the northeast, and to the timber which skirted the prairie on the right and left. Camping near by, on the other side of the creek, were some men with a herd of beef cattle, which they were driving to Savannah and St. Joseph for market. We usually unyoked our oxen and turned them loose to feed during our encampments at night, but this time, on account of the proximity of this herd of cattle, fearing that they might get mixed up and driven off with them, we turned our oxen out to feed in their yokes. Next morning when we came to look them up, to our great disappointment our best yoke of oxen was not to be found. Uncle Fielding and I spent all the morning. well nigh until noon, hunting for them but without avail. The grass was tall, and in the morning was wet with heavy dew. Tramping through this grass and through the woods and over the bluffs, we were soaked to the skin, fatigued, disheartened and almost exhausted. In this pitiable plight I was the first to return to our wagons, and as I approached I saw my mother kneeling down in prayer. I halted for a moment and then drew gently near enough to hear her pleading with the Lord not to suffer us to be left in this helpless condition, but to lead us to recover our lost team, that we might continue our travels in safety. When she arose from her knees I was standing near by. The first expression I caught upon her precious face was a lovely smile, which, discouraged as I was, gave me renewed hope and an assurance I had not felt before. A few moments later Uncle Fielding came to the camp, wet with the dews, faint, fatigued and thoroughly disheartened. His first words were: 'Well, Mary, the cattle are gone!' Mother replied in a voice which fairly rang with cheerfulness, 'Never mind, your breakfast has been waiting for hours, and now, while you and Joseph are eating, I will just take a walk out and see if I can find the cattle." My uncle held up his hands in blank astonishment, and if the Missouri river had suddenly turned to run up stream, neither of us could have been much more surprised. 'Why, Mary,' he exclaimed, "what do you mean? We have been all over this country, all through the timber and through the herd of cattle, and our oxen are gone—they are not to be found. I believe they have been driven off, and it is useless for you to attempt to do such a thing as to hunt for them. Never mind me,' said mother, 'get your breakfast and I will see,' and she started toward the river, following down ceded out of speaking distance the man in charge of the herd of beef cattle rode up from the opposite side of the creek and called out; 'Madam, I saw your oxen over in that direction this morning about daybreak,' pointing in the opposite direction from that in which mother was going. We heard plainly what he said, but mother went right on, paid no attention to his remark and did not even turn her head to look at him. A moment later the man rode off rapidly toward his herd, which had been gathered in the opening near the edge of the woods, and they were soon under full drive for the road leading toward Savannah, and soon disappeared from view. My mother continued straight down the little stream of water, until she stood almost on the bank of the river, and then she beckoned to us. (I was watching her every moment and was determined that she should not get out of my sight.) Instantly we rose from the 'mess-chest,' on which our breakfast had been spread, and started toward her, and, like John, who outran the other disciple to the sepulchre, I outran my uncle and came first to the spot where my mother stood. There I saw our oxen fastened to a clump of willows growing in the bottom of a deep gulch which had been washed out of the sandy banks of the river by the little spring creek, perfectly concealed from view. We were not long in releasing them from bondage and getting back to our camp, where the other cattle had been fastened to the wagon wheels all the morning, and we were soon on our way homeward bound, rejoicing. This circumstance was one of the first practical and positive demonstrations of the efficacy of prayer I had ever witnessed. It made an indelible impression upon my mind, and has been a source of comfort, assurance and guidance to me throughout all my life." The impression made upon Joseph's mind by this striking answer to his mother's prayer, has never left him, but has done much to encourage him in meeting every responsibility; causing him to realize that no matter how arduous the task the Lord will not fail those who put their trust in Him. Crossing the plains from Missouri river, to the Great Salt Lake valley, Brother Smith (though less than ten years of age at that time) drove two yoke of oxen attached to a heavily laden wagon, the entire distance of more than one thousand miles. Reaching the valley of Salt Lake with his mother, Sept. 23, 1848, he continued in charge of the cattle as herd boy for several years, and never lost an animal, notwithstanding the great number of large wolves in the valley. This work of herding was interchanged with plowing, harvesting, canyon work, etc., idleness taking no part in the life of this noble man. The opportunities for education in those early days of trying experiences of the Church, were limited. Such learning as Brother Joseph F. possessed he acquired chiefly from his mother. She taught him to read the Bible during their pilgrimage across the plains, in the tent, and by the camp fire. Such facilities as have been afforded him have not passed by unimproved. Being fond of books, he reads extensive- Iv the best of them, always for the purpose of learning lessons of worth for practical use in life, and it is safe to say that no man living applies them better to himself and family than does President Joseph F. Smith. His mother died Sept. 21, 1852, leaving him an orphan at the age of fourteen. When fifteen years of age he was called on a mission to the Sandwich Islands. He received his endowments in the Old Council House, and was set apart in the same building by Apostles Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde. Brother Pratt, who was spokesman in setting him apart, declared that he should receive the knowledge of the Hawaiian language "by the gift of God as well as by study." This prophecy was literally fulfilled, for in less than four months from his arrival he was able to make a tour of the island of Maui, to preach, baptize and administer the Sacrament, etc., all in the native language. He left his mountain home to fulfill this mission. May 27, 1854, in company with other missionaries. The southern route was taken, accompanying as far as Cedar City President Brigham Young and party, who were on their tour to the southern settlements. This little band of missionaries was headed by Parley P. Pratt. In crossing the desert country, from southern Utah to California, they were followed a long distance by numbers of the Pah-Ute Indians, who were almost famishing for food. The only alternative was to share food with them, which they did to keep on friendly terms. As a result the missionaries were compelled to subsist on very short rations, consuming the last of their supplies the day they reached Cajon Pass. During the sojourn of Brother Joseph P. in California, he worked hard to earn means sufficient to pay his passage across the Pacific to Honolulu; much of his time being spent in the manufacture of cut shingles. He and his fellow missionaries embarked upon the "Vaquero," and after a somewhat disagreeable voyage they landed at Honolulu, Sept. 27, 1854. Joseph F. was assigned to the Island of Maui, to labor in company with his cousin, Silas Smith, Smith B. Thurston and Washington B. Rogers. He was assigned to Kula, the place where President Geo. Q. Cannon first introduced the gospel to the Hawaiian race. He pursued the study of the language with much diligence and faith, soon being able to bear witness that "by the gift of God, as well as by study," were the words of Brother Pratt concerning his acquisition of the language verified; his experiences brought him near to the Lord. Relative to the manifestations of the Spirit to him he says: "Of the many gifts of the Spirit which were manifest through my administration, next to my acquirement of the language, the most prominent was perhaps the gift of healing, and by the power of God, the casting out of evil spirits which frequently occurred." One instance occurred at Wailuku, where he sojourned with a native family, being engaged in the study of the language. One night the woman was suddenly seized with evil spirits. She went through all manner of hideous contortions. Her husband was overcome with such fear that he trembled as a leaf in the wind. Brother Joseph F. was seized with fear at this new and unexpected demonstration, but suddenly all fright left him, the power of the Holy Ghost rested upon him, and he stood upon his feet, facing the woman possessed of demons. "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I rebuke you," he said, when suddenly the woman fell limp to the floor and became as one dead. The husband pronounced her dead, and then set up a hideous howl, which Joseph F. promptly rebuked, after which quiet and peace was restored and the young missionary proceeded with his studies. Joseph F. labored upon the island of Maui over eighteen months with great success. The readiness by which he acquired and used the language astonished his brethren and the natives. After President Hammond took his departure for his home in Utah, Joseph P. presided over the Maui conference; later he presided over the Kohala conference for six months, and still later over the Hilo conference; the two latter conferences were on the island of Hawaii. He was laboring upon this island at the time of the great volcanic eruption of 1855, about which he writes: "I experienced the tremendous shocks of earthquake which Immediately preceded the eruptions, and subsequently visited the great lava flow which Issued from the crater. It was said that this eruption, In the quantity of lava thrown out, has probably never been surpassed during the residence of foreigners on the islands. The flow continued for about thirteen months, reaching to within six or seven miles of the city of Hilo, more than sixty miles from the crater. The city and bay of Hilo were in imminent danger of destruction for months. I have seen it stated since that the area covered by lava from this eruption exceeded three hundred square miles, or about one-thirteenth of the area of the island of Hawaii." After laboring a year upon the island of Hawaii, Joseph F. was transferred to the presidency of the Molokai conference with Elder Thos. A. Dowell as an assistant. On this island they found many of the Saints on the back-ground and most of the people afflicted with a scarcity of food. In making a journey from the east to the west end of the island, they were compelled to journey nearly thirty miles on foot in the hot sun, without either food or water to drink the .whole distance, until Brother Dowell flagged and finally declared his inability to go further; but Joseph stood by him, urged and helped him along until they reached the home of Mr. R. W. Meyers, a German, who kindly received them and administered to their necessities, and with whom, by his request, they spent several days. Mr. Myers, from this time forward, became their warm and faithful friend, and ever made them welcome at his home. He furnished Joseph F. with a good riding horse to visit the branches of the Church, from time to time. During Joseph F.'s sojourn on the island of Molokai he passed through a very trying and prolonged spell of sickness, in consequence of which he returned to Lanai, which for some time had been the headquarters of the mission. Previous to this, the conference house of Palawai, Lanai, was burned down and Bro. Joseph F.'s trunk with its contents, together with effects belonging to other Elders, were destroyed, leaving them almost destitute of clothing. Joseph F. remained on Lanai till the fall of 1857, and having in the meantime regained his health, he went to Honolulu and there met with the Elders of the mission in conference. About this time instructions came from the First Presidency to release the foreign Elders to return home to Utah, in consequence of the movement of the U. S. army towards the Territory. Accordingly, on the 6th day of October, 1857, Joseph F. embarked on board the bark "Yankee" for San Francisco, in company with other returning Elders. On landing at San Francisco in the latter part of October, 1857, they at once reported themselves at the office of the "Western Standard," to Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon, who was then editing that paper. He perceived the destitute condition that Elders Joseph F. and Edward Partridge were in and took them to a clothing store, where he fitted them out with a good, warm overcoat each and a pair of blankets between them. With this outfit the two Elders started down the coast to Santa Cruz county, Cal., where they joined a company of Saints under the captaincy of Charles W. Wandell, with whom they traveled through the country southward as far as the Mojave river, where Joseph F. and others left the company and made a visit to San Bernardino. Here he found a number of his old friends, who were very kind to him and provided him with means to clothe himself very comfortably for the remainder of the journey home. Being under no obligations to continue traveling with Charles W. Wandell's company any further, he engaged to drive team for George Crismon, and accordingly crossed the desert as teamster. He arrived in Great Salt Lake City Feb. 24. 1858. having been absent from home about three years and five months. Immediately upon his return home he joined the militia, and started with an expedition to intercept the hostile army, which had been sent to Utah. He served under Col. Thomas Callister, and later was chaplain of the regiment under Col. Heber C. Kimball. He says, In speaking of his enlistment and experiences in the Utah army: "The day following my arrival home I reported myself to President Young and immediately enlisted in the Legion to defend ourselves against the encroachment of a hostile and menacing army. From that time until the proclamation of peace, and a free and full pardon, by President Buchanan, came, I was constantly in my saddle, prospecting and exploring the country between Great Salt Lake City and Fort Bridger, under the command of Col. Thos. Callister and others. I was on picket guard with a party of men under Orrin P. Rockwell, when Commissioners Powell and McCollough met us near the Weber river with the President's proclamation. Subsequently I was on detail in the deserted city of Great Salt Lake, until after the army passed through the city, and thence to Camp Floyd. After this I assisted my relatives to return to their homes, from which they had fled, going to the south some time previous." At the session of the legislature held in the winter of 1858-59,Joseph F. Smith officiated as sergeant-at-arms in the council, and on March 29, 1858, he was ordained into the Thirty-second Quorum of Seventy. He was married April 5, 1859, and on Oct. 16th, of the same year, was ordained a High Priest, also "being made a member of the High Council of Salt Lake Stake of Zion. At the April conference. 1860, he was called on a mission to Great Britain. He was in straightened circumstances financially and was almost obliged to discontinue housekeeping, and allow his wife to return to her mother's home for the time being. He was soon on his way, in company with his cousin, Samuel H. B. Smith, each driving a four-mule team, to pay their way across the plains. They had an interesting trip to the Missouri river; from that point to New York they went by way of Nauvoo and viewed the homes of their childhood days, calling upon The wife and children of the Prophet Joseph Smith. They sailed for Liverpool July 14, 1860, arriving in that port on the 27th of that month. During his mission in England, Elder Smith traveled in various conferences, and in all bis ministrations among the Saints and strangers left an impression for good that can never be effaced. President George Q. Cannon was also in Great ^Britain on a mission at the same time, and it was while there, perhaps, more than any other place, they learned to love and esteem each other, and where a friendship was established which grew stronger as the years went by. During his mission in Europe, Joseph F. Smith President George Q. Cannon, visited several of the conferences in Denmark, and with Elder Brigham Young jr. and others, visited Paris, France. He was released after filling a most honorable and efficient mission, returning home in 1863. Crossing the plains, he was chaplain in Capt. John W. Woolley's company. Arriving home, he found his wife in a very poor state of health, which for some time grew worse; but he waited upon her day and night with little or no rest for many weeks, when she gradually recovered her health. It was not in the providences of the Lord that Joseph F. should remain long at that period of his life to enjoy the quiet and peace of home, for in March, 1864, he started on his second mission to Hawaii. He went in company with Apostles Ezra T. Benson and Lorenzo Snow and other Elders. The purpose of their mission was to regulate the affairs of the Church on the Islands, which had been greatly interfered with by Walter M. Gibson, who had presumptuously established himself as leader of the Church in Hawaii. They labored faithfully to convert Mr. Gibson from his wrong doing, but to no avail. The man was not honest at heart, and they were obliged, for the protection of the native Saints, to excommunicate Gibson from the Church. The trouble being settled, the Apostles soon returned to America, leaving Joseph F. in charge of the mission. He returned home in the winter of 1864-65. While upon this mission an incident\ occurred which is worthy of note. The ship upon which the brethren arrived was anchored in the channel off Lahaina, where the sea was usually very rough. A breakwater had been constructed, and by the protection of it the natives successfully ran their boats ashore. However, in approaching it, there was always danger of disaster. It was proposed to land the passengers in the ship's freight boat, which was unwieldy and not easily managed. Joseph F. at f .ice apprehended the danger and stoutly protested against the proposition, warning the brethren of the great danger of capsizing the boat at the breakwater. He refused to accompany them in the boat, and tried to persuade his co-laborers not to go They were persistent, however, an made the attempt, while Joseph F. offered even to go alone for a better boat. When they were determined t go he persuaded them to let him remain on the anchored ship in charge of their satchels, their clothing and valuable articles. They consented to this reluctantly, and as they moved away from the ship. Joseph F. stood upon the latter, gazing at his brethren with awful anxiety, apparently knowing their fate. His fears were not ungrounded, for as their unwieldy freight boat struck the breakwater a heavy wave dashed against it and instantly capsized it. emptying its human cargo into the surging billows. A boat from the shore manned by natives came to the rescue and recovered all but Apostle Snow, when they started for shore. Brother Wm. W. Cluff demanded the return of the boat, that they might secure Brother Snow, which was done, and when he was recovered, to all appearances he was dead. Through the mercies of the Lord, however, he was restored to life. All this time Brother Joseph F. stood in awful suspense, a helpless spectator upon the deck of the anchored ship. This action on the part of Joseph F. on that occasion indicates that fearless trait of his character which has been manifest throughout his life, showing that he has the courage of his convictions, and is most vigorous and earnest in expressing them. When he returned home from this mission, he was employed as a clerk in the Historian's Office, and later in the Endowment House, frequently performing home missionary work in the Territory. He was also an active and efficient member of the Salt Lake City municipal council for several terms, the effects of his influence in that bod> are today monuments of worth to the city of Salt Lake. The possession of Liberty Park to-day by Salt Lake City is due to his influence and determined convictions, more than to the labors of any other man. Pioneer Square was also purchased by the city owing to his manly and persistent efforts. The mayor and many of the members of the council were strongly opposed to the purchase. as they considered the monetary outlay connected with it unnecessary and uncalled for; but Joseph F.'s arguments prevailed at last, and this square became city property. Also as a lawmaker in the legislative assembly of the Territory of Utah did Joseph F. Smith exhibit unusual ability and tact He served as a member of the Territorial House of Representatives seven consecutive terms, namely in the 10th. (1863-66), 16th (1866-67), 17th (1868), I8th (1869), 19th (1870), 20th (1872), and 21st. (1874) sessions. And after his return from his last mission to Europe he served two terms (1880 and 1882) in the council branch of the Utah legislature; during the last of these terms he acted as president of the council. He presided over the Constitutional Convention held in 1882. His labors as a legislator would undoubtedly have been continued much longer, had he not been declared disqualified through the passage of the infamous Edmunds' anti-polygamy bill. Joseph F. was ordained an Apostle July 1. 1866, by President Brigham Young, and at the October conference, 1867, he was called to fill a vacancy in the Council of the Twelve. When President Young: chose to have more than two counselors Joseph F. was one of the number selected. In 1868, in connection with Apostle Wilford Woodruff, Elder Abraham A. Smoot and others, he was called to go to Provo and labor for the upbuilding of that city and Utah county. He served one term in the Provo city council. By permission of President Young he in 1868-69 removed his family back to Salt Lake City and resumed his labors in the Endowment House and Historian's Office. Feb. 28, 1874, Apostle Joseph F. started on his second mission to Great Britain, this time to preside over the European mission. During his labors in Europe, he visited .Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland and France as well as the several conferences of the British Isles, and he proved himself to be one of the very choicest presidents that has ever presided over any mission, not only for his prompt and wise methods of conducting affairs, but also his humbleness in obeying the whisperings of the Spirit, for which he constantly lives. His personal love and tenderhearted kindness to every Elder in the mission has endeared him to the hearts of hundreds of Elders and Saints who have lived and labored directly under his personal ministrations. Soon after the decease of President Geo. A. Smith, in the fall of 1875, Joseph F. was released to return home; and upon returning from his labor of love he was appointed to fireside over the Saints in Davis county, the county at that time not being organized into a Stake of Zion. He held this position until the spring of 1877, when he was called on his third mission to Great Britain. Before leaving he witnessed the dedication of the St. George Temple, the first Temple completed in the Rocky Mountain country. During his labors on this mission Elder Orson Pratt came to Liverpool to publish new editions of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Later they appeared with copious marginal references and foot notes prepared by Elder Pratt. Upon receiving the sad news of the death of President Brigham Young they were requested by the council of the Apostles to immediately return home. They reached Salt Lake City Sept. 27, 1877, and the following year Brother Joseph F. and Orson Pratt went on a short mission to the East. They visited noted places associated with Church history, in Missouri, Illinois, Ohio and New York, and called upon David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon. When the Endowment House was re-opened in Salt Lake City, subsequent to the death of President Young, Joseph F. was placed in charge. In October, 1880, when the presidency of the Church was organized, with John Taylor at the head, Joseph F. Smith was chosen to be his second counselor. He was chosen to the same position in 1889 under President Woodruff, and now occupies that honored station under the presidency of Lorenzo Snow. During the presidency of John Taylor, and under the trying scenes of the anti-Mormon crusade. Brother Smith performed another faithful mission in the Sandwich Islands, by direction of President Taylor. While there he obtained an exact copy of the old Spaulding story, and by evidence incontrovertible showed that not the slightest resemblance existed between the Book of Mormon and the story named. President Smith has filled every position of trust assigned him with such unblemished honesty and fidelity, that no man can justly say aught against him. One of the grandest traits of his character is impartial justice. The great system of patriarchal marriage, so well designed to prove the hearts of men and women, and to develop in them the principles of pure love, charity, justice and impartiality, has no better examples among God's noblemen than Joseph F. Smith. Whatever obligation he is under to that sacred principle for his existence, and for the possession of his own posterity, he is meeting that obligation manfully, with the record that his example shall exemplify the truth of celestial marriage as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. During his counselorship in the First Presidency he has traveled extensively in the Stakes of Zion, in Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Canada and Mexico, and continues active,' whether at home or abroad. The following pen sketch of President Joseph F. Smith is written by Elder Edward H. Anderson: "President Smith has been constantly in the service of the public, and by his straightforward course has won the love, confidence and esteem of the whole community. He is a friend of the people, is easily approached, a wise counselor, a man of broad views, and, contrary to first impressions, is a man whose sympathies are easily aroused. He is a reflex of the best character of the Mormon people—inured to hardships, patient in trial. God-fearing, self-sacrificing, full of love for the human race, powerful in moral, mental and physical strength. President Smith has an imposing physical appearance. He is tall, erect, well-knit and symmetrical in build. He has a prominent nose and features. When speaking, he throws his full, clear, brown eyes wide open on the listener, who may readily perceive from their penetrating glimpse the wonderful mental power of the tall forehead above. His large head is crowned with an abundant growth of hair, in his early years dark, but now, like his full beard, tinged with a liberal sprinkling of gray. In conversation, one is forcibly impressed with the sudden changes in appearance of his countenance, under the different influences of his mind; now intensely pleasant, with an enthusiastic and childlike interest in immediate subjects and surroundings; now absent, the mobility of his features set in that earnest, almost stern, majesty of expression so characteristic of his portraits—so indicative of the severity of the conditions and environments of his early life. As a public speaker, his leading trait is an intense earnestness. He impresses the hearer with his message more from the sincerity of its delivery, and the honest earnestness of his manner, than from any learned exhibition of oratory or studied display of logic. He touches the hearts of the people with the simple eloquence of one who is himself convinced of the truths presented. He is a pillar of strength in the Church, thoroughly imbued with the truths of the gospel and the divine origin of this work. His whole life and testimony are an inspiration to the young. I said to him: 'You knew Joseph, the Prophet; you are old in the work of the Church: what is your testimony to the youth of Zion concerning these things?' And he replied slowly and deliberately: 'I was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph in my youth. I was familiar in his home, with his boys and with his family. I have sat on his knee, I have heard him preach, distinctly remember being present in the council with my father an-d the Prophet Joseph Smith and others. From my childhood to youth I believed him to be a Prophet of God. From my youth until the present I have not believed that he was a Prophet, for I have known, that he was. In other words, my knowledge has superseded my belief. I remember seeing him dressed in military uniform at the head of the Nauvoo Legion. I saw him when he crossed the river, returning from his intended western trip into the Rocky Mountains to go to his martyrdom, and I saw his lifeless body, together with that of my father, after they were murdered in Carthage jail; and still have the most palpable remembrance of the gloom and sorrow of those dreadful days. I believe in the divine mission of the Prophets of the nineteenth century with all my heart, and in the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and the inspiration of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and hope to be faithful to God and man and not false to myself, to the end of my days.' " (For further details, see "Historical Record," by Andrew Jenson, Vol. 6, p. 183; sketch by Matthias F. Cowley in "Southern Star," Vol. 2, p. 209: sketch by Edward H. Anderson in "Juvenile Instructor," Vol. 35, p. 65, etc.)
Jenson, Andrew. "Smith, Joseph Fielding." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 781-784.
SMITH, Joseph Fielding, sixth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (continued from Vol. I, page 66). At the general conference of the Church held in Salt Lake City, Oct. 7, 1901, Joseph F. Smith was sustained as first counselor to President Lorenzo Snow, succeeding George Q. Cannon, who had died April 10, 1901; but three days later, Oct. 13, 1901, President Lorenzo Snow died, and at a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, held Oct. 17, 1901, the First Presidency was re-organized with Joseph F. Smith as president, John R. Winder as first and Anthon H. Lund as second counselor. At a meeting held Nov. 2, 1901, President Smith was chosen as president of the Church Board of Education. As soon as he became president of the Church, Pres. Smith commenced a career of great activity. The building of meeting houses in many different localities received special attention and it is a matter of record that during his administration a greater number of meeting houses, chapels and tabernacles were built, both in the Stakes of Zion and in the missionary fields, than had ever been done before since the Church was organized. In December, 1892, President Smith stated to the Associated Press that the Church did not sanction, authorize or perform marriages contrary to law. This statement was made necessary because of certain false reports which had been circulated to the effect that the Church still sanctioned plural marriages in secret. In February, 1904, President Smith, together with number of other Church leaders, were summoned to Washington, D. C, to appear as witnesses in the Smoot investigation case before the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, having been subpoenaed by the prosecution. President Smith was kept on the stand for nearly a whole week, subjected to all kinds of questioning, and he astonished the members of the committee and others by his frank and direct answers. At the 74th annual conference of the Church held in Salt Lake City in April, 1904, President Smith declared in a written statement that no plural marriages had been solemnized with the sanction, consent or knowledge of the Church since the manifesto was issued by President Wilford Woodruff, Sept. 24, 1890, and President Smith further announced that all plural marriages "are prohibited" and that anyone who should assume to "solemnize or enter into such marriages "will become subject to excommunication from the Church. In December, 1905, President Smith, accompanied by about thirty others, visited Vermont and dedicated a monument erected to the honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith Dec. 23, 1905, it being the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet. The President's party left Salt Lake City Dec. 18, 1905, and returned Jan. 1, 1906. In May, 1906, President Smith purchased for the Church the old Washington press upon which the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed in 1830. In July, 1906, President Smith, accompanied by a part of his family and others, left Salt Lake City on a visit to Europe. They crossed the Atlantic ocean on the ship "Vaterland" and during their stay in Europe they visited Great Britain, Belgium, Holland and other countries. After his return President Smith visited many of the Stakes of Zion, attending conferences, dedicating meeting houses and otherwise organizing and directing the affairs of the Church. In February, 1909, with part of his family, Bishop Charles W. Nibley and others, President Smith left Salt Lake City on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands. He arrived in Honolulu Feb. 27, 1909, and after a pleasant visit on the island (where he had filled his first mission as a boy and made a number of subsequent visits), he returned home April 1, 1909. The new Bishop's Building, erected in Salt Lake City, in 1909, was dedicated by President Smith Jan. 20, 1910. In July, 1910, President Smith made another visit to Europe, accompanied by Charles W. Nibley and others. On this visit the President visited Great Britain, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland, attending conferences and special meetings in the different missions. The President's party, returning to America, arrived in Salt Lake City, Sept. 3, 1910. In July, 1913, President Smith visited Alberta, Canada, where he dedicated a site for a Temple July 27, 1913. In November, 1913, he visited Chicago (Illinois), where he dedicated the Rosland district missionary home and a chapel and mission home on the Logan Square. On their return trip the President and his party visited Far West and Independence (Missouri). Later in the year President Smith visited some of the Stakes in Arizona and dedicated a new Church Academy at Snowflake; he also dedicated two chapels in Mesa, visited the Roosevelt dam, etc. In August, 1914, he made another visit to Canada. In November, 1914, he visited some of the Southern States, attended a conference at Jacksonville, Florida, and returned home by way oi California. During the war period President Smith showed great sympathy for the allies and on his initiative the Church invested half a million dollars in Liberty bonds. He also authorized the spending of $1600 to buy an ambulance automobile for use in France. Four of his sons enlisted in the army, one of whom (Calvin S.) distinguished himself as an officer in the service in France. The others are Andrew K., who served as an interpreter for the German prisoners at Fort Douglas; Samuel, who served in the aviation corps at Berkeley, Calif., and Fielding, who served in the students' training camp at the Presidio, near San Francisco, California. In June, 1915, President Smith made another visit to Hawaii, and during the succeeding three years made several other trips to that land. On one of these visits (in February, 1916) President Smith and Bishop Nibley selected the site for the erection of a Temple, the saints at the previous semi-annual conference held at Salt Lake City having voted unanimously in favor of erecting a Temple in Hawaii. Later the same year President Smith made another visit to the Hawaiian Islands. On June 27, 1918, he attended the dedication of a monument in honor of his father Hyrum Smith in the Salt Lake Cemetery, it being the 74th anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage, Illinois. President Smith celebrated the 80th anniversary of his birth Nov. 13, 1918, although his health at the time was very poor. After that he continued to sink gradually until Nov. 19, 1918, when his spirit took its flight to the Great Beyond. He had presided over the Church seventeen years and gained the love and confidence of the entire community. During his life President Smith married six wives. His first wife was Levira A. C. Smith (daughter of Samuel Harrison Smith and Levira Clark) who was born April 29, 1842, in Nauvoo, Illinois, and was married to Joseph F. Smith April 4, 1859. In 1866 (May 5th) President Smith married Julina Lambson (daughter of Alfred B. Lambson and Melissa J. Bigler), who was born June 18, 1849, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She bore her husband eleven children, namely, Mercy Josephine, Mary Sophronia, Donette, Jos Fielding, David Asael, Geo. Carlos, Julina Clarissa, Elias Wesley, Emily, Rachel and Edith. In 1868 (March 1st) President Smith married Sarah Ellen Richards (daughter of Willard Richards and Sarah Longstroth), who was born Aug. 24, 1850, in Salt Lake City, Utah. This union was blessed with eleven children, namely, Sarah Ellen, Leonora, Joseph Richards, Heber John, Rhoda, Minerva, Alice, Willard Richards, Franklin Richards, Jeanetta and Asenath. In 1871 (Jan. 1st) President Smith married Edna Lambson (daughter of Alfred B. Lambson and Melissa J. Bigler), who was born March 3, 1851, in Salt Lake City. The children of this marriage were Hyrum Mack, Alvin Fielding, Alfred Jason, Edna Melissa, Albert Jesse, Robert, Emma, Zina, Ruth and Martha. In 1883 (Dec. 6th) President Smith married Alice Kimball (daughter of Heber C. Kimball and Anna Gheen), who was born Sept. 6, 1858, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The issue of this marriage were the following children: Lucy Mack, Andrew Kimball, Jesse Kimball and Fielding Kimball. In 1884 (Jan. 13th) President Smith married Mary Taylor Schwartz (daughter of William Schwartz and Agnes Taylor;, who was born April 30, 1865, in Holliday, Salt Lake county, Utah, and who became the mother of the following children: John S., Calvin S., Samuel S., James S., Agnes, Silas S., and Royal S. The "Deseret Evening News" of Nov. 19, 1918, published the following editorial in eulogy oi President Joseph F. Smith: "Modern day Israel mourns today the loss of the beloved leader who after seventeen years of splendid presidency and eighty years of glorious life has laid off the burdens of mortality and has gone to mingle with those great ones whose labors are continued on the other side. The people's grief will be sincere and deep, for this was a man whose abounding love for his fellowmen was of the same quality with that affection which he lavished upon his own family. No trait of his resplendent character was more beautiful and conspicuous than this tender attachment which he ever manifested toward all those who had claim upon It. No man ever held more truly the key to that love which 'is the secret sympathy, the silver link, the silken tie, which heart to heart and mind to mind in body and in soul can bind.' In this parting from him, therefore, there is not only the sense of bereavement for a wise and righteous leader taken away, there is also among tens of thousands the feeling of personal sorrow in the separation from a genuine friend, a compassionate father, a kind and patient brother. These relationships President Smith desired to sustain to his people, and did sustain, in every sense of the word. The first among the six presidents of the Church to have been born within its pale, and to have spent every day of his life under its aegis and influence, he was permitted to hold the high calling of Prophet, seer and revelator longer than any of his predecessors save one. His uncle, the Prophet Joseph Smith, was slain in 1844, soon after the Church had passed the fourteenth anniversary of its organization. From that year until 1877, President Brigham Young held the keys and authority— a period of thirty-three years. President John Taylor held the office ten years. President Woodruff eleven and President Lorenzo Snow three. These were great spirits all. mighty men of God every one; yet President Smith possessed for the position the unique advantage above referred to — he did not have to 'come out of the world' and unlearn any of its traditions and errors; from the hour of his birth he was privileged to bask in the rays of the revealed and restored gospel, of which during the ensuing four score years he was to be so valiant a champion, so excellent an expounder. And the results have justified in every way the hopes that were cherished and the predictions that were made concerning his presidency. The Church has prospered amazingly, both in spiritual and temporal things. Missionary work abroad has gone forward with great vigor, and Zion at home has been strengthened. Evil has not been looked upon with the least degree of allowance, yet charity for the repentant erring has not been withheld. The spirit of union and harmony has been promoted, and the body of the Church has been made a compact, potent force for righteousness, and strong to resist the onslaughts of the adversary. Of President Smith's personality and attributes it is needless to speak. His life has been an open book—his course of conduct has been open to the observation of all men. * * * Of the great results of his life and labors, volumes might be written, for he has left his impress upon the history of this and future generations. He was all in all a man, sterling, staunch, true, a benefactor of his race. His courage, sincerity and faith were magnificent, yet he had the humility of a child, and was not ashamed to shed human tears. He sought to live in near relation with those holy influences which gross mortality does not sense; and we are permitted to know from many of his recent utterances that during the latter part of his life particularly he enjoyed a blessed communion which no man can contemplate without awe but which to a good, pure man is a foretaste of heaven. He has carried off bravely his large part in the battle of life, and has earned the victor's crown. His memory will be blessed forever!"
SMITH, Joseph Fielding, sixth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (continued from Vol. I, page 66). At the general conference of the Church held in Salt Lake City, Oct. 7, 1901, Joseph F. Smith was sustained as first counselor to President Lorenzo Snow, succeeding George Q. Cannon, who had died April 10, 1901; but three days later, Oct. 13, 1901, President Lorenzo Snow died, and at a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles, held Oct. 17, 1901, the First Presidency was re-organized with Joseph F. Smith as president, John R. Winder as first and Anthon H. Lund as second counselor. At a meeting held Nov. 2, 1901, President Smith was chosen as president of the Church Board of Education. As soon as he became president of the Church, Pres. Smith commenced a career of great activity. The building of meeting houses in many different localities received special attention and it is a matter of record that during his administration a greater number of meeting houses, chapels and tabernacles were built, both in the Stakes of Zion and in the missionary fields, than had ever been done before since the Church was organized. In December, 1892, President Smith stated to the Associated Press that the Church did not sanction, authorize or perform marriages contrary to law. This statement was made necessary because of certain false reports which had been circulated to the effect that the Church still sanctioned plural marriages in secret. In February, 1904, President Smith, together with number of other Church leaders, were summoned to Washington, D. C, to appear as witnesses in the Smoot investigation case before the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, having been subpoenaed by the prosecution. President Smith was kept on the stand for nearly a whole week, subjected to all kinds of questioning, and he astonished the members of the committee and others by his frank and direct answers. At the 74th annual conference of the Church held in Salt Lake City in April, 1904, President Smith declared in a written statement that no plural marriages had been solemnized with the sanction, consent or knowledge of the Church since the manifesto was issued by President Wilford Woodruff, Sept. 24, 1890, and President Smith further announced that all plural marriages "are prohibited" and that anyone who should assume to "solemnize or enter into such marriages "will become subject to excommunication from the Church. In December, 1905, President Smith, accompanied by about thirty others, visited Vermont and dedicated a monument erected to the honor of the Prophet Joseph Smith Dec. 23, 1905, it being the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet. The President's party left Salt Lake City Dec. 18, 1905, and returned Jan. 1, 1906. In May, 1906, President Smith purchased for the Church the old Washington press upon which the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed in 1830. In July, 1906, President Smith, accompanied by a part of his family and others, left Salt Lake City on a visit to Europe. They crossed the Atlantic ocean on the ship "Vaterland" and during their stay in Europe they visited Great Britain, Belgium, Holland and other countries. After his return President Smith visited many of the Stakes of Zion, attending conferences, dedicating meeting houses and otherwise organizing and directing the affairs of the Church. In February, 1909, with part of his family, Bishop Charles W. Nibley and others, President Smith left Salt Lake City on a visit to the Hawaiian Islands. He arrived in Honolulu Feb. 27, 1909, and after a pleasant visit on the island (where he had filled his first mission as a boy and made a number of subsequent visits), he returned home April 1, 1909. The new Bishop's Building, erected in Salt Lake City, in 1909, was dedicated by President Smith Jan. 20, 1910. In July, 1910, President Smith made another visit to Europe, accompanied by Charles W. Nibley and others. On this visit the President visited Great Britain, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany and Switzerland, attending conferences and special meetings in the different missions. The President's party, returning to America, arrived in Salt Lake City, Sept. 3, 1910. In July, 1913, President Smith visited Alberta, Canada, where he dedicated a site for a Temple July 27, 1913. In November, 1913, he visited Chicago (Illinois), where he dedicated the Rosland district missionary home and a chapel and mission home on the Logan Square. On their return trip the President and his party visited Far West and Independence (Missouri). Later in the year President Smith visited some of the Stakes in Arizona and dedicated a new Church Academy at Snowflake; he also dedicated two chapels in Mesa, visited the Roosevelt dam, etc. In August, 1914, he made another visit to Canada. In November, 1914, he visited some of the Southern States, attended a conference at Jacksonville, Florida, and returned home by way oi California. During the war period President Smith showed great sympathy for the allies and on his initiative the Church invested half a million dollars in Liberty bonds. He also authorized the spending of $1600 to buy an ambulance automobile for use in France. Four of his sons enlisted in the army, one of whom (Calvin S.) distinguished himself as an officer in the service in France. The others are Andrew K., who served as an interpreter for the German prisoners at Fort Douglas; Samuel, who served in the aviation corps at Berkeley, Calif., and Fielding, who served in the students' training camp at the Presidio, near San Francisco, California. In June, 1915, President Smith made another visit to Hawaii, and during the succeeding three years made several other trips to that land. On one of these visits (in February, 1916) President Smith and Bishop Nibley selected the site for the erection of a Temple, the saints at the previous semi-annual conference held at Salt Lake City having voted unanimously in favor of erecting a Temple in Hawaii. Later the same year President Smith made another visit to the Hawaiian Islands. On June 27, 1918, he attended the dedication of a monument in honor of his father Hyrum Smith in the Salt Lake Cemetery, it being the 74th anniversary of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage, Illinois. President Smith celebrated the 80th anniversary of his birth Nov. 13, 1918, although his health at the time was very poor. After that he continued to sink gradually until Nov. 19, 1918, when his spirit took its flight to the Great Beyond. He had presided over the Church seventeen years and gained the love and confidence of the entire community. During his life President Smith married six wives. His first wife was Levira A. C. Smith (daughter of Samuel Harrison Smith and Levira Clark) who was born April 29, 1842, in Nauvoo, Illinois, and was married to Joseph F. Smith April 4, 1859. In 1866 (May 5th) President Smith married Julina Lambson (daughter of Alfred B. Lambson and Melissa J. Bigler), who was born June 18, 1849, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She bore her husband eleven children, namely, Mercy Josephine, Mary Sophronia, Donette, Jos Fielding, David Asael, Geo. Carlos, Julina Clarissa, Elias Wesley, Emily, Rachel and Edith. In 1868 (March 1st) President Smith married Sarah Ellen Richards (daughter of Willard Richards and Sarah Longstroth), who was born Aug. 24, 1850, in Salt Lake City, Utah. This union was blessed with eleven children, namely, Sarah Ellen, Leonora, Joseph Richards, Heber John, Rhoda, Minerva, Alice, Willard Richards, Franklin Richards, Jeanetta and Asenath. In 1871 (Jan. 1st) President Smith married Edna Lambson (daughter of Alfred B. Lambson and Melissa J. Bigler), who was born March 3, 1851, in Salt Lake City. The children of this marriage were Hyrum Mack, Alvin Fielding, Alfred Jason, Edna Melissa, Albert Jesse, Robert, Emma, Zina, Ruth and Martha. In 1883 (Dec. 6th) President Smith married Alice Kimball (daughter of Heber C. Kimball and Anna Gheen), who was born Sept. 6, 1858, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The issue of this marriage were the following children: Lucy Mack, Andrew Kimball, Jesse Kimball and Fielding Kimball. In 1884 (Jan. 13th) President Smith married Mary Taylor Schwartz (daughter of William Schwartz and Agnes Taylor;, who was born April 30, 1865, in Holliday, Salt Lake county, Utah, and who became the mother of the following children: John S., Calvin S., Samuel S., James S., Agnes, Silas S., and Royal S. The "Deseret Evening News" of Nov. 19, 1918, published the following editorial in eulogy oi President Joseph F. Smith: "Modern day Israel mourns today the loss of the beloved leader who after seventeen years of splendid presidency and eighty years of glorious life has laid off the burdens of mortality and has gone to mingle with those great ones whose labors are continued on the other side. The people's grief will be sincere and deep, for this was a man whose abounding love for his fellowmen was of the same quality with that affection which he lavished upon his own family. No trait of his resplendent character was more beautiful and conspicuous than this tender attachment which he ever manifested toward all those who had claim upon It. No man ever held more truly the key to that love which 'is the secret sympathy, the silver link, the silken tie, which heart to heart and mind to mind in body and in soul can bind.' In this parting from him, therefore, there is not only the sense of bereavement for a wise and righteous leader taken away, there is also among tens of thousands the feeling of personal sorrow in the separation from a genuine friend, a compassionate father, a kind and patient brother. These relationships President Smith desired to sustain to his people, and did sustain, in every sense of the word. The first among the six presidents of the Church to have been born within its pale, and to have spent every day of his life under its aegis and influence, he was permitted to hold the high calling of Prophet, seer and revelator longer than any of his predecessors save one. His uncle, the Prophet Joseph Smith, was slain in 1844, soon after the Church had passed the fourteenth anniversary of its organization. From that year until 1877, President Brigham Young held the keys and authority— a period of thirty-three years. President John Taylor held the office ten years. President Woodruff eleven and President Lorenzo Snow three. These were great spirits all. mighty men of God every one; yet President Smith possessed for the position the unique advantage above referred to — he did not have to 'come out of the world' and unlearn any of its traditions and errors; from the hour of his birth he was privileged to bask in the rays of the revealed and restored gospel, of which during the ensuing four score years he was to be so valiant a champion, so excellent an expounder. And the results have justified in every way the hopes that were cherished and the predictions that were made concerning his presidency. The Church has prospered amazingly, both in spiritual and temporal things. Missionary work abroad has gone forward with great vigor, and Zion at home has been strengthened. Evil has not been looked upon with the least degree of allowance, yet charity for the repentant erring has not been withheld. The spirit of union and harmony has been promoted, and the body of the Church has been made a compact, potent force for righteousness, and strong to resist the onslaughts of the adversary. Of President Smith's personality and attributes it is needless to speak. His life has been an open book—his course of conduct has been open to the observation of all men. * * * Of the great results of his life and labors, volumes might be written, for he has left his impress upon the history of this and future generations. He was all in all a man, sterling, staunch, true, a benefactor of his race. His courage, sincerity and faith were magnificent, yet he had the humility of a child, and was not ashamed to shed human tears. He sought to live in near relation with those holy influences which gross mortality does not sense; and we are permitted to know from many of his recent utterances that during the latter part of his life particularly he enjoyed a blessed communion which no man can contemplate without awe but which to a good, pure man is a foretaste of heaven. He has carried off bravely his large part in the battle of life, and has earned the victor's crown. His memory will be blessed forever!"
Jenson, Andrew. "Smith, Joseph Fielding." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 246, 319, 341.
SMITH, Joseph Fielding, first assistant general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1880 to 1901 and general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1901 to 1918, died in Salt Lake City, Nov. 19, 1918. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 66.)
SMITH, Joseph F., president of the British Mission from 1874 to 1875 and from 1877 to 1878. (See Bio Ency., Vol. 1, p. 66, and Vol. 3, p. 78.)
Joseph F. Smith presided over the Church from Oct. 17, 1901 to Nov. 19, 1918. On the latter date he died in Salt Lake City.
SMITH, Joseph F., president of the Hawaiian Mission for a short time in 1864, died Nov. 19, 1918. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 66.)
SMITH, Joseph Fielding, first assistant general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1880 to 1901 and general superintendent of Y. M. M. I. A. from 1901 to 1918, died in Salt Lake City, Nov. 19, 1918. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 66.)
SMITH, Joseph F., president of the British Mission from 1874 to 1875 and from 1877 to 1878. (See Bio Ency., Vol. 1, p. 66, and Vol. 3, p. 78.)
Joseph F. Smith presided over the Church from Oct. 17, 1901 to Nov. 19, 1918. On the latter date he died in Salt Lake City.
SMITH, Joseph F., president of the Hawaiian Mission for a short time in 1864, died Nov. 19, 1918. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 66.)
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 4 March 1871. pg. 37.
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
Recollections.
HYRUM Smith, the Patriarch, married Jerusha Barden, Nov. 2, 1826. They had six children, viz. Lovina, Mary, John, Hyrum, Jerusha and Sarah. Mary died very young, and her mother died soon after the birth of her daughter Sarah. Hyrum, the second son, died in Nauvoo in 1842, aged eight years. The Patriarch married his second wife, Mary Fielding, in the year 1837, she entering upon the important duty of step-mother to five children, which task she performed under the most trying and afflictive circumstances with unwavering fidelity. She had two children, Joseph and Martha. Thus you see, Hyrum Smith the Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was really a polygamist, many years before the revelation on Celestial marriage was written, though perhaps about the time it was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, not exactly in the sense in which the word is generally used, for both his wives were not living together on the earth, still they were both alive, for the Spirit never dies, and they were both his wives, the mothers of his children. Marriage is ordained of God, and when performed by the authority of His Priesthood, is an ordinance of the everlasting Gospel, and is not therefore a legal contract merely, but pertains to time and to all eternity to come, therefore it is written in the Bible, "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
There are a great many men who feel very bitter against the Latter day Saints, and especially against the doctrine of plural marriage, who have married one or more wives after the death of their first, that, had their marriages been solemnized in the manner God has prescribed, and by His authority, they themselves would be polygamists, for they, as we, firmly believe in the Immortality of the soul, professing to be Christians and looking forward to the time when they will meet in the Spirit world their wives and the loved ones thit are dead. We can imagine the awkward situation of a man, not believing in polygamy, meeting two or more wives with their children in the Spirit world, each of them claiming him as husband and father! "But," says one, "how will it be with a woman who marries another husband after the death of her first? She will be the wife of the one to whom she was married for time and eternity. But if God did not "join them together," and they were only married by mutual consent until "death parted them," their contract or partnership ends with death, and there remains but one way for those who died without the knowledge of the gospel to be united together for eternity. That is, for their living relatives or friends to attend to the ordinances of the gospel for them. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage;" therefore, marriage ordinances must be attended to here in the flesh. Hyrum Smith, however, was a polygamist before his death, he having had several women sealed to him by his brother Joseph, some of whom are now living.
At the death of the Patriarch, June 27th, 1844, the care of the family fell upon his widow, Mary Smith. Besides the children there were an old lady, named Hannah Griunels, who had been in the family many years; another old lady named Margaret Brysen; and a younger one, named Jane Wilson, who was troubled with fits and otherwise afflicted, and was, therefore, very dependent; and an old man named George Mills, who had also been in the family eleven years, almost entirely blind and very crabbed; these and others, some of whom had been taken care of by the Patriarch out of charity, were members of the family, and remained with them until after they arrived in the valley. "Old George," as he was sometimes called, had been a soldier in the British army, never had learned to read or write; and, therefore, often acted upon impulse more than from the promptings of reason, which made it difficult sometimes to get along with him; but because he had been in the family so long—through the troubles of Missouri and Illinois, and had lost his eye-sight, the effect of brain fever and inflammation, caused by taking cold while in the pineries, getting out timbers for the temple at Nauvoo; widow Smith bore patiently all his peculiarities up to the time of her death. Besides those I have mentioned, Mercy R. Thompson, sister to widow Smith, and her daughter, and Elder James Lawson were also members of the family.
On or about the 8th of September, 1846, the family, with others, were driven out of Nauvoo by the threats of the mob, and camped on the banks of the Mississippi river just below Montrose. There they were compelled to remain two or three days, in view of their comfortable home just across the river, unable to travel for the want of teams, while the men-folks were preparing to defend the city against the attack of the mob. They were thus under the necessity of witnessing the commencement of the memorable "battle of Nauvoo;" but, before the cannonading ceased, they succeeded in moving out a few miles, away from the dreadful sound of it, where they remained until they obtained, by the change of properly at a great sacrifice, teams and an out lit for the journey through Iowa to the Winter Quarters of the Saints, now Florence, In Nebraska. Arriving at that point late in the Pall, they were obliged to turn out their work animals to pick their living through the Winter, during which some of their cattle, and eleven out of their thirteen horses died, leaving them very destitute of teams in the Spring.
[To be continued.]
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
Recollections.
HYRUM Smith, the Patriarch, married Jerusha Barden, Nov. 2, 1826. They had six children, viz. Lovina, Mary, John, Hyrum, Jerusha and Sarah. Mary died very young, and her mother died soon after the birth of her daughter Sarah. Hyrum, the second son, died in Nauvoo in 1842, aged eight years. The Patriarch married his second wife, Mary Fielding, in the year 1837, she entering upon the important duty of step-mother to five children, which task she performed under the most trying and afflictive circumstances with unwavering fidelity. She had two children, Joseph and Martha. Thus you see, Hyrum Smith the Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was really a polygamist, many years before the revelation on Celestial marriage was written, though perhaps about the time it was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, not exactly in the sense in which the word is generally used, for both his wives were not living together on the earth, still they were both alive, for the Spirit never dies, and they were both his wives, the mothers of his children. Marriage is ordained of God, and when performed by the authority of His Priesthood, is an ordinance of the everlasting Gospel, and is not therefore a legal contract merely, but pertains to time and to all eternity to come, therefore it is written in the Bible, "What God hath joined together let no man put asunder."
There are a great many men who feel very bitter against the Latter day Saints, and especially against the doctrine of plural marriage, who have married one or more wives after the death of their first, that, had their marriages been solemnized in the manner God has prescribed, and by His authority, they themselves would be polygamists, for they, as we, firmly believe in the Immortality of the soul, professing to be Christians and looking forward to the time when they will meet in the Spirit world their wives and the loved ones thit are dead. We can imagine the awkward situation of a man, not believing in polygamy, meeting two or more wives with their children in the Spirit world, each of them claiming him as husband and father! "But," says one, "how will it be with a woman who marries another husband after the death of her first? She will be the wife of the one to whom she was married for time and eternity. But if God did not "join them together," and they were only married by mutual consent until "death parted them," their contract or partnership ends with death, and there remains but one way for those who died without the knowledge of the gospel to be united together for eternity. That is, for their living relatives or friends to attend to the ordinances of the gospel for them. "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage;" therefore, marriage ordinances must be attended to here in the flesh. Hyrum Smith, however, was a polygamist before his death, he having had several women sealed to him by his brother Joseph, some of whom are now living.
At the death of the Patriarch, June 27th, 1844, the care of the family fell upon his widow, Mary Smith. Besides the children there were an old lady, named Hannah Griunels, who had been in the family many years; another old lady named Margaret Brysen; and a younger one, named Jane Wilson, who was troubled with fits and otherwise afflicted, and was, therefore, very dependent; and an old man named George Mills, who had also been in the family eleven years, almost entirely blind and very crabbed; these and others, some of whom had been taken care of by the Patriarch out of charity, were members of the family, and remained with them until after they arrived in the valley. "Old George," as he was sometimes called, had been a soldier in the British army, never had learned to read or write; and, therefore, often acted upon impulse more than from the promptings of reason, which made it difficult sometimes to get along with him; but because he had been in the family so long—through the troubles of Missouri and Illinois, and had lost his eye-sight, the effect of brain fever and inflammation, caused by taking cold while in the pineries, getting out timbers for the temple at Nauvoo; widow Smith bore patiently all his peculiarities up to the time of her death. Besides those I have mentioned, Mercy R. Thompson, sister to widow Smith, and her daughter, and Elder James Lawson were also members of the family.
On or about the 8th of September, 1846, the family, with others, were driven out of Nauvoo by the threats of the mob, and camped on the banks of the Mississippi river just below Montrose. There they were compelled to remain two or three days, in view of their comfortable home just across the river, unable to travel for the want of teams, while the men-folks were preparing to defend the city against the attack of the mob. They were thus under the necessity of witnessing the commencement of the memorable "battle of Nauvoo;" but, before the cannonading ceased, they succeeded in moving out a few miles, away from the dreadful sound of it, where they remained until they obtained, by the change of properly at a great sacrifice, teams and an out lit for the journey through Iowa to the Winter Quarters of the Saints, now Florence, In Nebraska. Arriving at that point late in the Pall, they were obliged to turn out their work animals to pick their living through the Winter, during which some of their cattle, and eleven out of their thirteen horses died, leaving them very destitute of teams in the Spring.
[To be continued.]
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 18 March 1871. pg. 47-48.
[For the Juvenile Instructor,
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
IN the fall of 1847, widow Smith and her brother Joseph Fielding, made a trip into Missouri, with two teams to purchase provisions for the family. Joseph, her son, accompanying them as teamster; he was then nine years of age. The team he drove consisted of two yokes of oxen, one yoke being young and only partially broke, which with the fact that the roads were very bad with the fall rains, full of stumps at places, sometimes hilly, and that he drove to St. Joseph, Missouri, and back, a distance of about three hundred miles without meeting with one serious accident, proves that he must have been a very fair teamster for a boy at his age.
At St. Joseph they purchased corn and other necessaries getting their corn ground at Savannah on their return journey. "Wheat flour" was a luxury beyond their reach, and one seldom enjoyed by many of the Latter-day Saints in those days. On their journey homeward they camped one evening at the edge of a small prairie or open flat surrounded by woods, where a large herd of cattle on their way to market was being pastured for the night, and turned out their teams, as usual, to graze. In the morning their best yoke of cattle was missing, at which they were greatly surprised, this being the first time their cattle had separated. Brother Fielding and Joseph at once started in search, over the prairie, through the tall wet grass, in the woods, far and near, till they were almost exhausted with fatigue and hunger, and saturated to the skin; but their search was vain. Joseph returned first to the wagons towards mid-day, and found his mother engaged in prayer. Brother Fielding arrived soon after, and they sat down to breakfast, which had long been waiting.
"Now," said widow Smith, "while yow are eating I will go down toward the river and see if I can find the cattle."
Brother Fielding remarked, "I think it is listless for you to start out to hunt the cattle, I have inquired of all the herdsmen, and at every house for miles, and I believe they have been driven off." Joseph was evidently of the same opinion, still he had more faith in his mother finding them, if they could be found, than he had either in his uncle or himself; lie knew that she had been praying to the Lord for assistance, and he felt almost sure that the Lord would hear her prayers. Doubtless he would have felt quite sure, had he not been so disheartened by the apparently thorough but fruitless search of the morning. He felt, however, to follow her example; he prayed that his mother might he guided to the cattle, and exercised all the faith he could muster, striving hard to feel confident that she would be. As she was following the little stream, directly in the course she had taken on leaving the wagons, one of the drovers rode up on the opposite side, and said: "Madam, I saw your cattle this morning over in those woods;" pointing almost directly opposite to the course she was taking. She paid no attention to him, but passed right on. He repeated his information; still she did not heed him. He then rode off hurriedly, and in a few moments, with his comrades, began to gather up their cattle and start them on the road toward St. Joseph. She had not gone far when she came upon a small ravine filled with tall willows and brush; hut not tall enough to be seen above the high grass of the prairie. In a dense cluster of these willows she found the oxen, so entangled in the brush, and fastened by means of withes, that it was with great difficulty that she extricated them from their entanglement. This was evidently the work of these honest drovers who so hurriedly disappeared—on seeing they could not turn her from her course—perhaps in search of estray honesty, which it is to be hoped they found.
This circumstance made an indelible impression upon the mind of the lad Joseph. He had witnessed, many evidences of God's mercy in answer to prayer before; but none that seemed to strike him so forcibly as this Young as lie was he realised his mother's anxiety to emigrate with her family to the valley in the spring, and their dependence upon their teams to perform that journey, which to him seemed a formidable, if not an impossible, undertaking in their impoverished circumstances. It was this that made him so disheartened and sorrowful when he feared that the cattle would never be found. Besides, it seemed to him that he could not bear to see .such loss and disappointment come upon his mother, whose life, he had known from his earliest recollection, had been a life of toil and struggle, for the maintenance and welfare of her family. His joy, therefore, as he looked through tears of gratitude to God for His kind mercy extended to the "widow and the fatherless" may be imagined, as he ran to meet his mother driving the oxen toward the wagons.
(To be continued.)
[For the Juvenile Instructor,
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
IN the fall of 1847, widow Smith and her brother Joseph Fielding, made a trip into Missouri, with two teams to purchase provisions for the family. Joseph, her son, accompanying them as teamster; he was then nine years of age. The team he drove consisted of two yokes of oxen, one yoke being young and only partially broke, which with the fact that the roads were very bad with the fall rains, full of stumps at places, sometimes hilly, and that he drove to St. Joseph, Missouri, and back, a distance of about three hundred miles without meeting with one serious accident, proves that he must have been a very fair teamster for a boy at his age.
At St. Joseph they purchased corn and other necessaries getting their corn ground at Savannah on their return journey. "Wheat flour" was a luxury beyond their reach, and one seldom enjoyed by many of the Latter-day Saints in those days. On their journey homeward they camped one evening at the edge of a small prairie or open flat surrounded by woods, where a large herd of cattle on their way to market was being pastured for the night, and turned out their teams, as usual, to graze. In the morning their best yoke of cattle was missing, at which they were greatly surprised, this being the first time their cattle had separated. Brother Fielding and Joseph at once started in search, over the prairie, through the tall wet grass, in the woods, far and near, till they were almost exhausted with fatigue and hunger, and saturated to the skin; but their search was vain. Joseph returned first to the wagons towards mid-day, and found his mother engaged in prayer. Brother Fielding arrived soon after, and they sat down to breakfast, which had long been waiting.
"Now," said widow Smith, "while yow are eating I will go down toward the river and see if I can find the cattle."
Brother Fielding remarked, "I think it is listless for you to start out to hunt the cattle, I have inquired of all the herdsmen, and at every house for miles, and I believe they have been driven off." Joseph was evidently of the same opinion, still he had more faith in his mother finding them, if they could be found, than he had either in his uncle or himself; lie knew that she had been praying to the Lord for assistance, and he felt almost sure that the Lord would hear her prayers. Doubtless he would have felt quite sure, had he not been so disheartened by the apparently thorough but fruitless search of the morning. He felt, however, to follow her example; he prayed that his mother might he guided to the cattle, and exercised all the faith he could muster, striving hard to feel confident that she would be. As she was following the little stream, directly in the course she had taken on leaving the wagons, one of the drovers rode up on the opposite side, and said: "Madam, I saw your cattle this morning over in those woods;" pointing almost directly opposite to the course she was taking. She paid no attention to him, but passed right on. He repeated his information; still she did not heed him. He then rode off hurriedly, and in a few moments, with his comrades, began to gather up their cattle and start them on the road toward St. Joseph. She had not gone far when she came upon a small ravine filled with tall willows and brush; hut not tall enough to be seen above the high grass of the prairie. In a dense cluster of these willows she found the oxen, so entangled in the brush, and fastened by means of withes, that it was with great difficulty that she extricated them from their entanglement. This was evidently the work of these honest drovers who so hurriedly disappeared—on seeing they could not turn her from her course—perhaps in search of estray honesty, which it is to be hoped they found.
This circumstance made an indelible impression upon the mind of the lad Joseph. He had witnessed, many evidences of God's mercy in answer to prayer before; but none that seemed to strike him so forcibly as this Young as lie was he realised his mother's anxiety to emigrate with her family to the valley in the spring, and their dependence upon their teams to perform that journey, which to him seemed a formidable, if not an impossible, undertaking in their impoverished circumstances. It was this that made him so disheartened and sorrowful when he feared that the cattle would never be found. Besides, it seemed to him that he could not bear to see .such loss and disappointment come upon his mother, whose life, he had known from his earliest recollection, had been a life of toil and struggle, for the maintenance and welfare of her family. His joy, therefore, as he looked through tears of gratitude to God for His kind mercy extended to the "widow and the fatherless" may be imagined, as he ran to meet his mother driving the oxen toward the wagons.
(To be continued.)
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 1 April 1871. pg. 51.
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
JOSEPH was herd-boy. One bright morning, sometime in the Pall of 1847, in company with his herd-boy companions, whose names were Alden Burdick, (almost a young man, and very sober and steady), Thomas Burdick, cousin to Alden, about Joseph's size, but somewhat older, and Isaac Blocksome, younger; he started out with his cattle as usual for the herd grounds, .some two miles from Winter Quarters. They had two horses, both belonging to the Burdicks, and a pet jack belonging to Joseph. Their herd that day comprised not only the cows and young stock, but the work oxen, which fir some cause were unemployed.
Alden proposed to take a trip on foot through the hazel, and gather nuts for the party, and by the "lower road" meet the boys at the spring on the herd ground, while they drove the herd by the "upper road," which was free from brush. This arrangement just suited Joseph and Thomas, for they were very fond of a little sport, and his absence would afford them full scope; while his presence served as an extinguisher upon the exuberance of their mirth. Joseph rode Alden's bay mare, a very fine animal; Thomas, his father's black pony, and Isaac the pet Jack. Tills Jack had deformed or crooked fore-legs, and was very knowing in his way; so "Ike" and the Jack wore the subjects chosen by Joseph and Thomas for their sport. They would tickle "Jackie," and plague him, he would kick up, stick his head down, hump up his back and run, while Isaac struggled in vain to guide or hold him by the bridle reins, for like the rest of his tribe he was very headstrong when abused. No harm or even offense to Isaac was intended; but they carried their fun too far; Isaac was offended, and returned home on foot, turning loose the Jack with the bridle on. We will not try to excuse Joseph and Thomas in this rudeness to Isaac, for although they were well-meaning boys, it was no doubt very wrong to carry their frolics so far as to offend, or hurt the feelings of their playmate, and especially so that he was younger than they; but in justice to them it is fair to say they were heartily sorry when they found they had given such sore offense.
When Joseph and Thomas arrived at the spring they set down their dinner pails by it, mounted their horses again, and began to amuse themselves by limning short races, jumping ditches and riding about. They would not have done this had Alden been there. They had not even done such a thing before, although the same opportunity had not been wanting; but for some reason,—ever fond of frolic and mischief,—they were more than usually so this morning. It is said that not even a "sparrow falls to the ground" without God's notice, is it unreasonable to suppose that He saw these boys? And as He overrules the actions of even the wicked, and causes their "wrath to praise Him," would it be inconsistent to suppose that the Lord overruled the frolics of these mischievous, but not wicked boys on this occasion for good, perhaps for their deliverance and salvation? We shall see.
While they were riding about and the cattle were feeding down the little spring creek toward a point of the hill that jutted out into the little valley about half a mile distant, the "leaders" being about half way to it, a gang of Indians on horseback, painted, then hair daubed with white clay, stripped to the skin, suddenly appeared from behind the hill, whooping and charging at full speed toward them. Now, had these boys turned out their horses, as under other circumstances they should, and no doubt would, have done, they and the cattle would have been an easy prey to the Indians, the boys themselves being completely at their mercy, such mercy as might be expected from a thieving band of savages. In an instant, Thomas put his pony under full run for home, crying at the top of his voice, "Indians, Indians!" At the same instant Joseph set out at full speed for the head of the herd, with a view to save them if possible.
He only could tell the multitude of his thoughts in that single moment. Boy as he was, he made a desperate resolve. His mother, his brother and sisters and their dependence upon their cattle for transportation to the Valley in the spring, occupied his thoughts and nerved him to meet the Indians half-way, and risk his life to save the cattle from being driven off by them. At the moment that he reached the foremost of the herd, the Indians, with terrific yells reached the same spot, which frightened the cattle so, that with the almost superhuman effort of the little boy to head them in the right direction, and at the same time to elude the grasp of the Indians, in an instant they were all on the stampede toward home. Here the Indians divided, the foremost passing by Joseph in hot pursuit of Thomas, who by this time had reached the brow of the hill on the upper road leading to town, but he was on foot. He had left his pony, knowing the Indians could outrun—and perhaps would overtake him. And thinking they would be satisfied with only the horse, and by leaving that, he could make good his escape.
[To be continued.]
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
JOSEPH was herd-boy. One bright morning, sometime in the Pall of 1847, in company with his herd-boy companions, whose names were Alden Burdick, (almost a young man, and very sober and steady), Thomas Burdick, cousin to Alden, about Joseph's size, but somewhat older, and Isaac Blocksome, younger; he started out with his cattle as usual for the herd grounds, .some two miles from Winter Quarters. They had two horses, both belonging to the Burdicks, and a pet jack belonging to Joseph. Their herd that day comprised not only the cows and young stock, but the work oxen, which fir some cause were unemployed.
Alden proposed to take a trip on foot through the hazel, and gather nuts for the party, and by the "lower road" meet the boys at the spring on the herd ground, while they drove the herd by the "upper road," which was free from brush. This arrangement just suited Joseph and Thomas, for they were very fond of a little sport, and his absence would afford them full scope; while his presence served as an extinguisher upon the exuberance of their mirth. Joseph rode Alden's bay mare, a very fine animal; Thomas, his father's black pony, and Isaac the pet Jack. Tills Jack had deformed or crooked fore-legs, and was very knowing in his way; so "Ike" and the Jack wore the subjects chosen by Joseph and Thomas for their sport. They would tickle "Jackie," and plague him, he would kick up, stick his head down, hump up his back and run, while Isaac struggled in vain to guide or hold him by the bridle reins, for like the rest of his tribe he was very headstrong when abused. No harm or even offense to Isaac was intended; but they carried their fun too far; Isaac was offended, and returned home on foot, turning loose the Jack with the bridle on. We will not try to excuse Joseph and Thomas in this rudeness to Isaac, for although they were well-meaning boys, it was no doubt very wrong to carry their frolics so far as to offend, or hurt the feelings of their playmate, and especially so that he was younger than they; but in justice to them it is fair to say they were heartily sorry when they found they had given such sore offense.
When Joseph and Thomas arrived at the spring they set down their dinner pails by it, mounted their horses again, and began to amuse themselves by limning short races, jumping ditches and riding about. They would not have done this had Alden been there. They had not even done such a thing before, although the same opportunity had not been wanting; but for some reason,—ever fond of frolic and mischief,—they were more than usually so this morning. It is said that not even a "sparrow falls to the ground" without God's notice, is it unreasonable to suppose that He saw these boys? And as He overrules the actions of even the wicked, and causes their "wrath to praise Him," would it be inconsistent to suppose that the Lord overruled the frolics of these mischievous, but not wicked boys on this occasion for good, perhaps for their deliverance and salvation? We shall see.
While they were riding about and the cattle were feeding down the little spring creek toward a point of the hill that jutted out into the little valley about half a mile distant, the "leaders" being about half way to it, a gang of Indians on horseback, painted, then hair daubed with white clay, stripped to the skin, suddenly appeared from behind the hill, whooping and charging at full speed toward them. Now, had these boys turned out their horses, as under other circumstances they should, and no doubt would, have done, they and the cattle would have been an easy prey to the Indians, the boys themselves being completely at their mercy, such mercy as might be expected from a thieving band of savages. In an instant, Thomas put his pony under full run for home, crying at the top of his voice, "Indians, Indians!" At the same instant Joseph set out at full speed for the head of the herd, with a view to save them if possible.
He only could tell the multitude of his thoughts in that single moment. Boy as he was, he made a desperate resolve. His mother, his brother and sisters and their dependence upon their cattle for transportation to the Valley in the spring, occupied his thoughts and nerved him to meet the Indians half-way, and risk his life to save the cattle from being driven off by them. At the moment that he reached the foremost of the herd, the Indians, with terrific yells reached the same spot, which frightened the cattle so, that with the almost superhuman effort of the little boy to head them in the right direction, and at the same time to elude the grasp of the Indians, in an instant they were all on the stampede toward home. Here the Indians divided, the foremost passing by Joseph in hot pursuit of Thomas, who by this time had reached the brow of the hill on the upper road leading to town, but he was on foot. He had left his pony, knowing the Indians could outrun—and perhaps would overtake him. And thinking they would be satisfied with only the horse, and by leaving that, he could make good his escape.
[To be continued.]
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 15 April 1871. pg. 63.
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
JOSEPH'S horse was fleeter on foot, besides, he was determined to sell what he had to, at the dearest possible rate. The rest of the Indians of the first gang, about half a dozen, endeavored to capture him ; but in a miraculous manner he eluded them, contriving to keep the cattle headed in the direction of the lower road towards home, until he reached the head of the spring. Here the Indians who pursued Thomas,—excepting the one in possession of Thomas' horse, which he had captured and was leading away towards the point,—met him, turning his horse around the spring and down the course of the stream, the whole gang of Indians in full chase. He could outrun them, and had he now, freed from the herd, been in the direction of home he could have made his escape ; but as he reached a point opposite the hill from whence the Indians came, he was met by another gang who had crossed the stream for that purpose, again turning his horse. Making a circuit, he once more got started towards home. His faithful animal began to lose breath and flag. He could still, however, keep out of the reach of his pursuers; but now the hindmost in the down race began to file in before him, as he had turned about, by forming a platoon and veering to the right or left in front, as he endeavored to pass, they obstructed his course, so that those behind overtook him just as he once more reached the spring. Kiding up on either side, one Indian fiercely took him by the right arm, another by the left leg, while a third was prepared to close in and secure his horse. Having forced his reins from his grip, they raised him from the saddle, slackened speed till his horse ran from under him, then dashed him to the ground among their horses' feet while running at great speed. He was considerably stunned by the fall, but fortunately escaped further injury, notwithstanding, perhaps a dozen horses passed over him. As he rose to his feet, several men were in sight on the top of the hm, with pitchforks in their hands, at the sight of whom the Indians fled in the direction they had come. These men had been alarmed by Thomas' cry of Indians, while on their way to the hay fields, and reached the place in time to see Joseph's horse captured and another incident which was rather amusing. The Jack, which did not stampede with the cattle, had strayed off alone toward the point of the hill still wearing his bridle. An old Indian with some corn in a buckskin sack was trying to catch him; but "Jackie" did not fancy Mr. Indian, although not afraid of him, and so would wheel from him as he would attempt to take hold of the bridle. As the men appeared, the Indian made a desperate lunge to catch the Jack, but was kicked over, and his corn split on the ground. The Indian jumped up and took to his heels, and "Jackie" deliberately ate up his corn. By this time the cattle were scattered off in the brush lining the Iower road, still heading towards town. The men with the pitchforks soon disappeared from the hill, continuing on to the hay-fields, and Joseph found himself alone, affording him a good opportunity to reflect on his escape and situation. The truth is, his own thoughts made him more afraid than did the Indians. What if they should return to complete their task, which he had been instrumental in so signally defeating? They would evidently show him no mercy. They had tried to trample him to death with their horses, and what could he do on foot and alone? It would take him a lung time to gather up the cattle, from among the brush. The Indians might return any moment, there was nothing to prevent them doing so. These were his thoughts, he concluded therefore that time was precious, and that he would follow the example, now, of Thomas, and "make tracks” for home. When he arrived the people had gathered in the old bowery, and were busy organizing two companies, one of foot and the other of horsemen, to pursue the Indians. All was excitement his mother and the family were almost distracted, supposing he had been killed or captured by the Indians. Thomas had told the whole story so far as he knew it, the supposition was therefore inevitable; judge, therefore, of the happy surprise of his mother and sisters on seeing him, not only, alive, but uninjured. Their tears of joy were even more copious than those of grief a moment before.
But Joseph's son-ow had not yet began. He and Thomas returned with the company of armed men on foot to hunt for the cattle, while the horsemen were to pursue the Indians, if possible, to recover the horses. When they arrived again at the spring he sign of the cattle could be seen; even the dinner pails had been taken away. On looking around, the saddle blanket from the horse Joseph rode was found near the spring. Was this evidence that the Indians had returned as Joseph had suspected? And had they, after all, succeeded in driving off the cattle? These were the questions which arose. All that day did they hunt, but in vain, to find any further trace of them; and as they finally gave up the search and bent their weary steps towards home, all hope of success seemingly fled. Joseph could no longer suppress the heavy weight of grief that filled his heart, and he gave vent to it in bitter tears, and wished he had been a man.
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
JOSEPH'S horse was fleeter on foot, besides, he was determined to sell what he had to, at the dearest possible rate. The rest of the Indians of the first gang, about half a dozen, endeavored to capture him ; but in a miraculous manner he eluded them, contriving to keep the cattle headed in the direction of the lower road towards home, until he reached the head of the spring. Here the Indians who pursued Thomas,—excepting the one in possession of Thomas' horse, which he had captured and was leading away towards the point,—met him, turning his horse around the spring and down the course of the stream, the whole gang of Indians in full chase. He could outrun them, and had he now, freed from the herd, been in the direction of home he could have made his escape ; but as he reached a point opposite the hill from whence the Indians came, he was met by another gang who had crossed the stream for that purpose, again turning his horse. Making a circuit, he once more got started towards home. His faithful animal began to lose breath and flag. He could still, however, keep out of the reach of his pursuers; but now the hindmost in the down race began to file in before him, as he had turned about, by forming a platoon and veering to the right or left in front, as he endeavored to pass, they obstructed his course, so that those behind overtook him just as he once more reached the spring. Kiding up on either side, one Indian fiercely took him by the right arm, another by the left leg, while a third was prepared to close in and secure his horse. Having forced his reins from his grip, they raised him from the saddle, slackened speed till his horse ran from under him, then dashed him to the ground among their horses' feet while running at great speed. He was considerably stunned by the fall, but fortunately escaped further injury, notwithstanding, perhaps a dozen horses passed over him. As he rose to his feet, several men were in sight on the top of the hm, with pitchforks in their hands, at the sight of whom the Indians fled in the direction they had come. These men had been alarmed by Thomas' cry of Indians, while on their way to the hay fields, and reached the place in time to see Joseph's horse captured and another incident which was rather amusing. The Jack, which did not stampede with the cattle, had strayed off alone toward the point of the hill still wearing his bridle. An old Indian with some corn in a buckskin sack was trying to catch him; but "Jackie" did not fancy Mr. Indian, although not afraid of him, and so would wheel from him as he would attempt to take hold of the bridle. As the men appeared, the Indian made a desperate lunge to catch the Jack, but was kicked over, and his corn split on the ground. The Indian jumped up and took to his heels, and "Jackie" deliberately ate up his corn. By this time the cattle were scattered off in the brush lining the Iower road, still heading towards town. The men with the pitchforks soon disappeared from the hill, continuing on to the hay-fields, and Joseph found himself alone, affording him a good opportunity to reflect on his escape and situation. The truth is, his own thoughts made him more afraid than did the Indians. What if they should return to complete their task, which he had been instrumental in so signally defeating? They would evidently show him no mercy. They had tried to trample him to death with their horses, and what could he do on foot and alone? It would take him a lung time to gather up the cattle, from among the brush. The Indians might return any moment, there was nothing to prevent them doing so. These were his thoughts, he concluded therefore that time was precious, and that he would follow the example, now, of Thomas, and "make tracks” for home. When he arrived the people had gathered in the old bowery, and were busy organizing two companies, one of foot and the other of horsemen, to pursue the Indians. All was excitement his mother and the family were almost distracted, supposing he had been killed or captured by the Indians. Thomas had told the whole story so far as he knew it, the supposition was therefore inevitable; judge, therefore, of the happy surprise of his mother and sisters on seeing him, not only, alive, but uninjured. Their tears of joy were even more copious than those of grief a moment before.
But Joseph's son-ow had not yet began. He and Thomas returned with the company of armed men on foot to hunt for the cattle, while the horsemen were to pursue the Indians, if possible, to recover the horses. When they arrived again at the spring he sign of the cattle could be seen; even the dinner pails had been taken away. On looking around, the saddle blanket from the horse Joseph rode was found near the spring. Was this evidence that the Indians had returned as Joseph had suspected? And had they, after all, succeeded in driving off the cattle? These were the questions which arose. All that day did they hunt, but in vain, to find any further trace of them; and as they finally gave up the search and bent their weary steps towards home, all hope of success seemingly fled. Joseph could no longer suppress the heavy weight of grief that filled his heart, and he gave vent to it in bitter tears, and wished he had been a man.
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 27 May 1871. pg. 87-88.
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
IT is said “calms succeed storms”, “one extreme follows another," &c. Certainly joy followed closely on the heels of grief more than once this day, for when Joseph and Thomas reached home, to their surprise and unspeakable joy, they found all their cattle safely corralled in their yards where they had been all the afternoon. Alden, it seems, reached the herd ground just after Joseph had left. He found the cattle straggling off in the wrong direction unherded, he could find no trace of the boys or horses, although he discovered the dinner pails at the spring as usual. When he had thoroughly satisfied himself by observations that all was not right, and perhaps something very serious was the matter, he came to the conclusion to take the dinner pails, gather up the cattle and go home, which he did by the lower road, reaching home some time after the company had left by the upper road in search of them. He of course learned the particulars of the whole affair, and must have felt thankful that he had escaped. A messenger was sent to notify the company of the safety of the cattle, but for some reason he did not overtake them.
In the Spring of 1847, George Mills was fitted out with a team and went in the company of President Young as one of the Pioneers to the Valley; and soon after, a portion of the family, in the care of Brother James Lawson, emigrated from "Winter Quarters," arriving in the Valley that fall.
In the Spring of 1848, a tremendous effort was made by the Saints to immigrate to the Valley on a grand scale, No one was more anxious than Widow Smith; but to accomplish it seemed an impossibility. She still had a large and, comparatively, helpless family. Her two sons, John and Joseph, mere boys, being her only support; the men folks, as they were called, Brothers J. Lawson and G. Mills being in the valley with the teams they had taken. Without teams sufficient to draw the number of wagons necessary to haul provisions and outfit for the family, and without means to purchase, or friends who were in circumstances to assist, she determined to make the attempt, and trust in the Lord for the issue. Accordingly every nerve was strained, and every available object was brought into requisition. "Jackie" was traded off for provisions, cows and calves were yoked up. two wagons lashed together, and team barely sufficient to draw one was hitched on to them, and in this manner they rolled out from Winter Quarters some time in May. After a series of the most amusing and trying circumstances, such as sticking in the mud, doubling teams up all the little hills and crashing at ungovernable speed down the opposite sides, braking wagon tongues and reaches, upsetting and vainly endeavoring to control wild steers, heifers, and unbroken cows, they finally succeeded in reaching the Elk Horn, where the companies were being organized for the plains.
Here, widow Smith reported herself to President Kimball, as having "started for the Valley." Meantime, she had left no stone unturned or problem untried, which promised assistance in effecting the necessary preparation for the journey. She had done to her utmost, and still the way looked dark and impossible.
President Kimball consigned her to Captain :—'s fifty. The Captain was present; said he,
"Widow Smith, how many wagons have you?"
"Seven."
"How many yokes of oxen have you?"
"Four,'' and so many cows and calves.
"Well," says the captain, "Widow Smith, it is folly for you to start in this manner; you never can make the journey. and if you try it, .you will be a burden upon the company the whole way. My advice to you is, go back to Winter Quarters and wait till you can get help."
This speech aroused the indignation of Joseph, who stood by and heard it ; he thought it was poor consolation to his mother who was struggling so hard, even against hope as it were, for her deliverance ; and if he had been a little older it is possible that he would have said some very harsh things to the Captain, but as it was, he busied himself with his thoughts and bit his lips.
Widow Smith calmly replied, "Father '" (he was an aged man,) "I will beat you to the Valley and will ask no help from you either!"
This seemed to nettle the old gentleman, for he was high metal. It is possible that he never forgot this prediction, and that it influenced his conduct towards her more or less from that time forth as long as he lived, and especially during the journey.
While the companies were lying at Elk Horn, Widow Smith sent back U) Winter Quarters, and by the blessing of God, succeeded in buying on credit, and hiring for the journey, several yokes of oxen from brethren who were not able to emigrate that year, (among the.se brethren one Brother Rogers was ever gratefully remembered by the family.) When the companies were ready to start, Widow Smith and her family were somewhat better prepared for the journey and rolled out with lighter hearts and better prospects than favored their egress from Winter (Quarters. But Joseph often wished that his mother had been consigned to some other company, for although everything seemed to move along pleasantly, his ears were frequently saluted with expressions which seemed to be prompted by feelings of disappointment and regret at his mother's prosperity and success—expressions which, it seemed to him, were made expressly for his ear. To this, however, he paid as little regard as it was possible for a boy of his temperament to do. One cause for annoyance was the fact that his mother would not permit him to stand guard of nights the same as a man or his older brother John, when the Captain required it. She was willing for him to herd in the day time and do his duty in everything that seemed to her in reason could be required of him; but, as he was only ten years of age, she did not consider him old enough to do guard duty of nights to protect the camp from Indians, stampedes, &c.; therefore, when the Captain required him to stand guard. Widow Smith objected. He was, therefore, frequently sneered at as being "petted by his mother," which was a sore trial to him.
[To be continued.]
[For the Juvenile Instructor.
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Continued.)
IT is said “calms succeed storms”, “one extreme follows another," &c. Certainly joy followed closely on the heels of grief more than once this day, for when Joseph and Thomas reached home, to their surprise and unspeakable joy, they found all their cattle safely corralled in their yards where they had been all the afternoon. Alden, it seems, reached the herd ground just after Joseph had left. He found the cattle straggling off in the wrong direction unherded, he could find no trace of the boys or horses, although he discovered the dinner pails at the spring as usual. When he had thoroughly satisfied himself by observations that all was not right, and perhaps something very serious was the matter, he came to the conclusion to take the dinner pails, gather up the cattle and go home, which he did by the lower road, reaching home some time after the company had left by the upper road in search of them. He of course learned the particulars of the whole affair, and must have felt thankful that he had escaped. A messenger was sent to notify the company of the safety of the cattle, but for some reason he did not overtake them.
In the Spring of 1847, George Mills was fitted out with a team and went in the company of President Young as one of the Pioneers to the Valley; and soon after, a portion of the family, in the care of Brother James Lawson, emigrated from "Winter Quarters," arriving in the Valley that fall.
In the Spring of 1848, a tremendous effort was made by the Saints to immigrate to the Valley on a grand scale, No one was more anxious than Widow Smith; but to accomplish it seemed an impossibility. She still had a large and, comparatively, helpless family. Her two sons, John and Joseph, mere boys, being her only support; the men folks, as they were called, Brothers J. Lawson and G. Mills being in the valley with the teams they had taken. Without teams sufficient to draw the number of wagons necessary to haul provisions and outfit for the family, and without means to purchase, or friends who were in circumstances to assist, she determined to make the attempt, and trust in the Lord for the issue. Accordingly every nerve was strained, and every available object was brought into requisition. "Jackie" was traded off for provisions, cows and calves were yoked up. two wagons lashed together, and team barely sufficient to draw one was hitched on to them, and in this manner they rolled out from Winter Quarters some time in May. After a series of the most amusing and trying circumstances, such as sticking in the mud, doubling teams up all the little hills and crashing at ungovernable speed down the opposite sides, braking wagon tongues and reaches, upsetting and vainly endeavoring to control wild steers, heifers, and unbroken cows, they finally succeeded in reaching the Elk Horn, where the companies were being organized for the plains.
Here, widow Smith reported herself to President Kimball, as having "started for the Valley." Meantime, she had left no stone unturned or problem untried, which promised assistance in effecting the necessary preparation for the journey. She had done to her utmost, and still the way looked dark and impossible.
President Kimball consigned her to Captain :—'s fifty. The Captain was present; said he,
"Widow Smith, how many wagons have you?"
"Seven."
"How many yokes of oxen have you?"
"Four,'' and so many cows and calves.
"Well," says the captain, "Widow Smith, it is folly for you to start in this manner; you never can make the journey. and if you try it, .you will be a burden upon the company the whole way. My advice to you is, go back to Winter Quarters and wait till you can get help."
This speech aroused the indignation of Joseph, who stood by and heard it ; he thought it was poor consolation to his mother who was struggling so hard, even against hope as it were, for her deliverance ; and if he had been a little older it is possible that he would have said some very harsh things to the Captain, but as it was, he busied himself with his thoughts and bit his lips.
Widow Smith calmly replied, "Father '" (he was an aged man,) "I will beat you to the Valley and will ask no help from you either!"
This seemed to nettle the old gentleman, for he was high metal. It is possible that he never forgot this prediction, and that it influenced his conduct towards her more or less from that time forth as long as he lived, and especially during the journey.
While the companies were lying at Elk Horn, Widow Smith sent back U) Winter Quarters, and by the blessing of God, succeeded in buying on credit, and hiring for the journey, several yokes of oxen from brethren who were not able to emigrate that year, (among the.se brethren one Brother Rogers was ever gratefully remembered by the family.) When the companies were ready to start, Widow Smith and her family were somewhat better prepared for the journey and rolled out with lighter hearts and better prospects than favored their egress from Winter (Quarters. But Joseph often wished that his mother had been consigned to some other company, for although everything seemed to move along pleasantly, his ears were frequently saluted with expressions which seemed to be prompted by feelings of disappointment and regret at his mother's prosperity and success—expressions which, it seemed to him, were made expressly for his ear. To this, however, he paid as little regard as it was possible for a boy of his temperament to do. One cause for annoyance was the fact that his mother would not permit him to stand guard of nights the same as a man or his older brother John, when the Captain required it. She was willing for him to herd in the day time and do his duty in everything that seemed to her in reason could be required of him; but, as he was only ten years of age, she did not consider him old enough to do guard duty of nights to protect the camp from Indians, stampedes, &c.; therefore, when the Captain required him to stand guard. Widow Smith objected. He was, therefore, frequently sneered at as being "petted by his mother," which was a sore trial to him.
[To be continued.]
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 10 June 1871. pg. 91.
Recollections.
(Continued.)
ONE day the company overtook President Kimball’s company, which was traveling ahead of them; this was somewhere near the north fork of the Platto River. Jane Wilson, who has been mentioned as being a member of the family of Widow Smith, and as being troubled with fits, &c., and withal very fond of snuff, started ahead to overtake her mother who was in the family of Bishop N. K, Whitney, in President Kimball's company, supposing both companies would camp together, and she could easily return to her own camp in the evening. But, early in the afternoon, our Captain ordered a halt, and camped for that night and the next day. This move, unfortunately, compelled poor Jane to continue on with her mother in the preceding company.
Towards evening the Captain took a position in the centre of the corral formed by the wagons, and called the company together, and then cried out:
"Is all right in the camp?" "Is all right in the camp?"
Not supposing for a moment that anything was wrong no one replied. He repeated the question again and again, each time increasing his vehemence, until some began to feel alarmed. Old "Uncle Tommie" Harrington replied in good English style, "nout's the matter wi me" "nout's the matter wi me;" and one after another replied, "Nothing is the matter with me," until it came to Widow Smith, at which, in a towering rage, the Captain exclaimed, "All's right in the camp, and a poor woman lost!"
Widow Smith replied, "she is not lost; she is with her mother, and as safe as I am."
At which the Captain lost all control of his temper, and fairly screamed out, "I rebuke you, Widow Smith, in the name of the Lord!" pouring forth a tirade of abuse upon her. Nothing would pacify him till he proposed to send her son John ahead to find Jane. It was almost dark, and he would doubtless have to travel until nearly midnight before he would overtake the company ; but he started, alone and maimed, in an unknown region, an Indian country, infested by hordes of hungry wolves ravenous for the dead cattle strewn here and there along the road, which drew them in such numbers that their howlings awakened the echoes of the night, making it hideous and disturbing the slumbers of the camps.
That night was spent by Widow Smith in prayer and anguish for the safety of her son; but the nest day John returned all safe, and reported that he had found Jane all right with her mother. Widow Smith's fears for his safety, although perhaps unnecessary, were not groundless, as his account of his night's trip proved. The wolves growled and glared at him as he passed along, not earing even to get out of the road for him; their eyes gleaming like balls of fire through the darkness on every hand; but they did not molest him; still, the task was one that would have made a timid person shudder and shrink from its performance.
Another circumstance occurred, while camped at this place, which had a wonderful influence, some time afterwards, upon Captain 's mind. There was a party of the brethren started out on a hunting expedition, for the day. A boy, that was driving team for Widow Smith, but little larger than Joseph, although several years his senior, accompanied them, riding with the Captain in his carriage, which they took along to carry their game in. This boy—(he is now a man, and no doubt a good Latter-day Saint) was a very great favorite of the Captain's; and was often cited by him as a worthy example for Joseph, as he stood guard, and was very obliging and obedient to him. During the day the Captain left him in charge of Ids carriage and team, while he went some distance away in search of game, charging W not to leave the spot until he returned. Soon after the Captain got out of sight, W-- drove off in pursuit of some of the brethren in another direction, and when he overtook them, strange to say, he told a most foolish and flimsy story, which aroused their suspicion. They charged him with falsehood, but he unwisely stuck to his story. It was this: "Captain --- had sent him to tell them to drive the game down to a certain point, so that he (the Captain might have a shot as well as they." Having done this, he started back to his post, expecting to get there, of course, before the Captain returned. But unfortunately for his good reputation with the Captain, he was too late. The Captain had returned, but the carriage was gone, not knowing the reason he doubtless became alarmed, as he immediately started in search, instead of waiting to see if it would return. He missed connection, and was subjected to a tedious tramp and great anxiety, until he fell in with those brethren, who related the strange interview they had had with W and the mystery was explained. Returning again, there he found the carriage and W-- all right, looking innocent and dutiful, little suspecting that the Captain knew all, and the storm that was about to burst upon his devoted head. But like a thunder-clap the storm came. At first W-- affected bewilderment, putting on an air of injured innocence, but soon gave way before the avalanche of wrath hurled upon him. poor fellow! he had destroyed the Captain's confidence in him, and would he ever regain it? The reader can readily imagine, this would be a difficult matter. Sometime after this, the Captain went out from camp with his carriage to gather saleratus, and on the way overtook Joseph on foot. To Joseph's utter astonishment, the Captain stopped and invited him to ride. There was another brother in the carriage with him. As they went along, the Captain told this story, and concluded by saying, "Now Joseph, since W-- has betrayed my confidence, so that I dare not trust him any more, you shall take his place. I don't believe you will deceive me." Joseph in the best manner he possibly could, declined the honor proffered to him.
(To be continued.)
Recollections.
(Continued.)
ONE day the company overtook President Kimball’s company, which was traveling ahead of them; this was somewhere near the north fork of the Platto River. Jane Wilson, who has been mentioned as being a member of the family of Widow Smith, and as being troubled with fits, &c., and withal very fond of snuff, started ahead to overtake her mother who was in the family of Bishop N. K, Whitney, in President Kimball's company, supposing both companies would camp together, and she could easily return to her own camp in the evening. But, early in the afternoon, our Captain ordered a halt, and camped for that night and the next day. This move, unfortunately, compelled poor Jane to continue on with her mother in the preceding company.
Towards evening the Captain took a position in the centre of the corral formed by the wagons, and called the company together, and then cried out:
"Is all right in the camp?" "Is all right in the camp?"
Not supposing for a moment that anything was wrong no one replied. He repeated the question again and again, each time increasing his vehemence, until some began to feel alarmed. Old "Uncle Tommie" Harrington replied in good English style, "nout's the matter wi me" "nout's the matter wi me;" and one after another replied, "Nothing is the matter with me," until it came to Widow Smith, at which, in a towering rage, the Captain exclaimed, "All's right in the camp, and a poor woman lost!"
Widow Smith replied, "she is not lost; she is with her mother, and as safe as I am."
At which the Captain lost all control of his temper, and fairly screamed out, "I rebuke you, Widow Smith, in the name of the Lord!" pouring forth a tirade of abuse upon her. Nothing would pacify him till he proposed to send her son John ahead to find Jane. It was almost dark, and he would doubtless have to travel until nearly midnight before he would overtake the company ; but he started, alone and maimed, in an unknown region, an Indian country, infested by hordes of hungry wolves ravenous for the dead cattle strewn here and there along the road, which drew them in such numbers that their howlings awakened the echoes of the night, making it hideous and disturbing the slumbers of the camps.
That night was spent by Widow Smith in prayer and anguish for the safety of her son; but the nest day John returned all safe, and reported that he had found Jane all right with her mother. Widow Smith's fears for his safety, although perhaps unnecessary, were not groundless, as his account of his night's trip proved. The wolves growled and glared at him as he passed along, not earing even to get out of the road for him; their eyes gleaming like balls of fire through the darkness on every hand; but they did not molest him; still, the task was one that would have made a timid person shudder and shrink from its performance.
Another circumstance occurred, while camped at this place, which had a wonderful influence, some time afterwards, upon Captain 's mind. There was a party of the brethren started out on a hunting expedition, for the day. A boy, that was driving team for Widow Smith, but little larger than Joseph, although several years his senior, accompanied them, riding with the Captain in his carriage, which they took along to carry their game in. This boy—(he is now a man, and no doubt a good Latter-day Saint) was a very great favorite of the Captain's; and was often cited by him as a worthy example for Joseph, as he stood guard, and was very obliging and obedient to him. During the day the Captain left him in charge of Ids carriage and team, while he went some distance away in search of game, charging W not to leave the spot until he returned. Soon after the Captain got out of sight, W-- drove off in pursuit of some of the brethren in another direction, and when he overtook them, strange to say, he told a most foolish and flimsy story, which aroused their suspicion. They charged him with falsehood, but he unwisely stuck to his story. It was this: "Captain --- had sent him to tell them to drive the game down to a certain point, so that he (the Captain might have a shot as well as they." Having done this, he started back to his post, expecting to get there, of course, before the Captain returned. But unfortunately for his good reputation with the Captain, he was too late. The Captain had returned, but the carriage was gone, not knowing the reason he doubtless became alarmed, as he immediately started in search, instead of waiting to see if it would return. He missed connection, and was subjected to a tedious tramp and great anxiety, until he fell in with those brethren, who related the strange interview they had had with W and the mystery was explained. Returning again, there he found the carriage and W-- all right, looking innocent and dutiful, little suspecting that the Captain knew all, and the storm that was about to burst upon his devoted head. But like a thunder-clap the storm came. At first W-- affected bewilderment, putting on an air of injured innocence, but soon gave way before the avalanche of wrath hurled upon him. poor fellow! he had destroyed the Captain's confidence in him, and would he ever regain it? The reader can readily imagine, this would be a difficult matter. Sometime after this, the Captain went out from camp with his carriage to gather saleratus, and on the way overtook Joseph on foot. To Joseph's utter astonishment, the Captain stopped and invited him to ride. There was another brother in the carriage with him. As they went along, the Captain told this story, and concluded by saying, "Now Joseph, since W-- has betrayed my confidence, so that I dare not trust him any more, you shall take his place. I don't believe you will deceive me." Joseph in the best manner he possibly could, declined the honor proffered to him.
(To be continued.)
Smith, Joseph F. "Recollections." Juvenile Instructor. 24 June 1871. pg. 98-99.
[For the Juvenile Instructor,
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Concluded.)
PASSING over from the Platte to the Sweetwater, the cattle suffered extremely from the heat, the drought, and the scarcity of feed, being compelled to browse on dry rabbit brush, sage brush, weeds and such feed as they could find, all of which had been well picked over by the preceding companies. Captain ----'s company being one of the last, still keeping along, frequently in sight of, and sometimes camping with President Kimball's company which was very large. One day as they were moving along slowly through the hot sand and dust, the sun pouring down with excessive heal, toward noon one of Widow Smith's best oxen laid down in the yoke, rolled over on to his side, and stiffened out his legs spasmodically, evidently in the throes of death. The unanimous opinion was, that he was poisoned. All the hindmost teams of course stopped, the people coining forward to know what was the matter. In a short time the Captain who was in advance of the company, perceiving that something was wrong, came to the spot.
Perhaps no one supposed for a moment that the ox would ever recover. The Captain’s first words on seeing him, were:
"He is dead, there is no use working with him; we'll have to fix up .some way to take the Widow along, I told her she would be a burden upon the company."
Meantime Widow Smith had been searching for a bottle of consecrated oil in one of the wagons, and now came forward with it, and asked her brother, Joseph Fielding, and the other brethren, to administer to the ox, thinking the Lord would raise him up. They did so, pouring a portion of oil on the top of his head, between and back of the horns, and all laid hands upon him, and one prayed, administering the ordinance as they would have done to a human being that was sick. Can you guess the result? In a moment he gathered his legs under him, and at the first word arose to his feet, and traveled right off as well as ever. He was not even unyoked from his mate. The Captain, it may well be supposed, now heartily regretted his hasty conclusions and unhappy expressions. They had not gone very far when another and an exactly similar circumstance occurred. This time also it was one of her best oxen, the loss of either would have effectually crippled one team, as they had no cattle to spare. But the Lord mercifully heard their prayers, and recognized the holy ordinance of anointing and prayer, and the authority of the Priesthood when applied in behalf of even a poor dumb brute! Sincere gratitude from more than one heart in that family, went up unto the Lord that day for His visible interposition in their behalf. At or near a place called rattlesnake Send, on the Sweetwater, one of Widow Smith's oxen died of sheer old age, and consequent poverty. He had been comparatively useless fur some time, merely carrying his end of the yoke without being of any further service in the team, he was therefore no great loss.
At the last crossing of Sweetwater, Widow Smith, was met by James Lawson, with a span of horses and a wagon, from the Valley. This enabled her to unload one wagon, and send it, with the best team, back to Winter Quarters to assist another family the next season. Elder Joel Terry returned with the team. At this place the Captain was very unfortunate, several of his best cattle and a valuable mule laid down and died, supposed to have been caused by eating poisonous weeds. There was no one in the camp who did not feel a lively sympathy for the Captain, he took it to heart very much. He was under the necessity of obtaining help, and Widow Smith was the first to offer it to him, but he refused to accept of it from her hands. Joseph sympathised with him, and would gladly have done anything in his power to aid him ; but here again, it is painful to say, he repulsed his sympathy and chilled his heart and feelings more and more by insinuating to others, in his presence, that Widow Smith had poisoned his cattle 1 Saying, " why should my cattle, and nobody's else, die in this manner? There is more than a chance about this. It was well planned," &c., expressly for his ear. This last thrust was the severing blow. Joseph resolved, someday, to demand satisfaction not only for this, but for every other indignity he had heaped upon his mother.
On the 22nd of September, 1848, Captain 's fifty crossed over the "Big Mountain," when they had the first glimpse of Salt Lake Valley. It was a beautiful day. Fleecy clouds hung round over the summits of the highest mountains, casting their shadows down the valley beneath, hightening, by contrast, the golden hue of the sun's rays which fell through the openings upon the dry bunch-grass and sage-bush plains, gilding them with fairy brightness, and making the arid desert to seem like an enchanted spot. Every heart rejoiced, and with lingering fondness, wistfully gazed from the summit of the mountain upon the western side of the valley revealed to view, the goal of their wearisome journey. The ascent from the east was gradual, but long and fatiguing for the teams, it was in the afternoon, therefore, when they reached the top. The descent to the West was far more precipitous and abrupt, They were obliged to rough-lock the hind wheels of the wagons, and, as they were not needed the forward cattle were turned loose to be driven to the foot of the mountain or to camp, the "wheelers" only being retained on the wagons. Desirous of shortening the next day's journey as much as possible—as that was to bring them into the Valley—they drove on till a late hour in the night, over very rough roads much of the way, and skirted with oak brush and groves of trees. They finally camped near the eastern foot of the "Little Mountain." During this night's drive several of Widow Smith's cows—that had been turned loose from the teams—were lost in the brush. Early next morning John returned on horse-back to hunt fur them, their service in the teams being necessary to proceed.
At an earlier hour than usual the Captain gave orders for the company to start,—knowing well the circumstances of the Widow, and that she would be obliged to remain till John returned with the lost cattle—accordingly the company rolled out, having her and her family alone.
It was fortunate that Brother James Lawson was with them, for he knew the road, and, if necessary, could pilot them down the kanyon in the night. Joseph thought of his mother's prediction at Elk Horn, and so did the Captain, and he was determined that he would win this point, although he had lost all the others, and prove her prediction false. " I will beat you to the Valley, and ask no help from you either," rang in Joseph's ears; he could not reconcile these words with possibility, though he knew his mother always told the truth, but how could this come true? Hours, to him, seemed like days as they waited, hour after hour, for John to return. All this time the company was slowly tugging away up the mountain, lifting at the wheels, geeing and hawing, twisting along a few steps, then blocking the wheels for the cattle to rest and take breath, now doubling a team, and now a crowd rushing to stop a wagon, too heavy for the exhausted team, and prevent its rolling backward down the hill, dragging the cattle along with it, while in this condition, to heighten the distress and balk the teams, a cloud—as it were—burst over their heads, sending down the rain in torrents, as it seldom rains in this country, throwing the company into utter confusion. The cattle refused to pull, would not face the beating storm, and to save the wagons from crashing down the mountain, U])setting, &e., they were obliged to unhitch them, and block all the wheels. While the teamsters sought shelter, the storm drove the cattle in every direction through the brash and into the ravines, and into every nook they could find, so that when it subsided it was a day's work to find them, and get them together. Meantime Widow Smith's cattle—except those lost—were tied to the wagons, and were safe. In a few moments after the storm, John brought up those which had been lost, and they hitched up, making as early a start as they usually did in the mornings, rolled up the mountain, passing the company in their confused situation, and feeling that every tie had been sundered that bound them to the Captain, continued on to the Valley, and arrived at "Old Fort," about ten o'clock on the night of the 23rd of September, all well and thankful. The next morning was Sabbath, the whole family went to the bowery to meeting. Presidents Young and Kimball preached. This was the first time that Joseph had ever heard them, to his recollection, in public; and he exclaimed to himself; "these are the men of God, who are gathering the Saints to the Valley." This was a meeting long to be remembered by those present. President Young, spoke as though he felt: "Now, God's people are free," and the way of their deliverance had been wrought out. That evening Captain --- and his company arrived, dusty and weary, too late for the excellent meetings and the day of sweet rest enjoyed by the Widow and her family. Once more, in silver tones, rang through Joseph's ears. " Father ---, I will beat you to the Valley and will ask no help from you either!" J. F. S.
[For the Juvenile Instructor,
RECOLLECTIONS.
(Concluded.)
PASSING over from the Platte to the Sweetwater, the cattle suffered extremely from the heat, the drought, and the scarcity of feed, being compelled to browse on dry rabbit brush, sage brush, weeds and such feed as they could find, all of which had been well picked over by the preceding companies. Captain ----'s company being one of the last, still keeping along, frequently in sight of, and sometimes camping with President Kimball's company which was very large. One day as they were moving along slowly through the hot sand and dust, the sun pouring down with excessive heal, toward noon one of Widow Smith's best oxen laid down in the yoke, rolled over on to his side, and stiffened out his legs spasmodically, evidently in the throes of death. The unanimous opinion was, that he was poisoned. All the hindmost teams of course stopped, the people coining forward to know what was the matter. In a short time the Captain who was in advance of the company, perceiving that something was wrong, came to the spot.
Perhaps no one supposed for a moment that the ox would ever recover. The Captain’s first words on seeing him, were:
"He is dead, there is no use working with him; we'll have to fix up .some way to take the Widow along, I told her she would be a burden upon the company."
Meantime Widow Smith had been searching for a bottle of consecrated oil in one of the wagons, and now came forward with it, and asked her brother, Joseph Fielding, and the other brethren, to administer to the ox, thinking the Lord would raise him up. They did so, pouring a portion of oil on the top of his head, between and back of the horns, and all laid hands upon him, and one prayed, administering the ordinance as they would have done to a human being that was sick. Can you guess the result? In a moment he gathered his legs under him, and at the first word arose to his feet, and traveled right off as well as ever. He was not even unyoked from his mate. The Captain, it may well be supposed, now heartily regretted his hasty conclusions and unhappy expressions. They had not gone very far when another and an exactly similar circumstance occurred. This time also it was one of her best oxen, the loss of either would have effectually crippled one team, as they had no cattle to spare. But the Lord mercifully heard their prayers, and recognized the holy ordinance of anointing and prayer, and the authority of the Priesthood when applied in behalf of even a poor dumb brute! Sincere gratitude from more than one heart in that family, went up unto the Lord that day for His visible interposition in their behalf. At or near a place called rattlesnake Send, on the Sweetwater, one of Widow Smith's oxen died of sheer old age, and consequent poverty. He had been comparatively useless fur some time, merely carrying his end of the yoke without being of any further service in the team, he was therefore no great loss.
At the last crossing of Sweetwater, Widow Smith, was met by James Lawson, with a span of horses and a wagon, from the Valley. This enabled her to unload one wagon, and send it, with the best team, back to Winter Quarters to assist another family the next season. Elder Joel Terry returned with the team. At this place the Captain was very unfortunate, several of his best cattle and a valuable mule laid down and died, supposed to have been caused by eating poisonous weeds. There was no one in the camp who did not feel a lively sympathy for the Captain, he took it to heart very much. He was under the necessity of obtaining help, and Widow Smith was the first to offer it to him, but he refused to accept of it from her hands. Joseph sympathised with him, and would gladly have done anything in his power to aid him ; but here again, it is painful to say, he repulsed his sympathy and chilled his heart and feelings more and more by insinuating to others, in his presence, that Widow Smith had poisoned his cattle 1 Saying, " why should my cattle, and nobody's else, die in this manner? There is more than a chance about this. It was well planned," &c., expressly for his ear. This last thrust was the severing blow. Joseph resolved, someday, to demand satisfaction not only for this, but for every other indignity he had heaped upon his mother.
On the 22nd of September, 1848, Captain 's fifty crossed over the "Big Mountain," when they had the first glimpse of Salt Lake Valley. It was a beautiful day. Fleecy clouds hung round over the summits of the highest mountains, casting their shadows down the valley beneath, hightening, by contrast, the golden hue of the sun's rays which fell through the openings upon the dry bunch-grass and sage-bush plains, gilding them with fairy brightness, and making the arid desert to seem like an enchanted spot. Every heart rejoiced, and with lingering fondness, wistfully gazed from the summit of the mountain upon the western side of the valley revealed to view, the goal of their wearisome journey. The ascent from the east was gradual, but long and fatiguing for the teams, it was in the afternoon, therefore, when they reached the top. The descent to the West was far more precipitous and abrupt, They were obliged to rough-lock the hind wheels of the wagons, and, as they were not needed the forward cattle were turned loose to be driven to the foot of the mountain or to camp, the "wheelers" only being retained on the wagons. Desirous of shortening the next day's journey as much as possible—as that was to bring them into the Valley—they drove on till a late hour in the night, over very rough roads much of the way, and skirted with oak brush and groves of trees. They finally camped near the eastern foot of the "Little Mountain." During this night's drive several of Widow Smith's cows—that had been turned loose from the teams—were lost in the brush. Early next morning John returned on horse-back to hunt fur them, their service in the teams being necessary to proceed.
At an earlier hour than usual the Captain gave orders for the company to start,—knowing well the circumstances of the Widow, and that she would be obliged to remain till John returned with the lost cattle—accordingly the company rolled out, having her and her family alone.
It was fortunate that Brother James Lawson was with them, for he knew the road, and, if necessary, could pilot them down the kanyon in the night. Joseph thought of his mother's prediction at Elk Horn, and so did the Captain, and he was determined that he would win this point, although he had lost all the others, and prove her prediction false. " I will beat you to the Valley, and ask no help from you either," rang in Joseph's ears; he could not reconcile these words with possibility, though he knew his mother always told the truth, but how could this come true? Hours, to him, seemed like days as they waited, hour after hour, for John to return. All this time the company was slowly tugging away up the mountain, lifting at the wheels, geeing and hawing, twisting along a few steps, then blocking the wheels for the cattle to rest and take breath, now doubling a team, and now a crowd rushing to stop a wagon, too heavy for the exhausted team, and prevent its rolling backward down the hill, dragging the cattle along with it, while in this condition, to heighten the distress and balk the teams, a cloud—as it were—burst over their heads, sending down the rain in torrents, as it seldom rains in this country, throwing the company into utter confusion. The cattle refused to pull, would not face the beating storm, and to save the wagons from crashing down the mountain, U])setting, &e., they were obliged to unhitch them, and block all the wheels. While the teamsters sought shelter, the storm drove the cattle in every direction through the brash and into the ravines, and into every nook they could find, so that when it subsided it was a day's work to find them, and get them together. Meantime Widow Smith's cattle—except those lost—were tied to the wagons, and were safe. In a few moments after the storm, John brought up those which had been lost, and they hitched up, making as early a start as they usually did in the mornings, rolled up the mountain, passing the company in their confused situation, and feeling that every tie had been sundered that bound them to the Captain, continued on to the Valley, and arrived at "Old Fort," about ten o'clock on the night of the 23rd of September, all well and thankful. The next morning was Sabbath, the whole family went to the bowery to meeting. Presidents Young and Kimball preached. This was the first time that Joseph had ever heard them, to his recollection, in public; and he exclaimed to himself; "these are the men of God, who are gathering the Saints to the Valley." This was a meeting long to be remembered by those present. President Young, spoke as though he felt: "Now, God's people are free," and the way of their deliverance had been wrought out. That evening Captain --- and his company arrived, dusty and weary, too late for the excellent meetings and the day of sweet rest enjoyed by the Widow and her family. Once more, in silver tones, rang through Joseph's ears. " Father ---, I will beat you to the Valley and will ask no help from you either!" J. F. S.
Anderson, Edw. H., “Lives of Our Leaders—The Apostles. Joseph F. Smith.” Juvenile Instructor. 1 February 1900. pg. 65-71.
Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles. Joseph F. Smith IT was John Locke, the great characteristic English philosopher, who, at the age of thirty, wrote: “I no sooner perceived myself in the world, but I found myself in a storm which has lasted hitherto." To Joseph F. Smith, who is among the greatest and most unique and notable individualities of that peculiar people, the Latter-day Saints, this sentence of Locke's is especially applicable. Only his life was enveloped in storm before he could perceive. He is the son of Hyrum Smith, the second patriarch of the Church, and brother of the Prophet Joseph. His mother was Mary Fielding, of English origin, a woman of bright and strong mind and of excellent business and administrative qualities. It was during the Missouri troubles. Governor Boggs had issued his order to exterminate the "Mormons." On the first day of November, 1838, through the heartless treachery of Colonel Hinckle, Joseph and Hyrum and several other leaders of the people were betrayed into the hands of an armed mob under General Clark. They were to be taken prisoners, and confined in jail, and perhaps shot. On the day following, these betrayed leaders were given a few moments to bid farewell to their families. Under a strong guard of militia mobocrats, Hyrum was marched to his home in Far West, and, at the point of the bayonet, with oaths and curses, was ordered to take his last farewell of his wife. For his "doom was sealed," and he was told that he would never see her again. Imagine such a shock to his companion! It would have overpowered and come near ending the life of an ordinary person. But with the natural strength of her mind, coupled with the sustaining care of God, she was upheld in this fiery trial with its added miseries to follow. It was on the 13th day of the same month of November, 1838, in the midst of plunderings, and scenes of severest hardships and persecution, that she gave birth to her firstborn who was named Joseph Fielding Smith. In the cold of the following January, leaving four little ones, under the care of her sister Mercy R.—children of her husband by a former wife then dead—she journeyed in a wagon with her infant to Liberty jail in Clay County, where the husband and father was confined, without trial or conviction, his sole offense being that he was a "Mormon.” She was permitted to visit him in jail, but was later compelled to continue her flight from Missouri with her children to seek shelter in Illinois. Such were the stormy environments of birth, and such was the first pilgrimage of the infant Joseph who has since compassed the earth and the islands of the sea, promulgating and defending the principles for which his father endured imprisonment and later martyrdom, and for which his mother suffered untold persecution and distress. Joseph's early years were spent amidst the agitations which culminated in the martyrdom of his uncle and his father on the memorable 27th day of June, 1844. After the abandonment of the city by the Twelve, and when the majority of the Saints had been driven from Nauvoo, in September, 1846, his mother fled from the city and camped on the west side of the Mississippi River, among the trees on its banks, without wagon or tent, during the bombardment of the city by the mob. Having later succeeded in making exchanges of property in Illinois for teams and an outfit, she set out for Winter Quarters, on the Missouri River. Joseph, a lad of only about eight years, drove a yoke of oxen and a wagon most of the distance through the state of Iowa to Winter Quarters, and his other occupation, after leaving Nauvoo, was principally that of herd boy. On these western plains he drank in the freedom of the spirit of the west, and developed that physical strength which, notwithstanding his later sedentary occupation, is still observable in his robust, erect and muscular form. He is a lover of strength and a believer in work. “Labor is the key to the true happiness of the physical and spiritual being. If a man possesses millions, his children should still be taught how to labor with their hands; boys and girls should receive a home training which will fit them to cope with the practical daily affairs of family life, even where the conditions are such that they may not have to do this work themselves; they will then know how to guide and direct others," said he, in a recent conversation with the writer. The great and overpowering desire of all the Saints was to obtain means to gather to the valley. For this purpose, various kinds of labor was sought in Iowa and neighboring states, from farming to school teaching. In the fall of 1847, he drove a team for his mother to St. Joseph for the purpose of securing provisions to make the coveted journey to the Salt Lake Valley, in the spring following. The trip was successfully made. It was in the fall of that year, while tending his mother's cattle near Winter Quarters, that he experienced one of the most exciting incidents of his life. The cattle were their only hope of means for immigration to the valley. This fact was deeply impressed upon the boy, so that he came to view them as a precious heritage, as well as a priceless charge given to him as a herd boy. He understood the responsibility; and that is much, for neither Joseph, the boy, nor Joseph, the man, was ever known to shirk a duty or prove recreant to a responsibility. One morning, in company with Alden and Thomas Burdick, he set out upon the usual duties of the day. The cattle were feeding in the valley some distance from the settlement, which valley was reached in two ways, one over a “bench" or plateau, the other through a ravine or small canyon. The boys had each a horse. Joseph's was a bay mare, swifter than the others. Alden suggested that Thomas and Joseph go the short route to the left, over the “bench,” and he would go up the canyon to the right, so that they would meet in the valley from the two directions. The suggestion was gladly adopted, and the two set out with youthful frolic, and soon arrived at the upper end of the valley, where the cattle could be seen feeding by a stream which divided it in the center and wound down the canyon from the direction of the settlement. Having the day before them, they amused themselves with “running” their horses, and, later, in "jumping" them over a little gully in the upper part of the valley. As they were engaged in this amusement, suddenly a band of twenty or thirty Indians came in view, around a point in the lower end of the valley, some distance below the cattle. Thomas first saw them, and frantically yelled, “Indians," at the same time turning his horse for the “bench” to ride for home. Joseph started to follow, but the thought came to his mind, “My cattle, I must save my cattle!" From that moment, only this thought filled his mind; everything else was blank and dark. He headed his horse for the Indians, to get around the herd before the reds should reach it. One Indian, naked like the others, having only a cloth around the loins, passed him, flying to catch Thomas. Joseph reached the head of the herd, and succeeded in turning the cattle up the ravine just as the Indians approached. His efforts, coupled with the rush and yells of the Indians, stampeded the herd up the valley followed by Joseph, who, by keeping his horse on the «dead» run, succeeded for some time in keeping between the herd and the Indians. Here was a picture! the boy, the cattle, the Indians, headed on the run for the settlement! Finally the reds cut him away from the herd, whereupon he turned, going down stream a distance, then circling around the ravine to the right, to reach the cattle from the side. He had not gone far in that direction when other Indians were seen. They started for him, overtaking him as he emerged from the valley. He still spurred his horse, going at full speed, and while thus riding, two of the naked reds closed up beside him in the wild race, and took him, while the horses were going at full speed, one by the left arm and the other by the right leg, and lifted him from the saddle, for a moment holding him in the air, then suddenly dropping him to the ground. Undoubtedly he would have been scalped but for the timely appearance of a company of men going to the hay fields, on the opposite side of the ravine, which scared the thieving Indians away, they having obtained both the boys' horses for their pains. In the meantime Thomas had given the alarm. Two relief companies were formed in the settlement, one a posse of horsemen under Hosea Stout, who went up the canyon and found the cattle with Alden Burdick (the pursuing Indians having abandoned the chase from fright), while the other took the "bench" route, and discovered Joseph who with them spent the day in a fruitless search for the Indians and the cattle supposed to have been stolen. “l remember, on my way home," says Joseph, "how I sat down and wept for my cattle, and how the thought of meeting mother, who could not now go to the valley, wrung my soul with anguish." But happily, his bravery and fidelity to trust, which are indissolubly interwoven with his character as a man, had saved the herd. Leaving Winter Quarters in the spring of 1848, they reached the Salt Lake Valley on September 23, Joseph driving two yoke of oxen with a heavily loaded wagon the whole distance. He performed all the duties of a day-watchman, herdsman and teamster, with other requirements imposed upon the men. Arriving in the valley, he again had charge of the herds, interchanging with such labors as plowing, canyon work, harvesting and fencing. During this whole time he never lost an animal entrusted to his care; this notwithstanding the numerous large wolves abounding in the valley. His education was obtained from his mother, who early taught him, in the tent, in the camp, on the prairie, to read from the Bible. He has had no other save that sterner education gathered from the practical pages of life. But his opportunities in later years have not gone unused, and there are few college-bred men who delight more in books than Joseph. He is, too, a fair judge of the manner and matter of books. His leisure for reading is limited, owing to his constant employment in the affairs of the Church ; but he loves to read books of history, philosophy, science; and has specially delighted in such authors as Seiss and Samuel Smiles, who maybe said to be his favorites. He is fond of music, of which, though not a judge, he is a great lover, especially enjoying the music of the human voice. In 1852, his mother died, leaving him an orphan at the age of fourteen. When fifteen years of age, he, with other young men, was called on his first mission to the Sandwich Islands. The incidents of the journey to the coast by horses, his work in the mountains at a shingle mill for means to proceed, and the embarkment and journey on the Vaquero for the islands, are sufficient for along article in themselves; while his labors in the Maui conference, under President F. A. Hammond, his efforts to learn the language in the district of Kula, his attack of sickness, the most severe of his life, caused by the Panama fever, and his other labors and varied, trying experiences while there, would fill a volume. He says, “Of the many gifts of the Spirit which were manifest through my administration, next to my acquirement of the language, the most prominent was perhaps the gift of healing, and by the power of God the casting out of evil spirits, which frequently occurred." One incident shows how the Lord is with His servants: Joseph was studying the language, being alone with a native family in Wailuku. One night while he sat by a dismal light poring over his books in one corner of the room where dwelt a native and his wife, the woman was suddenly possessed; she arose and looking toward Joseph made the most fearful noises and gestures, accompanied by terrible physical contortions. Her husband came on his bended knees and crouched beside him, frightened to trembling. The fear that our young missionary felt under those circumstances was something indescribable, but presently it all left him, and he stood up facing the maniac woman, exclaiming: «In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I rebuke you.” Like a flash, the woman fell to the floor like one dead. The husband went to ascertain if she were alive, and pronounced her dead. Then he returned, and set up a perfect howl, which Joseph likewise rebuked. What should Joseph do? His first impression was to get away from the horrid surroundings, but upon reflection he decided that such action would not be wise. His feelings were indescribable, but having rebuked the evil, it was subdued and peace was restored, and he proceeded again with his studies. These are the class of experiences that bring a lone missionary, young as he was, close to the Lord. Returning in 1858, he joined the militia which intercepted Johnston's army, serving until the close of hostilities, under Colonel Thomas Callister. He was later chaplain of Colonel Heber P. Kimball's regiment, with the rank of captain. He took part in many Indian expeditions, and was in every sense a minute man in the Utah militia. In the spring of 1860, he was sent on a mission to Great Britain, driving a four-mule team over the plains for his passage. On this mission he served nearly three years, returning in the summer of 1863; it was here that the intimacy between President George Q. Cannon, who presided over the mission, and Joseph F. Smith began; friendship and love for each other were engendered, which have since grown stronger through the intimate careers of two beautiful lives. On his return, President Young proposed at a Priesthood meeting that Joseph and his cousin, Samuel, each be given a present of $1,000 to begin life with. President Smith realized in the neighborhood of $75.00, in provisions and merchandise, but mostly a legacy of much annoyance from certain people who entertained the current belief that he had thus obtained a small fortune. With the exception of the cost of his passage and stage fare home, which was sent him by his aunt, Mercy R. Thompson, amounting to about $100, he paid his own expenses throughout, as he had done on previous missions. President Smith has been too busy with his work to make money, and his temporal affairs are a strong testimony to his exclusive devotion to the public good. He had only been at home a short time, when, in the early spring of 1864, he was called to accompany Ezra T. Benson and Lorenzo Snow on a second mission to the Sandwich Islands to regulate the affairs of that mission, which had been greatly disarranged by the well-known shrewd and covetous actions of Waiter M. Gibson. In this mission he acted as principal interpreter for the Apostles. After Gibson was excommunicated from the Church, Joseph was left in charge of the mission, with W. W. Cluff and Alma L. Smith as his fellow-laborers. It was many months after Gibson had been cut off before his people left his jurisdiction and returned to the standard of the Church. Among the works accomplished by Joseph and his associates on this mission was the selection of the Laie plantation as a gathering place for the Saints, which was afterwards, on their recommendation, purchased by a committee sent for that purpose by President Young, and which has proven a valuable possession for the mission, and for the Church in a general way. Joseph and his aids returned in the winter of 1864-5. It was while on this mission that the drowning incident occurred, mentioned in Whitney's sketch of President Snow. President Smith's part in the affair has never been told. The ship upon which they arrived lay anchored in the channel in which the sea was nearly always rough. A breakwater had been built, under shelter of which the natives skilfully steered their boats ashore. There was much danger, however, in approaching it. When it was proposed that the party should land in the ship's unwieldy freight-boat, President Smith strongly opposed the proposition, telling the brethren that at the breakwater there was great danger of capsizing, the boat being a clumsy old tub, unfit for such a load. He refused to go ashore, and tried to prevail upon the others to abandon the attempt until a better boat could be obtained. He offered to go ashore alone, and to return with a safer boat to land the party. So persistent, however, were some of the brethren, that he was chided for his waywardness, and one of the Apostles even told him: "Young man, you would better obey counsel." But he reiterated his impression of danger refusing positively to land in that boat, and again offering to go alone for a better boat. But the brethren persisted, whereupon he asked that they leave their satchels with their clothes and valuables on the anchored ship with him, and that he be permitted to stay. This they reluctantly consented to do, and set out for land. Joseph stood upon the ship and saw them depart, filled with the greatest apprehension for their safety. When the party reached the breakwater, he saw one of the great waves suddenly overturn the boat, dropping the company into twenty or thirty feet of water. A boat came out from shore, manned with natives, who set to work to gather them up ,and obtained all but President Snow, when the boat which picked them up started for land. It was then that Elder W. W. Cluff demanded that they return for Brother Snow who would otherwise have been abandoned and left for drowned. He was found and dragged into the boat for dead, being thus saved by Brother Cluff. All this time, Joseph stood in the greatest agony as a witness, helpless, on the deck of the ship. His first information of his companions' fate came from some passing natives who replied to his inquiry that one of the men (Brother Snow) was dead. But through the blessings of God and self-effort it was, fortunately, not quite so serious, his life having been restored. Joseph had saved himself and the satchels, and he has always considered that while the brethren fatefully said of the incident: «It was to be," that a prevention in this case would have been much better than a cure. The incident illustrates two predominating traits in his character: When he is convinced of the truth, he is not afraid to express himself in its favor to any man on earth. When he does express himself, it is often with such earnestness and vigor that there is frequently danger of his giving offense. On his return home, he labored in the Church historian's office for a number of years; also as clerk in the endowment house, succeeding Elder John V. Long in that capacity; being in charge, after the death of President Young, until it was closed. He had been ordained an Apostle under the hands of President Young, on July 1, 1866, and on the 8th of October, 1867, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the year following, he was sent with Apostle Wilford Woodruff and Elder A. O. Smoot to Utah County, and served one term in the Prove city council. On February 28, 1874, he went on his second mission to England, where he presided over the European mission, returning in 1875, after the death of President George A. Smith. On his return he was appointed to preside over the Davis Stake until the spring of 1877, when he left on his third British mission, having first witnessed the dedication of the first temple in the Rocky Mountains, at St. George, April, 1877. He arrived in Liverpool May 27th, and was joined a short time afterwards by Apostle Orson Pratt, who had been sent to publish new editions of the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. When news arrived of the death of President Young, they were released, arriving home September 27th. In August of the following year, he was sent with Apostle Orson Pratt on a short eastern mission, visiting noted places in the history of the Church in Missouri, Ohio, New York and Illinois. It was on this trip that they had their famous interview with David Whitmer. When the First Presidency was organized, in October, 1880, he was chosen second counselor to President John Taylor, who died July 25, 1887. He was chosen to the same position in the Presidency under President Woodruff; and holds it at present under President Snow. It would take too much space to name his various civil positions held in Salt Lake City and in the legislature of the territory, where he served the people long and faithfully. All my readers are familiar with the work of his recent years; it is like an open book to the whole people. So he has been constantly in the service of the public, and by his straightforward course has won the love, confidence and esteem of the whole community. He is a friend of the people, is easily approached, a wise counselor, a man of broad views, and, contrary to first impressions, is a man whose sympathies are easily aroused. He is a reflex of the best character of the '"Mormon" people— inured to hardships, patient in trial, God-fearing, self-sacrificing, full of love for the human race, powerful in moral, mental and physical strength. President Joseph F. Smith has an imposing physical appearance. Now completing his 62nd year, he is tall, erect, well-knit and symmetrical in build. He has a prominent nose and features. When speaking, he throws his full, clear, brown eyes wide open on the listener who may readily perceive from their penetrating glimpse the wonderful mental power of the tall forehead above. His large head is crowned with an abundant growth of hair, in his early years dark, but now, like his full beard, tinged with a liberal sprinkling of gray. In conversation, one is forcibly impressed with the sudden changes in appearance of his countenance, under the different influences of his mind: now intensely pleasant, with an enthusiastic and childlike interest in immediate subjects and surroundings: now absent, the mobility of his features set in that earnest, almost stern, majesty of expression so characteristic of his portraits—so indicative of the severity of the conditions and environments of his early life. As a public speaker, his leading trait is an intense earnestness. He impresses the hearer with his message more from the sincerity of its delivery, and the honest earnestness of his manner, than from any learned exhibition of oratory or studied display of logic. He touches the hearts of the people with the simple eloquence of one who is himself convinced of the truths presented. He is a pillar of strength in the Church, thoroughly imbued with the truths of the Gospel, and the divine origin of this work. His whole life and testimony are an inspiration to the young. I said to him: “You knew Joseph, the prophet; you are old in the work of the Church: what is your testimony to the youth of Zion concerning these things?" And he replied slowly and deliberately: “I was acquainted with the Prophet Joseph in my youth. I was familiar in his home, with his boys and with his family. I have sat on his knee, I have heard him preach, distinctly remember being present in the council with my father and the Prophet Joseph Smith and others. From my childhood to youth I believed him to be a prophet of God. From my youth until the present I have not believed that he was a prophet, for I have known that he was. In other words, my knowledge has superseded my belief. I remember seeing him dressed in military uniform at the head of the Nauvoo Legion. I saw him when he crossed the river, returning from his intended western trip into the Rocky Mountains to go to his martyrdom, and I saw his lifeless body together with that of my father after they were murdered in Carthage jail; and still have the most palpable remembrance of the gloom and sorrow of those dreadful days. I believe in the divine mission of the prophets of the nineteenth century with all my heart, and in the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and the inspiration of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and hope to be faithful to God and man and not false to myself, to the end of my days." |
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
|
"Joseph Fielding Smith, Sixth President of the Church." Improvement Era. December 1901. pg. 131-138.
JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH. SIXTH PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. When it was announced, on October 17, 1901, that Joseph F. Smith had been by the quorum of the Twelve sustained and set apart as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had chosen as his counselors in the First Presidency, Elders John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund, there was a universal sentiment of approval arising from all parts of Zion, and it was generally realized that the Saints felt in their hearts to say, amen. This was verified when, on Sunday, November 10, the special conference and solemn assembly of the Priesthood ratified, without dissenting voice, the choice made by the apostles. Every stake of Zion, except one—Uintah—was represented either at the assembly or by letter transmitting action taken in local conference by the people. All the general authorities were sustained, including Hyrum Mack Smith as a member of the quorum of Twelve Apostles. It was a most impressive scene to witness the Priesthood, occupying the elevated stands and the central parts of the great tabernacle, rise to their feet, and, with uplifted hands, each quorum in order, covenant to sustain and uphold the authorities as presented. This action was followed by the whole congregation, the whole body of the Church, likewise rising to their feet and making in the same manner a like covenant. The voting was done in the following order. President Joseph F. Smith himself presenting all the names to be voted for: First Presidency, Apostles, Patriarchs, Presidents of Stakes and their counselors and High Councillors, High Priests, Seventies, Elders, Bishops and their counselors, the Lesser Priesthood, (Priests, Teachers, and Deacons,) and the members of the Church including the Priesthood. The unity manifested among the ten thousand people was something wonderful to behold; while it must have been as astonishing to the stranger, as it was a means of thrilling joy to the authorities and the true lover of the work of God. Surely such a manifestation of unity must have its power for good both in the heavens and upon the earth. With special reference to our Mutual Improvement Associations, it will delight the young men of Zion to learn that already on October 23, 1901, President Smith consented, at the solicitation of the General Board, to become, and was sustained on that day. General Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. in all the world. He chose as his assistants Heber J. Grant and B. H. Roberts, and this action was also ratified by the solemn assembly. From a sketch of President Joseph F. Smith, of whom the Era presents in this number his favorite portrait, written by Edward H. Anderson a year ago, the following excerpts are taken which give some idea of the active life and staunch character of our new President and Superintendent: It was John Locke, the great characteristic English philosopher, who, at the age of thirty, wrote: "I no sooner perceived myself in the world, but I found myself in a storm which has lasted hitherto." To Joseph F. Smith, who is among the greatest and most unique and notable individualities of that peculiar people, the Latter-day Saints, this sentence of Locke's is especially applicable. Only his life was enveloped in storm before he could perceive. He is the son of Hyrum Smith, the second patriarch of the Church and brother of the Prophet Joseph. His mother was Mary Fielding, of English origin, a woman of bright and strong mind and of excellent business and administrative qualities. It was during the Missouri troubles. Governor Boggs had issued his order to exterminate the "Mormons." On the first day of November, 1838, through the heartless treachery of Colonel Hinckle, Joseph and Hyrum and several other leaders of the people were betrayed into the hands of an armed mob under General Clark They were to be taken prisoners, and confined in jail, and perhaps shot. On the day following, these betrayed leaders were given a few moments to bid farewell to their families. Under a strong guard of militia mobocrats, Hyrum was marched to his home in Far West, and, at the point of the bayonet, with oaths and curses, was ordered to take his last farewell of his wife. For his "doom was sealed," and he was told that he would never see her again. Imagine such a shock to his companion! It would have overpowered and come near ending the life of an ordinary person. But with the natural strength of her mind, coupled with the sustaining care of God, she was upheld in this fiery trial with its added miseries to follow. It was on the 13th day of the same month of November, 1838, in the midst of plunderings, and scenes of severest hardships and persecution, that she gave birth to her first-born who was named Joseph Fielding Smith. In the cold of the following January, leaving four little ones, under the care of her sister Mercy R.—children of her husband by a former wife then dead—she journeyed in a wagon with her infant to Liberty jail in Clay county, where the husband and father was confined, without trial or conviction, his sole offense being that he was a "Mormon." She was permitted to visit him in jail, but was later compelled to continue her flight from Missouri with her children to seek shelter in Illinois. Such were the stormy environments of birth, and such was the first pilgrimage of the infant Joseph who has since compassed the earth and the islands of the sea, promulgating and defending the principles for which his father endured imprisonment and later martyrdom, and for which his mother suffered untold persecution and distress. Joseph's early years were spent amid the agitations which culminated in the martyrdom of his uncle and his father on the memorable 27th day of June, 1844. After the abandonment of the city by the Twelve, and when the majority of the Saints had been driven from Nauvoo, in September, 1846, his mother fled from the city and camped on the west side of the Mississippi river, among the trees on its banks, without wagon or tent, during the bombardment of the city by the mob. Having later succeeded in making exchanges of property in Illinois for teams and an out fit, she set out for Winter Quarters, on the Missouri river. Joseph, a lad of only about eight years, drove a yoke of oxen and a wagon most of the distance through the state of Iowa to Winter Quarters, and his other occupation, after leaving Nauvoo, was principally that of herd boy. On these western plains he drank in the freedom of the spirit of the West, and developed that physical strength which, notwithstanding his later sedentary occupation, is still observable in his robust, erect and muscular form. He is a lover of strength and a believer in work. "Labor is the key to the true happiness of the physical and spiritual being. If a man possesses millions, his children should still be taught how to labor with their hands; boys and girls should receive a home training which will fit them to cope with the practical daily affairs of family life, even where the conditions are such that they may not have to do this work themselves; they will then know how to guide and direct others," said he, in a recent conversation with the writer. The great and overpowering desire of all the Saints was to obtain means to gather to the valley. For this purpose, various kinds of labor was sought in Iowa and neighboring states, from farming to school teaching. In the fall of 1847, he drove a team for his mother to St. Joseph for the purpose of securing provisions to make the coveted journey to the Salt Lake valley, in the spring following. The trip was successfully made. * * * * Leaving Winter Quarters in the spring of 1848, they reached the Salt Lake valley on September 23, Joseph driving two yoke of oxen with a heavy loaded wagon the whole distance. He performed all the duties of a day-watchman, herdsman and teamster, with other requirements imposed upon the men. Arriving in the valley, he again had charge of the herds, interchanging with such labors as plowing, canyon work, harvesting and fencing. During this whole time, he never lost an animal entrusted to his care; this notwithstanding the numerous large wolves, abounding in the valley. His education was obtained from his mother, who early taught him, in the tent, in the camp, on the prairie, to read the Bible. He has had no other save that sterner education gathered from the practical pages of life. But his opportunities in later years have not gone unused, and there are few college-bred men who delight more in books than Joseph. He is, too, a fair judge of the manner and matter of books. His leisure for reading is limited, owing to his constant employment in the affairs of the Church; but he loves to read books of history, philosophy, science; and has specially delighted in such authors as Seiss and Samuel Smiles, who may be said to be his favorites. He is fond of music, of which, though not a judge, he is a great lover, especially enjoying the music of the human voice. In 1852, his mother died, leaving him an orphan at the age of fourteen. When fifteen years of age, he, with other young men, was called on his first mission to the Sandwich Islands. The incidents of the journey to the coast by horses, his work in the mountains at a shingle mill for means to proceed, and the embarkment and journey on the Vaquero for the islands, are sufficient for a long article in themselves; while his labors in the Maui conference, under President F. A. Hammond, his efforts to learn the language in the district of Kula, his attack of sickness, the most severe of his life, caused by Panama fever, and his other labors, and varied, trying experiences while there, would fill a volume. He says, "Of the many gifts' of the Spirit which were manifest through my administration, next to my acquirement of the language, the most prominent was perhaps the gift of healing, and by the power of God the casting out of evil spirits, which frequently occurred." * * * Returning in 1858, he joined the militia which intercepted Johnston's army, serving, until the close of hostilities, under Colonel Thomas Callister. He was later chaplain of Colonel Heber P. Kimball's regiment, with the rank of captain. He took part in many Indian expeditions, and was in every sense a minute man in the Utah militia. In the spring of 1860, he was sent on a mission to Great Britain, driving a four-mule team over the plains for his passage. On this mission he served nearly three years, returning in the summer of 1863; it was here that the intimacy between President George Q. Cannon, who presided over the mission, and Joseph F. Smith began; friendship and love for each other were engendered, which have since grown stronger through- the intimate careers of two beautiful lives. On his return, President Young proposed at a priesthood meeting that Joseph and his cousin, Samuel, each be given a present of $1,000 to begin life with. President Smith realized in the neighborhood of $75.00, in provisions and merchandise, but mostly a legacy of much annoyance from certain people who entertained the current belief that he had thus obtained a small fortune. With the exception of the cost of his passage and stage fare home, which was sent him by his aunt, Mercy E. Thompson, amounting to about $100, he paid his own expenses throughout, as he had done on previous missions. President Smith has been too busy with his work to make money, and his temporal affairs are a strong testimony to his exclusive devotion to the public good. He had only been home a short time, when, in the early spring of 1864, he was called to accompany Ezra T. Benson and Lorenzo Snow on a second mission to the Sandwich Islands to regulate the affairs of that mission, which had been greatly disarranged by the well-known shrewd and covetous actions of Walter M. Gibson. In this mission he acted as principal interpreter for the Apostles. After Gibson was excommunicated from the Church, Joseph was left in charge of the mission, with W. W. Cluff and Alma L. Smith as his fellow-laborers. It was many months after Gibson had been cut off before his people left his jurisdiction and returned to the standard of the Church. Among the works accomplished by Joseph and his associates on this mission was the selection of the Laie plantation as a gathering place for the Saints, which was afterwards, on their recommendation, purchased by a committee sent for that purpose by President Young, and which has proven a valuable possession for the mission, and for the Church in a general way. Joseph and his aids returned in the winter of 1864-5. * * It was while on this mission that the drowning incident occurred, frequently mentioned in sketches of President Snow. That incident, as related by him, who was opposed to the brethren going ashore and who therefore remained on the vessel, notwithstanding he was the youngest of the party, and remained against the protest of his brethren, illustrates two predominating traits in his character: When he is convinced of the truth, he is not afraid to express himself in its favor to any man on earth. When he does express himself, it is often with such earnestness and vigor that there is frequently danger of his giving offense. On his return home, he labored in the Church historian's office for a number of years; also as clerk in the endowment house, succeeding Elder John V. Long in that capacity; being in charge, after the death of President Young, until it was closed. He had been ordained an Apostle under the hands of President Young, on July 1, 1866, and on the 8th of October, 1867, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In the year following, he was sent with Apostle Wilford Woodruff and Elder A. 0. Smoot to Utah county, and served one term in the Provo city council. On February 28, 1874, he went on his second mission to England, where he presided over the European mission, returning in 1875, after the death of President George A. Smith. On his return he was appointed to preside over the Davis Stake, until the spring of 1877, when he left on his third British mission, having first witnessed the dedication of the first temple in the Rocky Mountains, at St. George, April, 1877. He arrived in Liverpool, May 27, and was joined a short time afterwards by Apostle Orson Pratt, who had been sent to publish new editions of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. When news arrived of the death of President Young, they were released, arriving home September 27. In August of the following year, he was sent with Apostle Orson Pratt on a short eastern mission, visiting noted places in the history of the Church in Missouri, Ohio, New York and Illinois. It was on this trip that they had their famous interview with David Whitmer. When the First Presidency was organized, in October, 1880, he was chosen second counselor to President John Taylor, who died July 25, 1887. He was chosen to the same position in the Presidency under President Woodruff; and held it under President Snow. It would take too much space to name his various civil positions held in Salt Lake City and in the legislature of the territory, where he served the people long and faithfully. All my readers are familiar with the work of his recent years; it is like an open book to the whole people. So he has been constantly in the service of the public, and by his straightforward course has won the love, confidence and esteem of the whole community. He is a friend of the people, is easily approached, a wise counselor, a man of broad views, and, contrary to first impressions, is a man whose sympathies are easily aroused. He is a reflex of the best character of the "Mormon" people—inured to hardships, patient in trial. God-fearing, self-sacrificing, full of love for the human race, powerful in moral, mental and physical strength. President Joseph F. Smith has an imposing physical appearance. He has completed his sixty-third year; he is tall, erect, well-knit and symmetrical in build. He has a prominent nose and features. When speaking, he throws his full, clear, brown eyes wide open on the listener who may readily perceive from their penetrating glimpse the wonderful mental power of the tall forehead above. His large head is crowned with an abundant growth of hair, in his early years dark, but now, like his full beard, tinged with a liberal sprinkling of gray. In conversation, one is forcibly impressed with the sudden changes in appearance of his countenance, under the different influences of his mind: now intensely pleasant, with an enthusiastic and childlike interest in immediate subjects and surroundings: now absent, the mobility of his features set in that earnest, almost stern, majesty of expression so characteristic of his portraits—so indicative of the severity of the conditions and environments of his early life. Bravery and fidelity to trust are indissolubly interwoven with his character. He was never known to shirk a duty or prove recreant to a responsibility. As a public speaker, his leading trait is an intense earnestness. He impresses the hearer with his message more from the sincerity of its delivery, and the honest earnestness of his manner, than from any learned exhibition of oratory or studied display of logic. He touches the hearts of the people with the simple eloquence of one who is himself convinced of the truths presented. He is a pillar of strength in the Church, thoroughly imbued with the truths of the Gospel, and the divine origin of this work. His whole life and testimony are an inspiration to the young. Under him the affairs of the Church are in the care of a wise, able and conservative servant of the Lord, who has the full confidence, sympathy and earnest prayers of the Latter-day Saints for a long and prosperous administration, under the inspiration and blessing of God. |
JOSEPH F. SMITH
Sixth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |
"A Present-Day Man of God." Juvenile Instructor. 15 November 1907. pg. 674-686.
A PRESENT-DAY MAN OF GOD THE FRIEND OF THE FRIENDLESS. THERE is nothing in the character and disposition of the President that appeals to me more strongly than his love for little children, and his quick sense of sympathy with the weak and unfortunate. It seems to fill him with indignation—and who can say it is not a righteous anger?—to see any person imposed upon, particularly if poor and helpless, and his instinctive tenderness towards the children makes him their natural champion. I saw him enter a public meeting one Sunday evening, and take a seat upon the stand, from which he surveyed the gathering congregation? A woman came in, and finding the seat she wanted already occupied, she lifted the occupant — a small boy—out of the coveted place, and settled herself therein. The act passed unnoticed save by a few, but President Smith was one of that few. He said nothing at the time, not wishing to be personal or to create an unpleasant scene, but his memory recorded the incident, and evidently he thought and felt deeply concerning it. Visiting the same place several weeks later, he delivered a discourse, in which he administered a severe rebuke to that class of persons whose selfishness prompts them to disregard the rights of others. even the rights of little children. He did not neglect the other side of the question —the duty of children to parents and seniors, especially the aged and infirm; but he made it clear that there were times when children had prior claims, which it would be wrong to ignore, and that they should be respected in their rights, not only as a matter of justice, but of good and wise policy as well. To rudely thrust a child from a seat to which it was entitled, was not the way to encourage it to attend meetings, nor was such an act likely to instil into its mind the principle of justice, or a due regard for the feelings and rights of others. I shall never forget that discourse. In addition to the moral lesson conveyed, it was an impressive reminder of the Savior's sweet and solemn injunction, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Another instance of the President's kind thoughtfulness—his consideration for a fellow creature in distress. A poor woman on a railroad train, the conductor of which was noted for his short temper and his rigid adherence to technical rules, had lost her ticket, or through some misunderstanding had been sold a ticket that did not read right, and the official in charge of the train spoke roughly to her and threatened to put her off. Noticing her agitation, President Smith, who sat near, went to her, calmed her fears, and assured her that nothing of the kind would take place while he was present. The conductor resented this intervention, but was silenced by the remark that if he insisted upon it, the fare should be paid, and his harsh and insulting conduct to a lady passenger reported to his superiors. Apropos of my theme, the following sentiments are attributed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. In a statement respecting the Constitution of the United States, he is reported as saying: "In my feelings I am always ready to die in the protection of the weak and the oppressed in their just rights." "It is one of the first principles of my life, and one that I have cultivated from childhood, having been taught it by my father, to allow everyone the liberty of conscience." "The only fault I find in the Constitution is, it is not broad enough to cover the whole ground. Although it provides that all men shall enjoy religious freedom, yet it does not provide the manner in which that freedom can be preserved, nor for the punishment of government officers who refuse to protect the people in their religious rights. " "It has but this one fault." Thus we see, President Joseph F. Smith's natural sympathy with the oppressed is in full harmony with the principles of his uncle the Prophet. His father. Hyrum Smith, the Prophet's brother, doubtless received similar instructions from their good and noble sire, and transmitted the same principles to his posterity. Orson F. Whitney. A CHAMPION OF TRUTH. The children of the Latter- day Saints, in the home, and in the Sabbath School and other organizations, are taught to tell the truth always. Boys and girls who learn to tell the truth become men and women of strong character. Truth is the force or motive that impels them to speak and to act honestly and frankly. Sometimes surroundings, or environments, influence children to hide the truth, which is wrong, and usually ends in shame and sorrow. At last the truth is always made known, and then the person who has sought to hide it, is covered with disgrace. Jesus is the light of truth, and if we believe on him, and continue in his work, which is truth, we become his followers in very deed. Then we are promised: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." But to hide the truth is sin, and sin is bondage. Children love to be free and happy. Therefore, if they are ever tempted by their surroundings and conditions to utter falsehood, let them out with the truth, for that will make them free and happy. In the life of President Joseph F. Smith we shall find that he has always stood by the truth; and in his history we have many examples showing how it is best to tell the truth, even when surroundings or conditions would favor a lie. Let us relate one or two. In the spring of 1860, President Smith, who was then a young man about 22 years of age, was called on a mission to England. As he had no money, he and his cousin, Samuel H. B. Smith, each drove a four-mule team over the plains to Winter Quarters to pay their way. It happened that the owners of these teams were rank apostates, so that when they arrived at their destination it was very well known that the young men were Latter-day Saints. They were moneyless and decided finally to go to Des Moines where they tried without success to get something to do. They hunted for work in the harvest fields, but found no one who wished to employ them. The feeling was still bitter against the "Mormons" in this region, for it was only about 14 years since the remnant of the Saints had been driven from Nauvoo. One day they met a man who asked them who they were and where they were going, and having been told that they were going to England on a mission, the man stated that he had a sister in England whom he wished to emigrate, and asked that they take the money with them for her emigration. He stated that they might use it as they saw fit, if when on arrival they would let his sister have it to pay her passage to America. They agreed to this, and immediately went on their way to Burlington where they took a steamer for Nauvoo. They inquired and were told by the officers that the steamer would land in Nauvoo; but when they got on board they learned that the steamer would not land at that place, as they had been told; and they also heard the most bitter imprecations against the Latter-day Saints, uttered in the most profane and indecent language. Landing at Montrose, where the boat took on freight, the feeling was still more bitter. The Saints were cursed, and boasts were made what evil would befall any "Mormon" who would dare to make his appearance. Getting on board the skiff, next morning, which was to carry them over to Nauvoo, the young men found that the spirit of the mob was just as bitter as ever, but it was not known here that they were "Mormons.'' Several men asked them who they were, and their replies were evasive. Finally, a Catholic priest came to them and asked were they were from. "O! from the West," was the reply. "How far west?" "From the Rocky Mountains." But the priest finally pinned them down by asking, "Are you 'Mormon' elders from Utah?" President Smith says that for a moment, under those circumstances, never had temptation to deny the truth come to him with stronger force, but it was only for a moment. He answered, "Yes, sir, we are 'Mormon' missionaries on our way to England." The reply seemed to satisfy the priest; and, contrary to expectations, it did not in the least increase the imprecations of the passengers. When they landed at Nauvoo they went directly to the Mansion House, and, strange to say, the Catholic priest also stayed there. If they had not truthfully answered the queries on the boat, he would have found them out here, to their shame. "I had never felt happier," says President Smith, "than when I saw the minister there, and knew that we had told him the truth about our mission." Remaining a day or two in Nauvoo, they set out to find the home of their aunt, Catherine Smith Salisbury, some distance out in the country, whom they wished to visit before proceeding on their eastward journey. Becoming tired with walking, they decided to stop and get a drink on the way. They spied a tumbled-down farm house, surrounded by an indifferently tilled farm, the farmer sitting with one or two of his neighbors in the shade of the house, near which was a well. The young men went up to the well, and the farmer, a fleshy man, came out to meet them. In reply to their request, he drew some water. and gave them to drink, at the same time plying them with questions; "Where are you going?" "To Mrs. Salisbury's.'' "Are you related?" "Yes; we are her nephews " "Then you are related to the Smiths?" concluded the farmer. "Yes, sir," said President Smith, ''Hyrum Smith was my father, and Joseph was his brother, as you know." The farmer drew back a step or two and exclaimed, "I was just five minutes too late to witness their massacre." "At this reply," says President Smith. "I went blind, so that all around me was utter darkness, except that I could .see the farmer. The spirit of darkness took full possession of me, and I remembered nothing only the words of the farmer. I asked him 'And what do you think of it?' His reply was, 'What I have always thought of it:'—and here he made a long pause— 'it was a cold-blooded murder!' " “When these words were uttered," says President Smith, "I awoke as from a dream; the darkness which had surrounded me vanished; there was light again; I was myself. I found to my utter surprise that I had a large bone-handled knife clutched tightly in my hand- I can only remember that I had thought, 'If he sympathizes with the murder of the prophets, I will kill him!' When I awoke to myself again, and realized what had taken place, no man was ever happier than I to think that his answer had been what it was, and that the darkness and evil had fled." Later, in conversation with the young men, the farmer said that things were going down in that district. Everything looked dilapidated and uncared for. "I have lived here for thirty years, and have not seen property so bad before. My farm, as you see it, is the best in this region. Ever since the martyrdom, the blight of God seems to have been on the land." It was about three years prior to these incidents that an episode occurred in President Smith's life illustrating the same principle: It is best to tell the truth. He was then on his way to Utah, from a mission in Hawaii. At Honolulu he went on board the barque Yankee, on October 6th, 1857, and with a company of Elders landed in San Francisco about the end of the month. With Edward Partridge, he went down the coast to Santa Cruz county, Cal. and from thence with a company of Saints, under Captain Charles W. Wardell, southward to the Mojave river, where he and others left the company and made a visit to San Bernardino. It must be said that the feeling against the "Mormons," first, on account of the false reports of the Mountain Meadows massacre, and secondly, because of the coming of Johnston's army to Utah, was exceedingly bitter on the coast. As an illustration: while they were in Los Angeles a man, William Wall by name, came near being hung because he had confessed he was a "Mormon." A mob of men had passed sentence on him, and had prepared every detail to hang him. It was only through the wise counsel of a man among them, whose better judgment prevailed, that he was not hung. This man pointed out to the mob that here was a man who had not been near Utah when the massacre took place, a man who had no sympathy with it, who could in no way be counted as a criminal. Why should he suffer? And so Wall was finally discharged and given time to get out of the country. It was under such conditions, and such prevailing sentiment, that President Smith, then a lad of nineteen, found himself on his journey home, and on his trip to San Bernardino. With Amasa Marion, and a mail carrier, he took passage in a mail wagon. They traveled all night, and at daylight stopped near a ranch for breakfast. Marion and the mail carrier began to prepare breakfast, while Joseph went a short distance from camp to look after the horses. Just while the carrier was frying eggs, a wagon load of drunken men from Monte came in view, on their road to San Bernardino to kill the "Mormons." The oaths and foul language which they uttered, between their shooting, and the swinging of their pistols, are almost beyond comparison. Only the West in its palmiest frontier days could produce anything like its equal. They were all cursing the "Mormons," and uttering boast of what they would do when they met them. They got out at the ranch, and one of them, tumbling around, caught sight of the mail wagon, and made his way towards it. Marion and the mail carrier, fearing for their safety, had retired behind the chaparral, leaving all the baggage and supplies, including the frying eggs, exposed and unprotected. Just as this drunken man approached, President Smith came in view an his way to the camp, too late to hide, for he had been seen. The desperado was swinging his weapon, and uttering the most bloodcurdling oaths and threats ever heard against the "Mormons." "I dared not run," says President Smith, "though I trembled for fear which I dared not show. I therefore walked right up to the camp fire, and arrived there just a minute or two before the drunken man. The man came directly toward me, and, swinging the revolver in my face, with an oath cried out: 'Are you a ---------- "Mormon?' " President Smith looked him straight in the eyes, and answered with emphasis: "Yes, sir'ee; dyed in the wool!" The desperado's arms both dropped by his sides, as if paralyzed, his pistol in hand, and he said, in a subdued and maudlin voice: "Well, you are the ------- pleasantest man I ever met!" Then he turned and made his way to the ranch house. Later in the day. President Smith saw him. He only pulled his slouch hat over his eyes, and said not a word. Edward H. Anderson. THE LITTLE BLIND BOY OF HOLLAND. It happened little more than a year ago. The President was visiting the Saints in all the branches of the Church in Europe. This month—the beautiful harvest month of August—he was to visit Rotterdam. Missionaries and Saints alike wore anxious to see him, and were preparing for the great spiritual feast they should have when he came. Little John, too, was waiting anxiously for the president to come. Not that little John could see him now. Unfortunately he could not. But Little John remembered with a thrill of pleasure that, two or three years before, he had been able to see as well as any of his playmates, and then he had loved to look upon the picture of the kind, sympathetic-looking president. Little John always imagined that he saw a halo of glory about the president's head. But fortune had been unkind to Little John since those happy days—or so at least he thought. Although he was only eleven years old, he had now for several years suffered very much with his eyes. They were always inflamed, and there was always a terrible pain in them. The doctor had long ago made him discontinue school; so that now he stayed at home, wore a great bandage over his eyes, and spent most of his time thinking of how good the Lord had been to him at other times, and hoping that He would not forsake him now. So Little John was waiting anxiously, too, for the President to come. The President was the greatest man on earth, thought Little John, and he wanted very much to hear him, at least, even if he could not see him. The evening before the day on which the President was to visit the Saints of Rotterdam, Little John was unusually excited. He could speak of nothing but the President's visit, he could think of nothing else. He was literally possessed by uncontrollable enthusiasm. "Oh, mama," he cried, "I’m so glad that I shall be able at least to hear the President. Just think, mama, he is the Prophet of God." "Yes, my dear," answered his mama, "he is God's holy anointed prophet. I, too, am glad he is coming to visit us. It is almost as if God Himself were to come." Little John was impressed. He remained quiet for a little while. He was in deep thought. It was almost the first time he had been quiet that day. By and by he spoke again. "Mama, the prophet has the most power of any missionary on earth, hasn't he?" "Yes, dear boy," said his mother," he holds all the keys and authority that God ever gives to man. Why do you ask, my son?" Little John was silent for another little while; then he said solemnly, fervently, "Mama, if you will take me with you to the meeting, and get the President to look into my eyes, I believe they will be healed." "My dear boy," said his mother tenderly, "I know the President has power to heal you. But, my boy, the President is very busy just now. He has traveled far to visit us, and there are hundreds of people who want to see him. You are only a boy, my son, and we must not intrude nor force ourselves upon the President's notice." Little John's spirits sank. Yes, he was only a boy; and the President, oh! he was such a great man. There would be so many at the meeting to see him, he would not notice the little boy. "But mama," asked Little John after a while, "you will take me with you to the meeting, won’t you?" "Yes, my boy," said his mother. "Then," said Little John, his spirits rising, "I shall hear the voice of the President— the Prophet; and oh! if he would only look into my eyes, I know they would be healed." The next day Little John listened with rapture to the tones of the Prophet of God. Although the little boy could understand only what the interpreter said—for the President could not speak Dutch—yet he was warmed and thrilled by the kindly sounds of the President's voice. When the service was over, the President went to the door to shake hands with the Saints as they passed out of the hall. "Ah," thought Little John, "it is all over. But I have heard the Prophet's voice! I do wish I could meet him now and that he would look into my eyes." Almost at that moment the mother said, "This is the President, Little John, he wants to shake hands with you." A great warm hand took hold of Little John's and a kind voice greeted him tenderly. It was the President! Little John's heart beat so that it could almost be heard. Then the President's other hand lifted the bandage from Little John's eyes, and the President looked sympathetically into their sore and painful depths. "The Lord bless you, my boy," the President said, placing a hand on Little John's head. "He will grant you the desire of your heart." Now little John was happy and contented indeed, and far more enthusiastic than ever before. He had heard the President's voice, and the President had looked into his eyes, and his eyes were feeling better, toe. When he reached home Little John could hardly contain himself. Suddenly he called out, "Oh. mama, my eyes are well; I can't feel any more pain at all. And oh, mama, I can see fine now, and far too. " His mother ran to him, not knowing what to think. She tested him in every conceivable way; and, sure enough, he could see as well as ever he could. By and by little John spoke again, his voice almost choked with tears. "Mama," he asked, "The President's name is Joseph F. Smith, isn't it?" "Yes, my dear," she answered. "He is a nephew of the Prophet Joseph." "And I think he is as great a prophet, too," said Little John, "he possesses just as much power and authority. Mama," he continued earnestly, "I shall pray for him always, for I know he is a true prophet of God." Osborne J. P. Widtsoe. CASTING OUT AN EVIL SPIRIT. Seven years after the pioneer Saints entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake, President Joseph F. Smith was only fifteen years of age. Of course, he was not really the President then, but he possessed even then those strong characteristics that mark him now as the divinely appointed Man of God. Well, in the year 1854, when the President was fifteen years old, the Prophet Brigham Young called him to go on a mission to the Sandwich Islands. The Sandwich Islands are far away, out in the great Pacific Ocean. The people who live there have dark skins, like our American Indians, and they are only about half civilized; and worst of all, they speak a strange outlandish language not at all like English. So the mission to the Sandwich Islands was not one that the President might have taken from choice. But the Presi- dent was a true Latter-day Saint at heart even as a boy; he did not complain, but said cheerfully that he would go. And when he was set apart for the mission, Apostle Parley P. Pratt promised him that he should have the power of God with him, and that he should acquire the language readily, "by the gift of God and also by study." Not more than one hundred days after his arrival at the islands, the President had learned Hawaiian so well that he was able to begin active missionary labor among the people. The power of God was indeed with him. He spoke as one inspired, and he used the language so well that the native islanders looked in admiration upon him. And more than that, through the divine power of his holy Priesthood, he was able, time and again, to restore the sick to health, and to help the afflicted from their beds of suffering. At one time the President was living with a native family at Wailuku. He was the only missionary. The whole responsibility of the important work of the Church rested upon him. He had to converse with the people; he had to preach to them; he had to defend his people from slander; and he had to administer to the people when they were in distress. One night he sat in the little native hut studying the language. In another part of the hut were the Hawaiian to whom the place belonged, and his wife. They had become interested in the young missionary and had given him shelter. Tonight they were alone with him in the hut. They stopped their work frequently to ask him some question about his people, to ask him to interpret some passage of scripture, or to ask him to explain again the principles he had been teaching them. And each time the President answered them kindly, though he was interrupted in his work, and spoke with such authority that the native couple was thoroughly satisfied. Suddenly, the peacefulness of the evening was cruelly disturbed. The native woman was violently seized by some evil power. Her body was terribly bent and twisted; she was thrown about as if by someone of superhuman strength; and her face assumed a frightful expression. Her husband was horror-stricken. He fled from the presence of the afflicted woman and crouched at the feet of the President, moaning unintelligible prayers. For a moment the President, too, was frightened. This was a new and unexpected demonstration of the power of evil. The President was inexperienced in such things and hardly knew what to do. Presently, however, he regained his usual composure. He offered a short prayer to God, then he arose and confronted the woman possessed. All fear had left him; in its place was the power of God. He spoke; in the stillness his deep young voice sounded like the awe-inspiring tones of the divine power itself. "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I rebuke you,'' he said. That was all; but the majesty of authority sat upon him. He was one of the elect; he was the President. As soon as the rebuke was uttered, the woman fell to the floor limp and apparently lifeless. The woman's husband, who recovered now from his fear, believed his wife to be really dead, and set up the usual form of howling for the deceased. The President, however, speedily reassured him; and soon the woman regained her wonted strength, firmly convinced of the divine authority of the man whom her humble cottage sheltered. J. P. MORE THAN A HALO. The early days of April in the year 1893 were heavy with storm and gloom. A leaden sky stretched over the earth; every day the rain beat down upon it, and the storm-winds swept over it with terrific force. Yet the brightness and the glory of those days far outshone the gloom. It was during those tempestuous days of early April that the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated. During the dedicatory services, it was my privilege to transcribe the official notes of the various meetings. At the first service, which was known as the "official dedication," I was sitting on the lower side of the east pulpits, at the recorder's table. Brother John Nicholson, who had been busy at the outer gate, came in and sat down beside me, just as President Joseph F. Smith arose to speak. Almost as soon as President Smith began to address the Saints, there shone through his countenance a radiant light that gave me a peculiar feeling. I thought that the clouds must have lifted, and that a stream of sunlight had lighted on the President's head. I turned to Brother Nicholson and whispered, "What a singular effect of sunlight on the face of President Smith! Do look at it." He whispered back, "There is no sunshine outdoors—nothing but dark clouds and gloom." I looked out of the window, and somewhat to my surprise, I saw that Brother Nicholson had spoken truth. There was not the slightest rift in the heavy, black clouds above the city; there was not & gleam of sunshine anywhere. Whence, then, came the light that still shone from the face of President Smith? Most people remember the terrible storm of that day. It was a day not easily to be forgotten. I was told afterwards by Sister Edna Smith, who lived on the corner of First West and North Temple streets, that her parents came outside of their door at about the time of the opening of the services. They stood for some time watching the gloomy, cloud-swept heavens intently, when they saw all at once a glow of glorious light surround the Temple and circle about it as if it were an intelligible Presence. Later also, my sister, Carlie Young Cannon, who lived outside of the city, on what is known as the Cannon Farm, informed me that some members of her family came outside of their door on this same stormy morning. As they stood looking up toward the city, they, too, saw the strange light circling about the Temple walls. From their point of vantage they could see clearly that it was no effect of sunshine; for the clouds did not lift for an instant that day. Whence, then, came the light that shone from the face of President Smith? I was sure that I had seen the actual Presence of the Holy Spirit, focused upon the features of the beloved leader and prophet, Joseph F. Smith. It was but an added testimony to me that he was the 'Chosen of the Lord." I cherish the occurrence as one of the most sacred experiences of my life. Susa Young Gates. A LESSON IN PRAYER. "It's no use," said Joseph Fielding, "the cattle have either strayed so far that we shall never again see them, or they have been driven off by cattle thieves." The boy, almost hidden in the tall, wet prairie grass, looked at his uncle in silent disappointment. He was too tired, and too hungry to speak, and he was too much disheartened, too; for he knew how eager his mother was to emigrate to the valley in the spring. Indeed, among the Saints who joined the exodus of '46 and '47, there was none more anxious to reach the Promised Land than Mary Fielding Smith. The winter of '46 she had spent at Winter Quarters. During that severe season her scanty provisions had been nearly exhausted, and most of her cattle and horses had died of exposure; so that the spring found her without provisions, destitute, and unprepared for the wearisome march westward. In the fall of '47, however, Sister Smith and her brother, Joseph Fielding, secured two teams and drove into Missouri to purchase provisions. Her son Joseph, though only a boy of nine, went with them, and drove one of the teams. It was on the way back from St. Joseph that the little company met with their first misfortune. They camped one evening on the edge of an extensive natural clearing in the woods. In another part of the clearing was pastured a large herd of cattle, which some drovers were taking to market. The grass was high and plentiful, so young Joseph and his uncle turned out their oxen, as usual, to graze during the night. In the morning, however, the company was surprised to see that the best yoke of oxen was missing. Never before had the animals separated; never before had the old teamster, or the young, had any trouble with his team. What had happened during the night to disturb the usual security of the oxen, these teamsters did not know. Immediately however, Joseph and Brother Fielding set out in search of the lost team. They tramped through the tall, wet grass, till they were wet to the skin: they trudged for miles over the silent prairie, and they hunted the woods almost from end to end. But they found no lost cattle. It was nearly noon; the hunters were footsore and hungry. They were discouraged. They were ready to give up. "But what will mother do if we don't find the oxen?" asked Joseph, after some time. "They were our best yoke. We can't go forward without them, and mother is so anxious to go to the Valley." "Yes," said his uncle, "she will be terribly disappointed, I know. But I know, too, that we can't find the oxen." "I don't understand it," said Joseph. "They never did such a thing before. Let's try it again, uncle. Maybe the Lord will lead us to them, if we don't give up." So they tried again, but again they failed. Men had seen their lost cattle here, there and elsewhere, but they themselves could never see them. Both Joseph and his uncle returned to camp heartily disgusted and discouraged. Young Joseph was first to reach the camp. As he approached he heard his mother's voice. She was praying. And such a prayer! It was the widow laying her heart open before her God. Eloquently she portrayed her present condition and pictured her burning desire to go with the Saints to the Valley. Fervently she prayed and pleaded with her God so to direct her footsteps that she might find the missing cattle. Joseph was overcome. Prayer he had heard before, and though but nine years old, he had often seen prayers answered. But such a thing as this his boyish soul had never dreamed of—a widow in the deseret, praying to God for help, when, it would seem, no help could avail. Joseph entered the camp with indescribable feelings. Depression, sympathy, filial affection, reverence, strove one with another for mastery. "Well, Joseph my boy, have you seen the oxen?" asked his mother cheerily. "Not yet, mother," was all he could answer. "Well, never mind, my son," she went on. "Come and have something to eat. You're tired and hungry: By and by we'll look again and perhaps we'll find them, too," she added hopefully. Then her brother, Joseph Fielding came as tired, as hungry, as disheartened as the boy. "Never mind," said the hopeful widow Again. "Sit down to your breakfast. Why, it's noon and you haven't had a bite to eat yet. Now," she continued, "while you are eating I will go down towards the river and see if I can find the cattle." "It's useless for you to hunt the cattle," said her brother, "I have enquired of all the herdsmen and at every house for miles. I believe the cattle have been driven off." "Well, I'll try anyway," said the widow, and trudged bravely away. Joseph could hardly repress his tears. He had heard his mother pray; he knew why she had prayed so fervently. It would almost break her heart not to go to the Valley in the spring. He had heard his mother pray before, and he knew that the Lord loved her. He prayed, too, now — a honest, silent prayer, that God would lead his mother to the lost oxen. And he felt better after that; he looked up hopefully. The day seemed brighter to him, and more cheerful. "Uncle," he said, "I believe mother will find those oxen." Meanwhile, Sister Smith went directly to the river, not far from the camp, and began to follow it up stream. She had not proceeded far when a drover rode up on the other side and said, "Madam, I saw your cattle this morning over in those woods." He pointed in a direction almost opposite to that which Sister Smith was pursuing. She did not heed him but passed calmly on her way. "Madam," he said again, "I saw your cattle this morning oved in those woods," Still Sister Smith paid no attention. She continued persistently on her way. The drover, however, whirled his horse about, hurriedly collected his cattle, and set out for St. Joseph. Not far from the place where she had encountered the herdsman, Sister Smith came to a little ravine filled with willows and brush. She pushed her way into the thickest part, and there, at last, her search ended. There stood the oxen, in a thick clump of willows, so hopelessly entangled that they could not possibly set themselves free. Moreover, Sister Smith found that both oxen were tied with withes, or young, strong, supple willows. No wonder the herdsman set out in haste for St. Joseph! The cheerful, hopeful, faithful widow soon released the oxen and drove them in triumph to the camp. "There," she cried, as she confronted her brother, "I felt pretty sure that I should find them." "So did I, mother," said her son— "after you left I felt sure that the Lord would answer your prayer.'' O. J. P. W. |
Photo by Johnson.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH, Born November 13, 1838. PRES. JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(Taken in 1867 in England). PRES. JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(Taken in 1864, after his return from his first mission to England). PRES. JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(Taken in Salt Lake City, in 1865). PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(Taken 1865.) PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(Taken in Liverpool, in 1875, while on his second mission to England.) PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(Taken March 18, 1878.) |
"President Joseph F. Smith." Juvenile Instructor. 15 November 1907. pg. 691-692.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
NOVEMBER thirteenth, eighteen hundred thirty-eight, will ever be a day of blessed memory among the Latter - day Saints. Not that the outlook for the welfare of the Saints was exceptionally hopeful on that particular day. On the contrary, it was a day of suffering, of severe tribulation, of discouragement. Less than two weeks before, the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, with other prominent brethren, had been betrayed to a Missouri mob through the perfidy of the "Mormon" militia officer, George M. Hinckle. The next day the leaders of the Church had been condemned to be shot to death on the public square. Only the splendid, courageous sense of justice of Gen. Doniphan had saved the Prophet and his friends from a too early martyrdom.
But the general's fearless attitude did not save the city from plunder and rapine. Strong men and weak, hale men and sick, were alike forced to submit to the most ignominious treatment. Nor were women sacred to the frenzied mob. Plunder was good but not good enough. Added to it must be crimes of murder and bloodshed, and ravishment, to satisfy the beast spirit of the maddened crowd. These were days that tried the faith of Saints. Even the elect found it hard to stand.
Yet, the thirteenth of November, eighteen hundred thirty-eight, will ever be a day of blessed memory. In a little cabin in Far West, amid terrible scenes of violence, there was born that day, a son to the patriarch Hyrum Smith,—an apostle of Jesus Christ, a prophet of God, and a president of the Church.
Satan knew the worth of the little child even at his birth and tried therefore to destroy him. It was soon after his birth that the unbridled rage of the mob was turned toward the little cabin in which lay Mary Fielding Smith and her babe. The pillagers burst into the room hungrily. They pulled a bed to pieces, hoping to find in it hidden treasure, and threw the torn mattress upon another bed where the little babe lay sleeping. The child was smothered. When assistance came, it was found black in the face and nearly dead.
But the Lord preserved the child that day. The Lord has preserved him always to the present. When he was but six years old, the little boy saw the martyred remains of his father and his uncle, Joseph Smith. When he was but nine years old, the sturdy youngster drove an ox-team across the plains and entered the Valley ahead of the company with which he had been traveling. When he was but fifteen years old, the youth was sent on a mission to a foreign land. When he was twenty-seven years old, the young man was made an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. And from that time to this, the man has never had the harness off, nor laid the armor down.
President Joseph F. Smith has been always a stalwart in God's ranks, and we love to honor him on this, his sixty-ninth birthday. Sing, ye children of Zion, and give praise to God who has given us such a man as President of the Church, and General Superintendent of the great Sunday School cause.
Assistant Editor
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
NOVEMBER thirteenth, eighteen hundred thirty-eight, will ever be a day of blessed memory among the Latter - day Saints. Not that the outlook for the welfare of the Saints was exceptionally hopeful on that particular day. On the contrary, it was a day of suffering, of severe tribulation, of discouragement. Less than two weeks before, the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum, with other prominent brethren, had been betrayed to a Missouri mob through the perfidy of the "Mormon" militia officer, George M. Hinckle. The next day the leaders of the Church had been condemned to be shot to death on the public square. Only the splendid, courageous sense of justice of Gen. Doniphan had saved the Prophet and his friends from a too early martyrdom.
But the general's fearless attitude did not save the city from plunder and rapine. Strong men and weak, hale men and sick, were alike forced to submit to the most ignominious treatment. Nor were women sacred to the frenzied mob. Plunder was good but not good enough. Added to it must be crimes of murder and bloodshed, and ravishment, to satisfy the beast spirit of the maddened crowd. These were days that tried the faith of Saints. Even the elect found it hard to stand.
Yet, the thirteenth of November, eighteen hundred thirty-eight, will ever be a day of blessed memory. In a little cabin in Far West, amid terrible scenes of violence, there was born that day, a son to the patriarch Hyrum Smith,—an apostle of Jesus Christ, a prophet of God, and a president of the Church.
Satan knew the worth of the little child even at his birth and tried therefore to destroy him. It was soon after his birth that the unbridled rage of the mob was turned toward the little cabin in which lay Mary Fielding Smith and her babe. The pillagers burst into the room hungrily. They pulled a bed to pieces, hoping to find in it hidden treasure, and threw the torn mattress upon another bed where the little babe lay sleeping. The child was smothered. When assistance came, it was found black in the face and nearly dead.
But the Lord preserved the child that day. The Lord has preserved him always to the present. When he was but six years old, the little boy saw the martyred remains of his father and his uncle, Joseph Smith. When he was but nine years old, the sturdy youngster drove an ox-team across the plains and entered the Valley ahead of the company with which he had been traveling. When he was but fifteen years old, the youth was sent on a mission to a foreign land. When he was twenty-seven years old, the young man was made an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. And from that time to this, the man has never had the harness off, nor laid the armor down.
President Joseph F. Smith has been always a stalwart in God's ranks, and we love to honor him on this, his sixty-ninth birthday. Sing, ye children of Zion, and give praise to God who has given us such a man as President of the Church, and General Superintendent of the great Sunday School cause.
Assistant Editor
"President Smith's Seventieth Birthday." Young Woman's Journal. December 1908. pg. 687.
President Smith's Seventieth Birthday.
On November 13th President Joseph F. Smith reached the seventieth milestone on life’s journey. True, steadfast, unflinching, he stands an example to all men in his adherence to right, in his wisdom, in his manhood, in his devotion to the Gospel of Christ. In having such a son surely his noble mother is fully repaid for all her hardships.
The Journal voices the sentiments of its thousands of readers when it wishes him many happy returns of his birthday, and offers the fervent prayer that our Father may continue to bestow upon him vigor of body and strength of mind that he may be adequate to perform the many arduous duties that devolve upon him.
President Smith's Seventieth Birthday.
On November 13th President Joseph F. Smith reached the seventieth milestone on life’s journey. True, steadfast, unflinching, he stands an example to all men in his adherence to right, in his wisdom, in his manhood, in his devotion to the Gospel of Christ. In having such a son surely his noble mother is fully repaid for all her hardships.
The Journal voices the sentiments of its thousands of readers when it wishes him many happy returns of his birthday, and offers the fervent prayer that our Father may continue to bestow upon him vigor of body and strength of mind that he may be adequate to perform the many arduous duties that devolve upon him.
"In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith." Improvement Era. February 1914. pg. 372-379.
In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith On December 17, last, the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A., with the General Board of the Y. L. M. I. A. as their guests, met at the Beehive House, in honor of President Joseph F. Smith, their General Superintendent, commemorating his 75th anniversary, November 13, 1913. They presented him with a beautiful official badge of the Mutual Improvement Associations. The resolution deciding this action was made in November, but the badge was not completed until the date of presentation. In connection with the reception and presentation, an interesting program of addresses and music was given, followed by a social and refreshments. Elder B. H. Roberts officiated as master of ceremonies. President Francis M. Lyman offered prayer. Speeches were made by Dr. George H. Brimhall, President Martha H. Tingey of the Y. L. M. I. A., and Junius F. Wells, who is the oldest in membership of the General Board. Dr. Brimhall, speaking of character, said : "Character consists in having vision to see what ought to be done and courage to be up and at it." This definition is especially characteristic of the General Superintendent of our associations. Dr. Brimhall called attention to the mile posts in the growth and development of the Mutual Improvement idea from the time, June 10, 1875, the first association was organized, under the direction of President Brigham Young by Elder Junius F. Wells, up to the present time. During all these years of growth and advancement President Joseph F. Smith has taken an active interest in the work and membership of the associations. President Tingey expressed great admiration for President Smith, pointing out that his life has been an expression of honesty and integrity, and that we had found him feattess as a lion in the defense of the truth, yet humble, thoughtful, and considerate in all his associations with men and women. Elder Junius F. Wells spoke as follows: It was my intention to be very brief and informal in what I should say upon this occasion. In thinking the matter over, however, it occurred to me that, as one of the oldest workers in the associations, I might say something that should be informing and of interest to the younger members of the General Boards who would be here. I therefore decided to give the subject a little careful thought, and this morning wrote out what I desire to say. You must allow me the meed of originality, as with my poor ears I have not been able to hear those who have preceded me and if any of them have already said what I am about to say they must have caught the lightning and stolen my thunder: Brethren and Sisters: The strength of the foundation of this work of the Mutual Improvement Associations has been and is in the counsel and confidence and approval of the Holy Priesthood whose official representatives, standing at the head of the Church from the time of President Brigham Young down to the present, have supported it with their counsel and confidence and approval. We all believe that President Young was inspired in causing the organizations to be effected. He was interested in the future of Zion and was quick to perceive the need of that fostering care for the youth of Zion which these organizations are expected to provide. His connection with the Y. M. M. I. A., however, was brief, covering only the last two years of his life. It is true that he gave us our name and prescribed one exercise, that of bearing testimony, an exercise I am afraid that has already fallen, or if we are not careful will fall, into ''innocuous desuetude," among the varied and numerous exercises and activities that are being provided. I warn you who are responsible for the perpetuity and success of the organization against ever permitting this fundamental, vital, necessary exercise for our welfare to lapse. President Young did little more than this, for he was much occupied in the closing months of his life completing the St. George temple and commencing the general organization of the stakes of Zion. He was, however, always interested in our work to the last. I shall never forget an hour or two spent with him at Richfield, in 1877, on returning from dedicating the St. George temple. After the evening meeting, which he could not attend, he sent for me and said many encouraging things concerning our work, prophetic and otherwise. President Young, however, so far as I know never attended a meeting of the Y. M. M. I. A. His son, John W. Young, being called as his counselor in the First Presidency, manifested a short-lived interest in the Associations, and presided at a meeting of its representative workers, held in the old Council House, December 8, 1876, at which the Central Committee was organized and given general supervision of the work. Brother John W. attended a few other meetings, but was so much interested in other labors than this, that he gave no attention to it after the death of his father. President John Taylor, upon succeeding to the presiding authority, as President of the Twelve, manifested the most lively interest in the Association, especially at first, when he directed the completion of stake organizations, and gave his approval to the publication of the Contributor as their official organ. He also gave us the General Superintendency, which had been asked for as an advisory council to stand at the head, and as long as he lived President Taylor was an appreciative friend and adviser in our work. He generally attended our conferences. About the fifth volume of the Contributor, 1884, he paid me the compliment of saying that he had always read it and had been pleased to. From the creation of the General Superintendency, April 6, 1880, with President Woodruff as General Superintendent, and Joseph F. Smith and Moses Thatcher counselors, the status of the organization as an auxiliary of the Church was established. President Woodruff took great delight in his official connection with it, while yet a member of the Twelve, and also after he became president of his quorum; when the First Presidency was re-organized, October, 1880, and after he succeeded to the Presidency of the Church, until the day of his death. He attended many conferences and other meetings. He read and approved of the Contributor, and wrote for it; authorized the establishment of a Course of Reading, which it was hoped should be continued, as a perpetual part of our work; and in every way possible in his busy life he showed his love for and interest in the young men of Zion. At about the time of the beginning of our work, I remember Brother Woodruff delivered a discourse, in which he expressed apprehension concerning the future, observing, as a good many others of the old time faithful fathers in Israel did, that the young men were careless and indifferent, and gave little hope of following in their fathers' footsteps. Later on, President Woodruff said this troubled him so much that he went into the woods, down in Arizona, fasting and praying, and the Lord comforted him and told him to cease his worrying, for that He had already chosen from among the young men of Zion those that should bear off the responsibility that should come upon them, after their fathers should pass away ; and that the time would never come when this should not be the case, until the coming again of the Lord himself. I think nothing ever gave President Woodruff greater consolation than to witness in part the fulfilment of this assurance, through the influence and work of the Mutual Improvement Associations. I should like, before leaving the reference to President Woodruff's administration, to say a word concerning the labors of Elder Moses Thatcher, his second counselor in the General Superintendency. From the time he was chosen, and as long as he continued his connection with the apostles of the Church, Brother Thatcher was an enthusiastic champion of the Mutual Improvement Associations. He wrote voluminously for the magazine in their interests. He attended general and stake conferences, speaking eloquently in their behalf, and exerted an influence and power, when animated by the spirit of his calling, that thrilled the breasts of many of our young men, and encouraged them to take the on ward and upward course in life. I think it is due from me, notwithstanding Brother Thatcher's misfortunes, to pay this' tribute of respect to his memory. I was away during most of the time of' President Lorenzo Snow's administration, and am not able to speak so confidently of his interest in our organization. I think he left its work to the other members of the General Superintendency, as his assistants, and appointed an additional number of aids—the combination finally becoming known as the General Board which has gradually grown to its present membership of about forty. I have hastily run through this history for the purpose of showing that the active workers have always had the counsel and confidence of the General Church Authorities, in a general way, and especially to emphasize the long, faithful, devoted interest! labor and love of our present General Superintendent, Joseph F. Smith. He has been the chief, constant counselor from very nearly the beginning,—at least for thirty-six years, from the time of his return from his European mission, in 1877, three years before being called into the General Superintendency as President Woodruff's first counselor. No important step has ever been taken since that time without his knowledge and approval, so far as I know. I do know that so far as my own activities were concerned and those of Dr. Milton H. Hardy, Dr. George H. Brimhall, Edward H. Anderson, and others of the older workers, Brother Joseph has been our confidant, our patient adviser, our faithful friend. I have sometimes thought that I pestered him with my importunities concerning our work, for I sought his counsel at all hours of the day, and I might say night also; at his home, in his office, and wherever I found him. He, however, never manifested impatience, but always found time to listen and consider, and sent us away encouraged and helped on in the right way. He has seemed to be our natural counselor and adviser. I suppose more than others for the reason that he has always seemed to be one of us—a young man. We never think of Presidents Young, or Taylor, or Woodruff, or Snow as young men. And we never think of President Smith as an old man. I don't think we ever shall—certainly not until after he is eighty-seven and we celebrate our Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of the associations; and again not until he is ninety-two and leads us in the celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of the Church. Should he then feel a little weary and admit the creeping claims of Old Father Time upon his vital energies, we shall, I hope, be willing by that time to let him off from some of his more arduous labors. Not hearing them, I do not know what the previous speakers have said concerning the affection that has been developed for President Smith during our long association with him. It seems to me that we love him, not only because he has been one of us, but for what we may call the humanities of his nature, that are so frequently manifested in his treatment of us and sympathy for our work. His delight in any achievement of merit by any of our members, whether of physical prowess, intellectual, literary or artistic accomplishment, moral victory, or spiritual enlightenment, we are always sure of; and if any of us do wrong, we are witnesses of his sorrow in the tears that he cannot then restrain. In this quality, that I have called the humanities, I think Brother Joseph F. strongly shows a great well-known characteristic of his uncle, the Prophet Joseph. Not that he any the less resembles his sainted father, for the latter's straightforth uprightness, uncompromising integrity and untiring industry, which we recognize as so characteristic of our leader. Referring to his father, I should like to say that I believe the finest thing that has ever been said of any man, since the world began, came from the Lord Himself in these words: "Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith. The Lord loveth him, because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loves that which is right before me—saith the Lord." What a tribute is this! What an epitaph ! I hope sometime to see it deeply inscribed in the granite of his native state, and placed in a suitable monument to his honor, when the right time and place shall appear. Now, I believe, were we who are present this evening to search our hearts for the deep reasons of our love for our general superintendent, we should paraphrase that tribute to his father, and say, "We love and admire you, Brother Joseph, because we know of the integrity of your heart, and because we know that, above all other things, you love that which is right before the Lord." So much for our tribute of words. Now, it gives me great happiness to say that your associates of the General Board have prepared a memento to commemorate your seventy-fifth birthday. We have juggled a little with the calendar for the sake of convenience, and to get away from so many thirteens—and have shoved the occasion over into the middle of December, your seventy-fifth anniversary having occurred on the 13th day of November, 1913. This occasion is also to signalize the adoption of our first decorative medal, designed as the official insignia of our organization. This being intended for the finest gentleman we know, has been made of the finest materials we could get, and by the handicraft of the most skilful artizan we could employ, Mr. Jesse Taylor, of the Boyd Park Company. It has taken the form of a medallion bearing upon its face a raised monogram of the Mutual Improvement Associations, "M. I. A." surrounded by the glorious motto of the organization, emblazoned in enameled letters of royal blue, "The Glory of God is Intelligence." I wish to observe concerning this motto, which was adopted by the Y. M. M. I. A., at the Jubilee celebration of the Church, in July, 1880, that there is nothing to compare with it upon any coat of arms, or order, or decoration, used by the kings and potentates of the world, or its notables ; nor upon the insignia of the fraternal societies and secret organizations, all of which so generally use the name of God in combination with various explanatory phrases, usually in untranslatable Latin. None of these have the significance of our motto. I do not believe any other six words in human language convey so comprehensive a conception of the quality that makes God, the real Object of sensible worship in spirit and truth. Upon the reverse of the medal we have inscribed these words, "From the members of the General Board to Joseph F. Smith, General Superintendent, Y. M. M. I. A., upon his 75th birthday, 13th November, 1913." We hope you will be pleased with this medal, with its materials, design and workmanship. It may be worn as a watch fob, or badge, or pendant from the watch chain you usually wear. We trust that you will be proud to wear it upon all representative occasions of our organization and at such other times as you may see fit. It is with grateful appreciation of the honor to represent them, and with unfeigned pleasure that, in behalf of your associates the members of the General Board, I now present you this token of our love. President Joseph F. Smith was clearly affected by this speech and by the applause which followed. He responded in an interesting talk of a reminiscent nature. He declared that his motto so far through life had been : "I will do the best I can." He continued: "It would be impossible for me to reply in an adequate manner to the eloquent remarks that have been made by my brethren, and by Sister Tingey, but I will content myself by simply saying that I have never sought an honor, nor a position in my life, nor have I, in the course of my remembrance, ever asked for a day's work, or for a job." When a boy, President Smith shouldered the responsibility of driving an ox team across the plains from Iowa, performing that task, as all others through his life, in a cheerful and able manner. In the valley, later, he became a herd-boy for different brethren, until 1854, when he was called on a mission to the Sandwich Islands. Leaving the valley for San Francisco, during his journey from time to time he received employment unsolicited, through which means he secured the necessary funds for his passage to the Islands. He said: "While in the Islands, positions and responsibilities were thrust upon me. I never thought I was the man for the president of a conference, but others seemed to think so and hence called me to that responsibility. I didn't say, 'I can't do it.' I went at it, and did the best I could, and the result was that while there I never saw a moment that I did not have plenty to do. While I never felt adequate to the responsibilities that devolved upon me, it seemed that the merciful hand of a kind Providence always overruled things for my best good." In the course of his remarks President Smith complimented a number of the brethren on their ability as speakers and writers to defend the Church and its principles, naming especially Elder Junius F. Wells, Presidents Charles W. Penrose, B. H. Roberts, Dr. George H. Brimhall, Dr. James E. Talmage, Edward H. Anderson, and others. He continued: "I think Brother Junius is one of the gifted writers of the Church. I am proud of him. I thank him for the very loving part he has taken in this matter. I expected him to do it. I wouldn't think he would do anything else, and I looked for it from him. We have been missionaries together, boys together, and I have known him all the way from childhood up, and I expect nothing from him but that which is good. When I have seen my brethren show their master minds in the defense of the principles of the gospel, I have thanked God that we had men who can speak and write with power. I admire their ability and thank God that he has given them the might to accomplish this work. I am proud of them and their work, and I pray that God will still increase in them their capabilities to defend the cause of Zion. Whenever these my brethren, or others, can proclaim the gospel or defend it better than anyone else can, my pride and my gratitude will rise just that much higher. I have seen men who were jealous of other exponents of the principles of the gospel of Christ, but I never had that feeling, because my only pride is in the work. It is to me everything. There is nothing outside of it to me. I want to see it progress, and have it proclaimed to all the world." President Smith went into detail as to some of his vocations and occupations after his return from the Sandwich Islands, the whole illustrating the kindness of God to him in always supplying him with the work necessary for the maintenance of himself and those who were dependent upon him. He bore a strong testimony to the truth of the Gospel, and to the good that the Mutual Improvement organizations are performing among the young people of Zion, and thanked the company assembled, which consisted of a large number of the members of the two General Boards, for their love for, and confidence in, him, and for the beautiful official badge which the members of the General Board of the Y. M. M. I. A. had presented to him. Elder B. H. Roberts called attention to and commented upon the faithful labors of Elder Heber J. Grant in the organizations of the young men. His absence in the East prevented him from participating in the exercises on this occasion. Delicious refreshments were served; Brother Benjamin Goddard pronounced the benediction. A portrait of President Smith, as he appeared on the occasion, taken specially for the Improvement Era, is used as a frontispiece in this number. |
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Who recently celebrated his seventy-fifth anniversary. From his latest photograph, taken specially for the Era Photo by K. N. Winnie.
This picture represents River street, Nome, Alaska, on the morning of Oct. 6, 1913, after the great tidal storm had washed away and destroyed all the buildings. The fallen buildings were located on First Avenue, a higher street. |
Jensen, Nephi. "A Tribute." Young Woman's Journal. June 1915. pg. 374-375.
A Tribute.
By Nephi Jensen.
On the evening of Tuesday, November 24, 1914, President Joseph F. Smith spoke to an audience of several hundred people, in a public hall at Memphis, Tennessee. Of his manner of speaking and the effect produced, The Memphis Commercial Appeal, the next morning said, “President Smith is positive in speech. He is a speaker of great force. Nothing he said last night could be construed as out of the ordinary at all. But as he voiced the plea it was not quite usual. He did not seem to be trying for an effect, but he did secure one. Several of the women who were present held their handkerchiefs to their eyes; several men almost seemed worried. There were plenty of unbelievers in the crowd, but all listened to him with great attention—even smiles were lacking.”
It is a unique triumph of speechmaking which is here recorded. The paragraph gives the reporter’s impressions of the leader of a misrepresented, and therefore often despised Church, who spoke to an audience of strangers in a strange city, and commanded the tribute of tears from cynical curiosity. Here is a new theme for the critic of eloquence.
The statement of the reporter that President Smith, “did not seem to be trying for an effect”, is deserving of analysis with the view of finding the secret of the power that warmed cold biased hearts into sympathetic rapport with the spirit of the speaker. Was it mere art that made the men “almost seem worried?” If it was art, it was the truest art, “the art that conceals art.”
In these times when most people are very serious about frivolous things and very frivolous about serious things, is it not rather a rare thing to witness fastidious women mellowed to tears by listening to the earnest promulgation of a religion which has no worldly pomp or splendor? From whence and what is this “enthusiasm” in religious teaching which “grew eloquent" “through pure earnestness,” and was so natural and honest that it “did not seem to be trying for an effect’*, and yet “was not quite usual”, but nevertheless made stout-hearted men “almost seem worried”? From whence is this “pure earnestness” that spoke so eloquently that cold smiling curiosity turned to praise?
I must not make this article a “serried rank of interrogation points”. Asking is not answering. Eli Perkins said, “Humor is close to truth”. Real humor is so true that it imparts the gladness that is almost sad. It is almost as near to tears as to smiles. The Spirit of Truth makes us so glad that we smile through our tears. It was not sad distress that compelled these women who heard President Smith, to hold their “handkerchiefs to their eyes”. It was the Spirit of Truth fusing with the spirits of the hearers that mellowed their hearts to tears of joy.
To be a great orator, one must be something much greater than an orator. He must have that first essential of true greatness, wholehearted devotion to a great cause. Soul-rooted loyalty to the truth is one of the dominant notes in the character of President Smith. With him truth is majesty, goodness the only nobility, and virtue the only beauty. We must look to this deep unvarying devotion to the true, the beautiful, and the good, to find the real secret of his “pure earnestness”, that becomes truly eloquent in the advocacy of his religion.
Real eloquence is something deeper and truer than art. It is more than finished rhetoric spoken with the graces of elocution. It is as Emerson says, “The best speech of the best soul”. In eloquence, as in every other realm of human endeavor, the effect produced is the truest test of the character of the performance. “A great speech is a fine thing, but the verdict is the thing”, said Daniel O’Connell. Considered in the light of the “verdict” won, President Smith’s speaking at Memphis was a splendid triumph of eloquence. The eloquence that spoke on that occasion was the truest words of the truest soul; it turned away the hidden sneers of prejudice, and made cold souls warm with the Spirit of Truth.
This “pure earnestness” that mingles sympathy and devotion with gentle mirth comes from a heart in which is blended in full measure the simple honesty of Lincoln, the zeal of Peter, and the courage of Paul. It was the same “pure earnestness” that spoke to us at the last general conference of the Church. On that occasion it made us say in our hearts, “Of a truth this man is a prophet.”
A Tribute.
By Nephi Jensen.
On the evening of Tuesday, November 24, 1914, President Joseph F. Smith spoke to an audience of several hundred people, in a public hall at Memphis, Tennessee. Of his manner of speaking and the effect produced, The Memphis Commercial Appeal, the next morning said, “President Smith is positive in speech. He is a speaker of great force. Nothing he said last night could be construed as out of the ordinary at all. But as he voiced the plea it was not quite usual. He did not seem to be trying for an effect, but he did secure one. Several of the women who were present held their handkerchiefs to their eyes; several men almost seemed worried. There were plenty of unbelievers in the crowd, but all listened to him with great attention—even smiles were lacking.”
It is a unique triumph of speechmaking which is here recorded. The paragraph gives the reporter’s impressions of the leader of a misrepresented, and therefore often despised Church, who spoke to an audience of strangers in a strange city, and commanded the tribute of tears from cynical curiosity. Here is a new theme for the critic of eloquence.
The statement of the reporter that President Smith, “did not seem to be trying for an effect”, is deserving of analysis with the view of finding the secret of the power that warmed cold biased hearts into sympathetic rapport with the spirit of the speaker. Was it mere art that made the men “almost seem worried?” If it was art, it was the truest art, “the art that conceals art.”
In these times when most people are very serious about frivolous things and very frivolous about serious things, is it not rather a rare thing to witness fastidious women mellowed to tears by listening to the earnest promulgation of a religion which has no worldly pomp or splendor? From whence and what is this “enthusiasm” in religious teaching which “grew eloquent" “through pure earnestness,” and was so natural and honest that it “did not seem to be trying for an effect’*, and yet “was not quite usual”, but nevertheless made stout-hearted men “almost seem worried”? From whence is this “pure earnestness” that spoke so eloquently that cold smiling curiosity turned to praise?
I must not make this article a “serried rank of interrogation points”. Asking is not answering. Eli Perkins said, “Humor is close to truth”. Real humor is so true that it imparts the gladness that is almost sad. It is almost as near to tears as to smiles. The Spirit of Truth makes us so glad that we smile through our tears. It was not sad distress that compelled these women who heard President Smith, to hold their “handkerchiefs to their eyes”. It was the Spirit of Truth fusing with the spirits of the hearers that mellowed their hearts to tears of joy.
To be a great orator, one must be something much greater than an orator. He must have that first essential of true greatness, wholehearted devotion to a great cause. Soul-rooted loyalty to the truth is one of the dominant notes in the character of President Smith. With him truth is majesty, goodness the only nobility, and virtue the only beauty. We must look to this deep unvarying devotion to the true, the beautiful, and the good, to find the real secret of his “pure earnestness”, that becomes truly eloquent in the advocacy of his religion.
Real eloquence is something deeper and truer than art. It is more than finished rhetoric spoken with the graces of elocution. It is as Emerson says, “The best speech of the best soul”. In eloquence, as in every other realm of human endeavor, the effect produced is the truest test of the character of the performance. “A great speech is a fine thing, but the verdict is the thing”, said Daniel O’Connell. Considered in the light of the “verdict” won, President Smith’s speaking at Memphis was a splendid triumph of eloquence. The eloquence that spoke on that occasion was the truest words of the truest soul; it turned away the hidden sneers of prejudice, and made cold souls warm with the Spirit of Truth.
This “pure earnestness” that mingles sympathy and devotion with gentle mirth comes from a heart in which is blended in full measure the simple honesty of Lincoln, the zeal of Peter, and the courage of Paul. It was the same “pure earnestness” that spoke to us at the last general conference of the Church. On that occasion it made us say in our hearts, “Of a truth this man is a prophet.”
"Cases of Healing." Young Woman's Journal. February 1916. pg. 120.
Cases of Healing.
(1) Incident in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith: “The following account of a remarkable case of healing was translated from the Dutch Star for the Millennial Star by President Alex. Nibley:
“Little John, the eleven-year-old son of sister H— S— of the Rotterdam branch, had suffered greatly for a number of years with his eyes. They were badly inflamed and pained him continually. He was slowly losing his sight and was unable to attend school longer.
“When on a certain day in the beginning of last August it was announced in Rotterdam that President Joseph F. Smith would be in the city the following day and attend meeting, little John said to his mother: ‘The prophet has the most power of any missionary on earth. If you will take me with you to meeting and he will look into my eyes I believe they will be healed.’
“According to his desire he was permitted to accompany his mother to the meeting, at the close of which President Smith moved to the door in order to shake hands with the Saints and friends as they passed out of the hall. As the little fellow approached him, led by his mother, and his eyes bandaged with cloths, President Smith took him by the hand and spoke to him kindly. He then raised the bandage slightly and looked sympathetically into the inflamed eyes, at the same time saying something in English which the child could not understand.
“The little fellow was satisfied. The prophet had acted according to his faith : and according to his faith so did it come to pass with him. Upon reaching home he cried out: ‘Mama, my eyes are well; I can’t feel any more pain. I can see fine now, and far, too.’
“Since then his sight has been good. He attends school again, and one would never think that anything had ever ailed his eyes.”[1]
[1] “Millennial Star,” 1907.
Cases of Healing.
(1) Incident in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith: “The following account of a remarkable case of healing was translated from the Dutch Star for the Millennial Star by President Alex. Nibley:
“Little John, the eleven-year-old son of sister H— S— of the Rotterdam branch, had suffered greatly for a number of years with his eyes. They were badly inflamed and pained him continually. He was slowly losing his sight and was unable to attend school longer.
“When on a certain day in the beginning of last August it was announced in Rotterdam that President Joseph F. Smith would be in the city the following day and attend meeting, little John said to his mother: ‘The prophet has the most power of any missionary on earth. If you will take me with you to meeting and he will look into my eyes I believe they will be healed.’
“According to his desire he was permitted to accompany his mother to the meeting, at the close of which President Smith moved to the door in order to shake hands with the Saints and friends as they passed out of the hall. As the little fellow approached him, led by his mother, and his eyes bandaged with cloths, President Smith took him by the hand and spoke to him kindly. He then raised the bandage slightly and looked sympathetically into the inflamed eyes, at the same time saying something in English which the child could not understand.
“The little fellow was satisfied. The prophet had acted according to his faith : and according to his faith so did it come to pass with him. Upon reaching home he cried out: ‘Mama, my eyes are well; I can’t feel any more pain. I can see fine now, and far, too.’
“Since then his sight has been good. He attends school again, and one would never think that anything had ever ailed his eyes.”[1]
[1] “Millennial Star,” 1907.
Goodwin, C. C. "Joseph F. Smith." Improvement Era. June 1916. pg. 669-670.
Joseph F. Smith BY C. C. GOODWIN (Goodwin's Weekly, April 8, 1916) A more kindly and benevolent man has seldom held an exalted ecclesiastical position in these latter days than President Joseph F. Smith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Passing down the seventy-seventh year of the highway of life, and living with broad tolerance of the affairs of men he stands a commanding influence in his state. To his people he is the great spiritual leader. To men at large he is a man of wide sympathies, great business acumen and a born leader of the great institution of which he is the head. One, who has known him for two generations, says of him: "Once stern and unrelenting, he has mellowed as the years go on, until he sees but the good in humanity and forgives men their trespasses." His early life was of great hardship, surviving as he did many adventures and many soul-rending experiences that try the hearts of men. He is the son of Hyrum Smith, second patriarch of the Church and brother of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was born November 13, 1838, at Far West, Missouri. He came into the world at the beginning of the early troubles of his people. His mother fled with him from Nauvoo Illinois. At the age of eight years he drove an ox team across the desert he reached Salt Lake with his mother September 23. 1848. For the next six years he endured terrible hardships in common with the pioneers. In the year 1854 he was called on a mission to the Sandwich Islands, returning to Utah in 1858. He went on a mission to Great Britain in 1860, returning in 1863. He returned to the Sandwich Islands in 1864 and afterwards was employed in the office of the Church historian. He was in charge of the endowment house after the death of President Young until it was closed. On July 1, 1866, he was ordained as an apostle. From that time until this his service to the "Mormon" Church has been a record of large achievements. He served in England on another mission in 1874 and 1875 and in 1877 went to England on his third mission. On account of the death of President Young he was chosen second counselor to President John Taylor, in October, 1880, holding the same position under Presidents Woodruff and Snow. Upon the death of President Snow he succeeded to the First Presidency. Under his direction the Church has grown in power until it is accounted one of the most perfectly organized bodies in existence. As trustee of the vast properties of the Church he has become one of its greatest financial leaders. His life all these years has been lived with great simplicity, constant labor, and great personal frugality. He stands today a patriarch ruling with a gentle hand over a people blessed with such prosperity as few religious bodies have ever known. |
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH.
(From his latest photo, by H. H. Thomas) "A more kindly and benevolent man has seldom held an ecclesiastical position in these latter days than President Joseph F. Smith. * * His life all these years has been lived with great simplicity, constant labor, and great personal frugality. He stands today a patriarch ruling with a gentle hand over a people blessed with such prosperity as few religious bodies have ever known." —Judge C. C. Goodwin. |
"Gems from Sermons by President Joseph F. Smith." Young Woman's Journal. November 1918. pg. 604.
Gems from Sermons by President Joseph F. Smith
The eye of God, and the eye of man, is upon this people. We cannot hide ourselves from them. It behooves us to speak right, to think right, to do right, and to work righteousness in every capacity in which we are called to act, in private and in .public, that it may be said of us, “They are worthy to bear sons and daughters who shall abide in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the highest honor that can be given to man.”
The Lord bless the fathers and the mothers of Israel and their sons and daughters. May He keep our sons from error, from wicked ways, and from temptations that beset them in the wicked world in which we live. May the Lord preserve the virtue, honor, and purity of our daughters, that they may be pure as the angels in the presence of God, and to bear sons and daughters who shall abide in the truth, and who shall bear off. to the last, the kingdom of God, triumphantly throughout the world.
The Word of Wisdom dictates that when we become weary we should stop and rest. When we are threatened with exhaustion through over exertion, wisdom would caution us to wait, to stop; not to take a stimulant to urge us on to greater extremes, but to go where we can retire and rest and recuperate according to the laws of nature. That is the best way to do.
I have received the witness of the Spirit of God in my own heart, which exceeds all other evidences, for it bears record to me, to my very soul, of the existence of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and that in the last day He shall stand upon the earth, and that He shall come to the people who shall be prepared for Him, as a bride is prepared for the bridegroom, when he shall come.
Gems from Sermons by President Joseph F. Smith
The eye of God, and the eye of man, is upon this people. We cannot hide ourselves from them. It behooves us to speak right, to think right, to do right, and to work righteousness in every capacity in which we are called to act, in private and in .public, that it may be said of us, “They are worthy to bear sons and daughters who shall abide in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the highest honor that can be given to man.”
The Lord bless the fathers and the mothers of Israel and their sons and daughters. May He keep our sons from error, from wicked ways, and from temptations that beset them in the wicked world in which we live. May the Lord preserve the virtue, honor, and purity of our daughters, that they may be pure as the angels in the presence of God, and to bear sons and daughters who shall abide in the truth, and who shall bear off. to the last, the kingdom of God, triumphantly throughout the world.
The Word of Wisdom dictates that when we become weary we should stop and rest. When we are threatened with exhaustion through over exertion, wisdom would caution us to wait, to stop; not to take a stimulant to urge us on to greater extremes, but to go where we can retire and rest and recuperate according to the laws of nature. That is the best way to do.
I have received the witness of the Spirit of God in my own heart, which exceeds all other evidences, for it bears record to me, to my very soul, of the existence of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I know that He lives, and that in the last day He shall stand upon the earth, and that He shall come to the people who shall be prepared for Him, as a bride is prepared for the bridegroom, when he shall come.
"An Episode in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith." Young Woman's Journal. November 1918. pg. 626-627.
An Episode in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith.
It happened while President Smith was on his way to Utah from his first mission in Hawaii, he having gone upon that mission at the age of fifteen. At Honolulu he went on board the bark Yankee. This was on the 6th of October, 1857. With a company of elders he landed in San Francisco about the end of the month. With Edward Partridge he went to Santa Cruz county and then with a company of Saints, under Captain Charles W. Wardell, proceeded southward to the Mojave river, where he and others left the company and made a visit to San Bernardino. At that time the feeling against the “Mormons” was exceedingly bitter on the coast: first, on account of the false report concerning the Mountain Meadows massacre, and. secondly, because of the coming of Johnston’s army to Utah. This feeling is best illustrated by a little incident:
While they were in Los Angeles a man named William Wall came near being hung because he had confessed he was a “Mormon.” A mob of men had passed the sentence upon him and had gone into every detail in preparation for hanging him. Through the wise counsel of one of their men. whose better judgment prevailed, he was not hung, but was finally discharged and given time to get out of the country.
It was under such conditions and such prevailing sentiment that President Smith, who was then a lad of nineteen, found himself on his journey home, and on his trip to San Bernardino. W ith Amasa Marion and a mail carrier, he took passage in the mail wagon. Traveling all night they stopped about daylight at a ranch for breakfast. Marion and the mail man began to prepare breakfast while President Smith went a short way from camp to take care of the horses. While the carrier was frying eggs, a wagon load of drunken men from Monte came into view. It was learned later that they were on their way to San Bernardino to kill the “Mormons.”
The oaths and foul language which they uttered, between shooting and swinging their pistols, were almost beyond comparison. Only the west, in its palmiest frontier days, could produce anything to equal it. They were cursing the “Mormons,” and uttering boasts of what they would do to them when they should meet them. At the ranch they got out of the vehicle, and one of them, fumbling around, caught sight of the mail wagon and made his way towards it. Marion and the mail carrier, fearing for their safety. had retired behind the chaparral, leaving all the baggage and supplies, including the frying eggs, exposed and unprotected.
Just as this drunken man drew near. President Smith came in view, on his way to the camp, too late to hide, for he had been seen. The desperado was swinging his weapon and uttering the most blood-curdling threats and oaths ever heard.
“I dared rot run.” said President Smith, “though I trembled with fear which I dared not show. I therefore walked right up to the campfire. and arrived there just a minute or two before the drunken man. The desperado came directly toward me. swinging his revolver in mv face and with an oath cried out: 'Are you a --- --- --- Mormon?”
President Smith looked him straight in the eye and courageously answered with emphasis: “Yes. siree: dyed in the wool.”
The desperado’s arms both dropped by his sides, as if paralyzed. and he said in a subdued and modulated voice: “Well, you are the --- --- --- pleasantest man I ever met.”
Then he turned and made his way to the ranch house. Later in the day. President Smith saw him, but he only pulled his slouch hat over his eyes and said not a word.
—Edward H. Anderson.
An Episode in the Life of President Joseph F. Smith.
It happened while President Smith was on his way to Utah from his first mission in Hawaii, he having gone upon that mission at the age of fifteen. At Honolulu he went on board the bark Yankee. This was on the 6th of October, 1857. With a company of elders he landed in San Francisco about the end of the month. With Edward Partridge he went to Santa Cruz county and then with a company of Saints, under Captain Charles W. Wardell, proceeded southward to the Mojave river, where he and others left the company and made a visit to San Bernardino. At that time the feeling against the “Mormons” was exceedingly bitter on the coast: first, on account of the false report concerning the Mountain Meadows massacre, and. secondly, because of the coming of Johnston’s army to Utah. This feeling is best illustrated by a little incident:
While they were in Los Angeles a man named William Wall came near being hung because he had confessed he was a “Mormon.” A mob of men had passed the sentence upon him and had gone into every detail in preparation for hanging him. Through the wise counsel of one of their men. whose better judgment prevailed, he was not hung, but was finally discharged and given time to get out of the country.
It was under such conditions and such prevailing sentiment that President Smith, who was then a lad of nineteen, found himself on his journey home, and on his trip to San Bernardino. W ith Amasa Marion and a mail carrier, he took passage in the mail wagon. Traveling all night they stopped about daylight at a ranch for breakfast. Marion and the mail man began to prepare breakfast while President Smith went a short way from camp to take care of the horses. While the carrier was frying eggs, a wagon load of drunken men from Monte came into view. It was learned later that they were on their way to San Bernardino to kill the “Mormons.”
The oaths and foul language which they uttered, between shooting and swinging their pistols, were almost beyond comparison. Only the west, in its palmiest frontier days, could produce anything to equal it. They were cursing the “Mormons,” and uttering boasts of what they would do to them when they should meet them. At the ranch they got out of the vehicle, and one of them, fumbling around, caught sight of the mail wagon and made his way towards it. Marion and the mail carrier, fearing for their safety. had retired behind the chaparral, leaving all the baggage and supplies, including the frying eggs, exposed and unprotected.
Just as this drunken man drew near. President Smith came in view, on his way to the camp, too late to hide, for he had been seen. The desperado was swinging his weapon and uttering the most blood-curdling threats and oaths ever heard.
“I dared rot run.” said President Smith, “though I trembled with fear which I dared not show. I therefore walked right up to the campfire. and arrived there just a minute or two before the drunken man. The desperado came directly toward me. swinging his revolver in mv face and with an oath cried out: 'Are you a --- --- --- Mormon?”
President Smith looked him straight in the eye and courageously answered with emphasis: “Yes. siree: dyed in the wool.”
The desperado’s arms both dropped by his sides, as if paralyzed. and he said in a subdued and modulated voice: “Well, you are the --- --- --- pleasantest man I ever met.”
Then he turned and made his way to the ranch house. Later in the day. President Smith saw him, but he only pulled his slouch hat over his eyes and said not a word.
—Edward H. Anderson.
"Our President's Natal Day." Young Woman's Journal. November 1918. pg. 635.
Our President’s Natal Day.
We are thankful for the partial restoration to health of our beloved President, and that he was able to attend conference, admonish and bless the people, and enjoy the spirit of the occasion.
Never has a man been more beloved by his people. He is a wonderful combination of strength and tenderness. He is noted for his clear vision. his wise judgment, and his great love for his family, people. and the gospel cause. He stands a splendid example of an ideal husband, father. Saint, leader. He has been true to every trust.
During his Presidency the Church has made wonderful progress spiritually, intellectually, numerically, and financially.
The Journal extends hearty greetings to him on his eightieth birthday. May our Father bless him with health and may he be per- mitted to stand for a long time to come as a bulwark of strength to his people.
Our President’s Natal Day.
We are thankful for the partial restoration to health of our beloved President, and that he was able to attend conference, admonish and bless the people, and enjoy the spirit of the occasion.
Never has a man been more beloved by his people. He is a wonderful combination of strength and tenderness. He is noted for his clear vision. his wise judgment, and his great love for his family, people. and the gospel cause. He stands a splendid example of an ideal husband, father. Saint, leader. He has been true to every trust.
During his Presidency the Church has made wonderful progress spiritually, intellectually, numerically, and financially.
The Journal extends hearty greetings to him on his eightieth birthday. May our Father bless him with health and may he be per- mitted to stand for a long time to come as a bulwark of strength to his people.
"President Joseph F. Smith." Improvement Era. December 1918. pg. 170-174.
President Joseph F. Smith The great and noble work of President Joseph F. Smith on earth is ended! Surrounded by members of his family, his active life peacefully closed on Tuesday morning at 4:50 o'clock, November 19, 1918, at his home, the Beehive House, Salt Lake City. As this number of the Era was ready for the press at the time, we can, therefore, only make brief mention of our loss in this number. President Smith had been ill for several months, and last appeared in public at the October general conference of the Church when he received such spontaneous ovations from the people as indicated, more clearly than words, the deep appreciation with which the Latter-day Saints regard him. He had just quietly celebrated his eightieth anniversary, having received heaps of congratulations and well wishes, by letter, word, and wire, from friends in all parts of the world. Born at Far West, Missouri, November 13, 1838, he came to the world in the midst of mobs, persecution, and hardships— in the days that tried the hearts of men and women. His father, Hyrum Smith, the patriarch, about twelve days before Joseph was born, had been torn from his wife, Joseph's mother, Mary Fielding, by a mob, and sentenced with other leaders of the Church, to be shot. Through the intercession of General Doniphan, the wicked edict was rescinded, but Hyrum still remained a prisoner when his wife gave birth to his son Joseph Fielding Smith. Joseph's mother was a native of England who, late in the '20's had followed her brother and sister, Joseph and Mercy Fielding, to Canada, where the family had been converted to the faith of the Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt. She was married to Hyrum Smith, December, 1837, in Ohio. Hyrum's first wife, Jerusha Barden, had died previously, leaving five motherless children who were now cared for by the heroic Mary Fielding, who defended them against the mobbers when they invaded her cabin, and ravaged the fields and homesteads in the neighborhood. Under these trying conditions and many others that followed, Joseph was born, and it is no wonder that not only the mother, but her son also should hate mobs and tyranny, and love righteousness and liberty. It is no wonder that her son partook in his very nature of the independence, resourcefulness and initiative of his mother, and that some of the iron of the times should also enter into the soul of her child. All these Hardships and conditions made him, later, one of the ablest, most lovable, as well as the most determined characters among a people noted for strong and devoted leaders. Joseph F. Smith served the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all his life, in almost every useful private and public capacity, rising round by round up the ladder of experience, as herd boy, pioneer, teacher, missionary, legislator, counselor, leader—always and ever making a record of large achievement. As a herd boy, he heroically saved his mother's cattle from being stolen by Indians, showing forth that determination and faithfulness to duty so true to him in every position later assigned to him, in his long and useful career. At the age of ten, as a pioneer, he drove his mother's ox teams across the plains to the Valley, arriving September 23, 1848, and here joined in all the toil and hardships of colonizing the desert and developing its resources, digging sustenance from the unwilling earth. He received only that scant education then afforded, though it was richly supplemented by his faithful mother's teaching, for she was his principal tutor as long as she lived. When fifteen years of age, he was ordained an elder, and from 1854 to 1858 he served a four-year mission in the Sandwich Islands, supplemented later by many years of activity in the mission field in that country, England, and in other parts of the earth. As a teacher and public speaker he was forceful and effective, eloquent and convincing, and understood and expounded the doctrines of the gospel so clearly that no hearer could misunderstand. He was ordained an apostle, July 1, 1866, and became a member of the Council of Twelve, in October, 1867; from 1875 to 1877 he presided over the Davis stake of Zion. In October, 1880, he was chosen and sustained counselor to President John Taylor, and from that time continued as a counselor in the First Presidency, under Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow until he succeeded the latter as President of the Church, October 17, 1901, thus becoming the High Priest of our people over whom he presided in wisdom, cheer, kindness and with a gentle voice and hand for over seventeen years. Thus he reached the topmost round of official achievement in the Church which his father and the Prophet Joseph Smith died to establish. He served in the city council, as regent of the University, and during seven consecutive terms in the Territorial House of Representatives, 1865-1874, and in 1880 and 1882 sat in the Council, being the president during the session of 1882. Helpful, sympathetic, thoughtful, courteous and loving, he was an ideal husband and father; a true and unshakeable friend, firm as the everlasting hills, yet tender as a little child. He was thoroughly imbued with a testimony of the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and lived accordingly, and in harmony with such testimony. President Smith's administration was characterized by a steady growth of the people in both spiritual and temporal affairs, much of this growth and progress being stimulated by his leadership, forethought and consideration, and his ability to gather men about him who willingly co-operated with him for the advancement and progress of the Church, the State and the community. In both religion and business, he was staunch, firm, progressive—a leader beloved and respected by all. In the various departments of the Church work, he was looked up to with similar love and respect, and every worker among his nearest associates fairly loved and admired him. As the editor of the Improvement Era and the Juvenile Instructor, he was a stimulating power, a fountain of wisdom to his associates. Had he devoted himself to literary work, his success in that line would have been quite as marked as in public discourse and leadership. His sermons breathe the true spirit of the gospel, are sound as gold in doctrine, and express the spirit of the Master in every word; gathered, classified, arranged and printed they will constitute a compendium of the doctrines of the Church that will stand as a safe guide for its members for generations to come. He was very anxious for the welfare of the young people, and every good effort for their advancement was sanctioned and supported by him. Even in the midst of the cares, burdens, and anxieties of his active life weighing heavily upon him, he was never known to be too busy to give counsel, experience, testimony, helpful ideas, and to show sympathetic consideration, when called upon by workers or members of the Church. He always treated the writer as a life-long friend and companion, and it is one of the most pleasing experiences of his life, and the greatest honor, to have been called by him, his friend; the many hours spent in his presence are precious jewels of memory. He loved to write, and often expressed the wish that he could have more time to devote to the Era. President Joseph F. Smith's death marks an epoch in the history of the Church. He was the last of the old school of veteran leaders who pioneered and founded our Commonwealth. We shall grievously miss him. As a measure of prudence, in view of existing health conditions, the general authorities of the Church and representatives of the family decided it would be improper to hold public funeral services. Brief services only were therefore held Friday, November 22, 1918, at the time of interment, in the City Cemetery. Memorial services will be held later throughout the whole Church for the beloved leader. A. |
PRESIDENT JOSEPH FIELDING SMITH
Born November 13, 1838, in Far West, Missouri; died November 19, 1918, in Salt Lake City, Utah |
Whitney, Orson F. "President Joseph F. Smith As I Knew Him." Juvenile Instructor. December 1918. pg. 618-624.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH AS I KNEW HIM By Elder Orson F. Whitney "Thou dost not weep to weep alone; The broad bereavement seems to fall Unheeded and unfelt by none: He was beloved—beloved by all." A broad bereavement indeed, that which took from this sphere of action a man revered and honored as few men have been, a man respected and esteemed wherever he was truly known. Like most strong characters, men of positive views and vigorous expression, Joseph F. Smith had enemies; but they were few in number and of questionable quality, not to be compared with the multitudes of worthy men and women who were proud and happy to call him friend. President Smith's dominant trait was his unfaltering and unflagging devotion to duty. A man more diligent, more industrious, more zealous in the practice of the principles he professed, it would be impossible to find. True to his convictions, fearless and outspoken in their defense, he was absolutely untiring in his labors for the promotion of the Master's cause. He did not court martyrdom, but neither would he have shrunk from it had it been a choice between death and dishonor. He was an example of moral rectitude, of clean conduct, of righteous living; and this without doubt constitutes his chief title to greatness. Honest, brave, determined, conscientious in all his relations with God and with his fellow man — these and kindred qualities, with his illustrious lineage and his exalted station, gave him a prestige all but unrivalled in the annals of the Church over which he presided. Throughout his entire career he stood a stalwart among the noblest in the land, a man of unblemished integrity, a rock against which the billows of temptation beat and dashed in vain. Second only to his loyalty and devotion to the work of God, was his warm and tender love for his family—his wives, his children, and after them his kindred in general. No man could have been more attached to the members of his household, more regardful of their welfare, more solicitous for their safety, more jealous of any influence that threatened their peace and prosperity, their happiness in time or in eternity. And how richly was he recompensed ! In all that numerous flock of sons and daughters,' his children and his children's children, not one "black sheep" is to be found, not one wanderer from the fold of the Good Shepherd. This reflection must have been to him, even in hours of sorrow and dejection, an unfailing source of comfort and consolation. Drawing men unto God, that their souls may be saved in the Kingdom of Heaven, is the greatest because the most God-like of all human activities. Yes, for even the divinest achievement of Divinity is in "bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." But next to that, and indeed a very part thereof, is the rearing of a family as President Smith reared his. He fully realized that it represented the nucleus and foundation of his eternal glory and exaltation. But that was not all. He loved his wives and children for their own sake—loved them fondly and devotedly —and the mere thought of losing one of the precious souls that God had entrusted to his care was enough to start the tears from his eyes at any time. Eminently successful as a man of family, he was a Patriarch no less than a Prophet, a fatherly man in every sense of the term. But his paternal affection, though it began at home, did not end there. It could not, in one imbued with the Spirit of Him who gave to the word "kindred" its broadest and best defining. "Whosoever shall 'do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother" (Matt. 12:50). So said the Savior of the World, and this faithful follower of the Christ was like him in that respect. Joseph F. Smith's affection went out far beyond the boundaries of his domestic domain. It embraced God's people as a whole, rich and poor, high and low. He made no discrimination be- tween classes—all who served the Lord were sharers in his sympathy and esteem. Joseph Fielding Smith, nephew and namesake of the martyred Prophet, was born at Far West, Missouri, November 13, 1838, in the very thick of the mob troubles that culminated in the cruel ex- pulsion of the Latter-day Saints from that State. His father, Hyrum Smith, then one of the First Presidency of the Church, was a prisoner in the hands of the Missourians when his son Joseph F. came into the world. Some of the heartless plunderers, while sacking the defenseless town, thrust themselves into the sick mother's presence, and in reckless search for articles of value pulled a bed to pieces and tossed the mattress upon another bed where the babe lay sleeping. He was nearly smothered when, black in the face, he was rescued from his perilous position. What wonder if some of the iron of those times entered into the soul of the child, nursing as from his mother's breast a wholesome hatred of mobs and tyranny — a fire that was never quenched! He was still but a child when his noble father fell a martyr at Carthage, Illinois. In the exodus of 1846 he accompanied his widowed mother from that State, crossing the Mississippi on a flat-boat, towed by a skiff. From the Iowa side of the river they witnessed the bombardment of the City of Nauvoo by the mob forces. Mary Fielding Smith, a woman of heroic mettle, drove her own team to the Missouri River, and thence across the plains to Salt Lake Valley, her little son acting as herd-boy, as teamster, and otherwise assisting the family during and after the long journey to the Rocky Mountains. He was not quite ten years old when that journey ended. Coming to Utah before there was a Utah—for the Territory (now a State) was not organized until two years later— the boy saw from its beginning the growth and development of the country in which he and his fellow pilgrims Settled, and experienced all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in the wilderness. It is not the purpose of this memoir to follow him through all the shifting scenes of his busy and eventful career, from youthful colonizer, missionary, legislator, Apostle, President—up to the summit of his earthly life, where he stood for seventeen years the mouthpiece of God to Latter-day Israel. Suffice it that he was true to every trust and magnified every office placed upon him. A glance now at the social side of his nature. Though naturally serious, he was far from saturnine. Even when solemn he was not gloomy and morose. There was a jovial vein in his disposition. He laughed as heartily as anyone at a good joke or a funny story, and had a keen appreciation of wit and humor. But fun-making, to be acceptable to him, had to be in season. He delighted not in ill-timed pleasantries, nor in such as left a sting behind. A hard worker, almost incessantly employed, he never allowed his recreations—which were all too few—to interfere with his labors, especially his religious duties. Few things pleased the President more than to welcome to his hospitable home or to public halls owned by the Church, his friends and fellow laborers, for purposes of entertainment. A marked feature of his administration was an extended series of social functions, in the form of receptions given at Conference time, in honor of the veterans of the community, notably those who had driven ox teams or pulled hand-carts across the plains in pre-railroad days, or were occupying posts of hardship, if not of danger, in out of the way sections. His kind thoughtfulness for the aged and his tender care for little children were among his most pronounced characteristics. While enjoining reverence for parents and a due regard from youngers to elders, he held that children as well as adults have rights, and that these rights should always be respected. I was present on one occasion when he expressed himself indignantly over the conduct of a woman who, coming late into a public assembly, pulled a child out of a seat that she desired to occupy. He said nothing at the tune, but took note of the occurrence, and at a subsequent meeting in the same place made it the text of a powerful discourse upon the principle of justice and the rules of propriety. I have known him to leave his place upon a railroad train to speak a word of comfort to a poor old lady whose feelings had been hurt by an ill-mannered conductor in some matter pertaining to her ticket. Once I saw him, when an excursion was just about to start, walk the full length of the crowded train, with no apparent object but to satisfy himself that everybody was comfortably seated; and not until every man and woman, every chick and child was provided for, did the President of the Church take his seat. More than once his brethren in council have writhed impatiently over his non-appearance at the time appointed, only to learn that his tardiness had been caused by some poor old creature who had button-holed him on the way and detained him past the hour, listening to a tale of woe and administering comfort and encouragement to the narrator. In humble circumstances during the greater part of his life. President Smith was always thrifty, and in his latter years was prosperous, thanks to God's blessing upon hard work, prudent management, wise investments, and a disposition to save his means and live within his income. He would never purchase an article unless he could afford it. A safe and careful financier, he never plunged recklessly into an enterprise, however inviting, and always looked before he leaped. Like Longfellow's Blacksmith, he "owed not any man," and this was ever his counsel to the people. "Get out of debt and keep out," was an injunction frequently upon his lips when giving advice in public or in private. Nor would he allow the Church to become indebted for a single dollar that it could not pay on demand. As Trustee-in-Trust, holding the legal title to its property and managing in a general way its affairs, he was determined that its credit, which he had helped to make "gilt-edged," should so remain. He permitted no waste, no needless expenditure of the funds entrusted to him, and kept and rendered strict account of all monies or other property that came into his hands as custodian of the same for and in behalf of the people. A full list of the public works connected with President Smith's career would form a lengthy catalogue. His was emphatically a building administration. Some of the more pretentious structures reared under his auspices are the Hotel Utah, the L. D. S. Hospital, the Bishop's Building, and the new Church Offices, all at Salt Lake City. In Canada and Hawaii temples have been partly reared and in various States of the Union, in Great Britain, Scandinavia, and some of the Pacific Islands, valuable real estate has been acquired mostly for mission purposes. Special mention should be made of the Joseph Smith Monument, built on the site of the Prophet's birthplace in Vermont; and a similar monument to the memory of Hyrum Smith, upon the President's own burial lot in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. He played a prominent part in Utah's industrial development, and in the establishment of enterprises that have benefited other parts of the West. For many years and up to the time of his last illness he was president or director of various large business concerns. Those who criticized him for what they deemed a too active participation in commercial affairs, and thought that as a religious leader he should have been engrossed in spiritual things, to the exclusion of the temporal, overlooked the fact that from the Mormon point of view the spiritual includes the temporal. The Latter-day Saints never could have accomplished their great work of redeeming a desert, building cities, bringing the poor from foreign lands, colonizing waste places, and planting civilization in the midst of savagery, had not their religion been a religion of temporalities—of emigration, agriculture, manufacture, and commerce, as well as of temples, tabernacles, chapels, schools and missions. Deserts are not redeemed by prayer alone. States are not founded by singing hymns, preaching sermons, or performing ordinances. President Smith held that the Gospel was intended to save men in this life as well as in the life to come, and that a religion which does not better one's condition here cannot be depended upon to improve it hereafter. Everyone who truly knew Joseph F. Smith recognized him as a spiritual giant, a man of mighty faith and religious power. No slight upon his religion or his people ever passed unnoticed by him — or unresented, unless for principle's sake he was patient and held his peace. Never was he silent through fear of consequences to himself. Exceedingly sensitive and easily hurt, he was apt to express himself intensely, and could be stern and severe in reprimand. But none knew better than he that "reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost," is only half the duty of a servant of God when rebuking error or wrong-doing. None knew better how to "show forth afterwards an increase of love" toward the one reproved, lest enmity should spring from humiliation ( Doctrine and Covenants 121:43). President Smith was a wonderfully impressive public speaker. Deliberate and slow of utterance until aroused, his words then came like a torrent, with the roar of the cataract or thunderpeal. In forceful and vehement oratory, or what might be termed emotional eloquence, he had no equal in the Church. His last public appearance was at the General Conference in October, 1918. Weak in body from months of illness, yet clear in mind and convincing as ever in testimony, this great preacher of righteousness gave his farewell address and blessing to Israel's assembled thousands. After that his decline was rapid. His work was done, and on Tuesday, November 19th, at 10 minutes to 5 o'clock in the morning, he breathed his last. All Utah mourned his departure, and in other parts of the Inter- Mountain region Mormons and Gentiles alike paid tributes of respect to his memory. The Governor of Utah and the Mayor of Salt Lake City, both non-Mormons, requested by public proclamation a general suspension of business during the hour set for the burial. Owing to the influenza scourge and the danger attendant upon indoor gatherings, no service was held except at the grave, to which the casket containing the remains, starting from the Bee-Hive House precisely at noon of November 22nd, was followed by probably the longest funeral cortege that has ever moved through the streets of Utah's capital. At the tomb brief addresses were made by high Church officials, beautiful and appropriate music was rendered, and the body of a good and great man was laid in the bosom of Mother Earth to await the Morning of the Resurrection. Past angels, Gods and sentinels who guard The gates celestial, challengeless and free, That sovereign spirit soared unto its own; By shouting millions welcomed back again, With all his new-won laurels on his brow, The meed of valor and of victory, To exaltations endless as the lives. |
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
Born November 13. 1838. Died November 19, 1918. [Photo taken during the Convention of the Beneficial Life Insurance Company, of which he was president, in June, 1917. Used by courtesy of the Salt Lake Herald Joseph F. Smith in 1865
Joseph F. Smith in 1878
Joseph F. Smith in 1880
President Smith in 1907
|
McKay, David O. "President Joseph F. Smith." Juvenile Instructor. December 1918. pg. 634-635.
President Joseph F. Smith
"A great man," says Carlyle, "is the living- light-fountain, which it is good and pleasant to be near—the light which enlightens, which has enlightened the darkness of the world; and this not as a kindled lamp only, but rather as a natural luminary shining by the gift of Heaven: a flowing light fountain, as I say. of native original insight, of manhood and heroic nobleness;—in whose radiance all souls feel that it is well with them." In the death of our General Superintendent, President Joseph F. Smith, Tuesday, November 19, 1918, there passed from this life one of the truly great men of the world. To no other man could the great Scotch writer's figure, "Living light-fountain" be more aptly applied! President Joseph F. Smith's light was indeed "a natural luminary shining by the gift of Heaven." Of no other great man could it be more truthfully said: "He was a flowing light-fountain of native original insight, of manhood and heroic nobleness, in whose radiance all [earnest, sincere] souls felt that it was well with them."
Invincible in his determination to choose the right and to defend it; powerful in resisting temptations common to mankind; though naturally quick and fiery in disposition, yet, calm and dignified in the midst of calumny and persecution; mighty in defense of virtue and truth; unexcelled as a preacher of righteousness; unfaltering in his devotion to his family and to his God—these are some of the prominent characteristics of this truly great man. One other trait should be mentioned here which, combined with other great elements, peculiarly fitted President Smith for the position of General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, and that was his great, intense love for little children. His heart like that of his Redeemer, was full of compassion for the little ones. The tears of a child stirred his soul with deep emotion. He could not sit at ease in a public gathering if he saw a boy or a girl standing in the audience. On one occasion he arose and requested someone kindly to give a seat to a little boy whose inconvenience during the service President Smith had endured as long as it was possible. It was his happiness to make all children happy. "Blessed be the hand that prepares a pleasure for a child, for there is no saying when and where it may bloom forth." Our beloved Superintendent found his greatest joy in trying to live in harmony with all of Christ's teachings, but perhaps none came more natural to him than the divine injunction: "Suffer little children to come unto me, * * * for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
"I, if I be lifted up will draw all men unto me." So spake the Man of Nazareth whose love for his brethren was unbounded, who would have won them all by his life, who saved them all through his death. Through His divine "brotherliness" he has won all righteous sincere hearts. To a remarkable degree President Smith possessed this same brotherliness. His was the nature which it was good and pleasant to be near. He had such a pleasing way of making everyone feel at ease in his company—the mark, by the way, of a true gentleman. Illustrative of this, the members of the General Sunday School Union Board, with many others, will cherish the memory of his cordial salutations. Almost invariably, when greeting the brethren he would call each one by his first name—"Brother Heber," "Brother John," "Brother George," "Brother Seymour," "Brother Stephen," "Brother Joseph," etc. As I write these familiar names, I can still hear in fancy, the kindly, endearing tones that accompanied the pronunciation of each. Though the greatest among us, he greeted the humblest as his equal. It is said that "a humble man is a man who is ready to make himself useful." Without underestimating his own ability, or his own powers, he simply placed himself on an equality with other men in order that he might do them good.
The General Board, the Stake Boards, and the Sunday Schools in all the world mourn with all Israel in the loss of this truly great and good man, this lover of children, this friend and brother, the Prophet of God.
David O. McKay.
President Joseph F. Smith
"A great man," says Carlyle, "is the living- light-fountain, which it is good and pleasant to be near—the light which enlightens, which has enlightened the darkness of the world; and this not as a kindled lamp only, but rather as a natural luminary shining by the gift of Heaven: a flowing light fountain, as I say. of native original insight, of manhood and heroic nobleness;—in whose radiance all souls feel that it is well with them." In the death of our General Superintendent, President Joseph F. Smith, Tuesday, November 19, 1918, there passed from this life one of the truly great men of the world. To no other man could the great Scotch writer's figure, "Living light-fountain" be more aptly applied! President Joseph F. Smith's light was indeed "a natural luminary shining by the gift of Heaven." Of no other great man could it be more truthfully said: "He was a flowing light-fountain of native original insight, of manhood and heroic nobleness, in whose radiance all [earnest, sincere] souls felt that it was well with them."
Invincible in his determination to choose the right and to defend it; powerful in resisting temptations common to mankind; though naturally quick and fiery in disposition, yet, calm and dignified in the midst of calumny and persecution; mighty in defense of virtue and truth; unexcelled as a preacher of righteousness; unfaltering in his devotion to his family and to his God—these are some of the prominent characteristics of this truly great man. One other trait should be mentioned here which, combined with other great elements, peculiarly fitted President Smith for the position of General Superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union, and that was his great, intense love for little children. His heart like that of his Redeemer, was full of compassion for the little ones. The tears of a child stirred his soul with deep emotion. He could not sit at ease in a public gathering if he saw a boy or a girl standing in the audience. On one occasion he arose and requested someone kindly to give a seat to a little boy whose inconvenience during the service President Smith had endured as long as it was possible. It was his happiness to make all children happy. "Blessed be the hand that prepares a pleasure for a child, for there is no saying when and where it may bloom forth." Our beloved Superintendent found his greatest joy in trying to live in harmony with all of Christ's teachings, but perhaps none came more natural to him than the divine injunction: "Suffer little children to come unto me, * * * for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
"I, if I be lifted up will draw all men unto me." So spake the Man of Nazareth whose love for his brethren was unbounded, who would have won them all by his life, who saved them all through his death. Through His divine "brotherliness" he has won all righteous sincere hearts. To a remarkable degree President Smith possessed this same brotherliness. His was the nature which it was good and pleasant to be near. He had such a pleasing way of making everyone feel at ease in his company—the mark, by the way, of a true gentleman. Illustrative of this, the members of the General Sunday School Union Board, with many others, will cherish the memory of his cordial salutations. Almost invariably, when greeting the brethren he would call each one by his first name—"Brother Heber," "Brother John," "Brother George," "Brother Seymour," "Brother Stephen," "Brother Joseph," etc. As I write these familiar names, I can still hear in fancy, the kindly, endearing tones that accompanied the pronunciation of each. Though the greatest among us, he greeted the humblest as his equal. It is said that "a humble man is a man who is ready to make himself useful." Without underestimating his own ability, or his own powers, he simply placed himself on an equality with other men in order that he might do them good.
The General Board, the Stake Boards, and the Sunday Schools in all the world mourn with all Israel in the loss of this truly great and good man, this lover of children, this friend and brother, the Prophet of God.
David O. McKay.
Nibley, Charles W. "Reminiscences of President Joseph F. Smith." Improvement Era. January 1919. pg. 191-198.
Reminiscences of President Joseph F. Smith
By Charles W. Nibley, Presiding Bishop of the Church
The Era has asked me to write a few remembrances of incidents connected with my personal association with the late President Joseph F. Smith, while they are yet fresh in memory, and it is a pleasure to comply.
The first time I ever remember seeing Joseph F. Smith was in the then little village of Wellsville, in the year 1867. He was twenty-eight years of age, and had recently been chosen one of the Twelve Apostles. President Brigham Young and company were making a tour of the northern settlements, and the new apostle, Joseph F. Smith, was among the number. I heard him preach in the old meetinghouse at Wellsville, and I remarked at the time what a fine specimen of young manhood he was — strong, powerful, with a beautiful voice, so full of sympathy and affection, so appealing in its tone, that he impressed me, although I was a youth of but eighteen. He was a handsome man.
At that time I was clerking in a little store owned by Father Ira Ames, one of the old Kirtland veterans of the Church. Apostle George A. Smith was one of that company and he was entertained at Brother Ames home, where I also lived. I recall that at the dinner table, Father Ames asked George A. who of the Smiths this young man Joseph F. was.
George A. replied that he was Hyrum's son; his mother, Mary Fielding Smith.
Brother Ames remarked that he looked like a likely young fellow, and George A. replied in about these words:
"Yes, I think he will be all right. His father and mother left him when he was a child, and we have been looking after him to try and help him along. We first sent him to school, but it was not long before he licked the schoolmaster, and could not go to school. Then we sent him on a mission, and he did pretty well at that. I think he will make good as an apostle."
Some years ago I related this incident to President Smith, and he told me that the reason he had trouble with the schoolmaster was that the schoolmaster had a leather strap with which he used to chastise the children. He was a rather hard-hearted schoolmaster, one of the olden type that believed in inflicting bodily punishment.
President Smith said: "My little sister was called up (Aunt Martha, now living in Provo) to be punished. I saw the schoolmaster bring out the leather strap, and he told the child to hold out her hand. I could not stand for that. I just spoke up loudly and said, 'Don't whip her with that,' and at that he came at me and was going to whip me, and instead of him whipping me, I licked him good and plenty."
At the time of this incident, Joseph F. (for by that name he was affectionately called) was about fifteen years of age. But he was a strong, powerful youth, and his big heart could not tolerate such punishment, especially if it bordered on the cruel, to be inflicted upon a little child.
Another incident which I have heard him relate which shows his courage and integrity, occurred when he was returning from his mission to the Sandwich Islands, in the fall of 1857. He came home by way of Los Angeles, by what was called the Southern Route. In that year Johnston's Army was on the move for Utah, and naturally enough there was much excitement and bitterness of feeling concerning the "Mormons." In southern California, just after the little train of wagons had traveled only a short distance and made their camp, several anti-"Mormon" toughs rode into the camp on horseback, cursing and swearing and threatening what they would do to the "Mormons." Joseph F. was a little distance from the camp gathering wood for the fire, but he saw that the few members of his own party had cautiously gone into the brush down the creek, out of sight. When he saw that, he told me, the thought came into his mind, "Shall I run from these fellows? Why should I fear them?" With that he marched up with his arm full of wood to the campfire where one of the ruffians, still with his pistol in his hand, shouting and cursing about the "Mormons," in a loud voice said to Joseph F.,
"Are you a 'Mormon'?"
And the answer came straight, "Yes, sir, true blue, through and through."
At that the ruffian grasped him by the hand and said, "Shake, young fellow, I am glad to see a man that stands up for his convictions."
These incidents show the inherent bravery, courage, integrity, of the man, and also tenderness and pity for the little helpless sister. These are the qualities upon which great men are builded.
In the spring of 1877, I was called to accompany President Smith on a mission to Europe. I was called by him to labor in the business affairs of the Liverpool office, and from that time until the day of his death, I think I have enjoyed his personal confidence more than any man living. When I look back on it all now, I can see what a treasure, a blessing, a favor from the Almighty it has been to me.
During the last eleven years, especially, I have traveled with him almost constantly whenever he has gone from home. I have been with him on three different trips to Europe, including the first missionary trip above mentioned, and on four trips to the Sandwich Islands. Everywhere, and on all occasions, I have found him the same great, brave, true-hearted, noble and magnificent leader, so simple and unaffected, so entirely democratic and unassuming.
He was always careful with his expenditures, too. He abhorred debt, and no man have I ever known who was so prompt to pay an obligation to the last penny. He could not rest until the Church was out of debt, and though hundreds of schemes, and many of them extra good schemes, too, were presented to him, which no doubt would have meant an increase of wealth for the Church, yet he resolutely set his face against debt; and would not, under any conditions or circumstances involve the Church in that way. Neither would he himself become involved in debt in his own individual affairs, but persistently stuck to the old motto, "Pay as you go."
Many of the older people now alive can recall that forty years ago, or even less, he was considered a radical, and many a one of that time shook his head and said, "What will become of things if that fiery radical ever becomes president of the Church?" But from the time he was made president of the Church, and even before that time, he became one of the most tolerant of men; tolerant of others' opinions, and while he would denounce sin with such righteous wrath as you would seldom see in any man, yet for the poor sinner he had compassion and pity, and even forgiveness, if sincere repentance were shown. None more ready than he to forgive and forget.
One touching little incident I recall which occurred on our first trip to the Sandwich Islands. As we landed at the wharf in Honolulu, the native Saints were out in great numbers with their wreaths of leis, beautiful flowers of every variety and hue. We were loaded with them, he, of course, more than anyone else. The noted Hawaiian band was there playing welcome as it often does to incoming steamship companies. But on this occasion the band had been instructed by the Mayor to go up to the "Mormon" meetinghouse and there play selections during the festivities which the natives had arranged for. It was a beautiful sight to see the deep-seated love, the even tearful affection that these people had for him. In the midst of it all I noticed a poor old blind woman, tottering under the weight of about ninety years, being led in. She had a few choice bananas in her hand. It was her all—her offering. She was calling, "Iosepa, Iosepa." Instantly, when he saw her, he ran to her and clasped her in his arms, hugged her, and kissed her over and over again, patting her on the head saying, "Mama, Mama, my dear old Mama."
And with tears streaming down his cheeks he turned to me and said, "Charlie, she nursed me when I was a boy, sick and without anyone to care for me. She took me in and was a mother to me."
Oh, it was touching—it was pathetic. It was beautiful to see the great, noble soul in loving tender remembrance of kindness extended to him, more than fifty years before; and the poor old soul who had brought her love offering—a few bananas —it was all she had—to put into the hand of her loved Iosepa!
On these ocean trips there was much spare time, and we often whiled away an hour or two playing checkers. He could play a good game of checkers, much better than I. In fact, he could beat me four times out of five, but once in a while, when I played more cautiously, and no doubt when he was more careless, I could beat him. If he was beating me right along and I made an awkward move, and could see instantly that I had moved the wrong checker, he would allow me to draw it back if I noticed it immediately; but on the other hand, if I had beaten him for a game or two and should put my finger on a checker to draw it back, even though it were on the instant, he would call out with force enough, and in that positive way of his, "No you don't, you leave it right there." It is in these little incidents that we show the human side of our natures.
He loved sport—manly sport. He was a natural athlete; and in his youth at foot-racing, jumping, wrestling, which were among the primitive sports of primitive days, he was a match for anyone. In later years I had induced him to take up with the ancient and royal Scottish game of golf. He got so that he could play a very good game, excellent indeed for a man of his years. But on one occasion, down at Santa Monica, when we were playing, we were up within about one hundred feet of the flag at the hole we were making for. A slight stroke should have driven the ball nearer the flag, but the inclination to look up as one tries to hit the ball got the best of him, and the consequence was he topped the ball and it rolled only a couple of feet or so. He bent over for the next stroke, and the one thing which all golfers most fear, and the hardest to overcome, is that habit of looking up or taking the eye off the ball just as you go to strike. This he did, the second time, when he topped it again and it moved but a few feet further. The third time he went up to it and hit it a whack that sent it rolling one hundred feet beyond the flag. His son, Wesley, who was playing with us, called out, "Why, papa, what did you do that for? You knew it would roll away down there in the ditch!" The President straightened up and said, rather severely, "Well, I was mad at it !" I have laughed hundreds of times at that, "I was mad at it."
Of course, we agreed well together, otherwise we would not have been companionable during all these years. But sometimes I could not fully agree with him on some matters that we discussed. I recall one night we were on shipboard returning from Europe, in 1906. It was a bright moonlight night, and we stood there leaning over the railing enjoying the smooth sea and balmy summer night air. The Smoot investigation, which had just occurred a little while before and which had stirred up so much controversy throughout the land was fresh in our minds, and we were talking of it. I took the position that it would be unwise for Reed Smoot to be re-elected to the United States Senate. I was conscientious in my objection, and I had marshaled all the facts, arguments, and logic, that I could; and I was well informed, I thought, on the subject, and had presented them to him in as clear and yet in as adroit a manner as I possibly could. It would take too much space here to go over the arguments, but it seemed to me that I had the best of it. I could see he began to listen with some little impatience, and yet he let me have my say, but he answered in tones and in a way that I shall never forget. Bringing his fist down with some force on the railing between us, he said, in the most forceful and positive manner:
"If ever the Spirit of the Lord has manifested to me anything clear and plain and positive, it is this, that Reed Smoot should remain in the United States Senate. He can do more good there than he can anywhere else."
Of course, I did not contend further with him, but accepted from that hour his view of the case and made it mine, too. Twelve years have passed since that time, and looking back on it now, I cannot help but think how marvelously and splendidly the inspiration of the Almighty has been vindicated, while my argument, facts and logic have all fallen to the ground.
During the last six or eight years, hundreds of prominent people, Democrats as well as Republicans, passing through Salt Lake City, even Secretary McAdoo, himself, among them, have stated to President Smith that Utah had a great big man in the United States Senate in the person of Senator Reed Smoot. President Smith's judgment, or rather his inspiration in this matter, has been vindicated to the last degree.
As a preacher of righteousness, who could compare with him? He was the greatest that I ever heard—strong, powerful, clear, appealing. It was marvelous how the words of living light and fire flowed from him. He was a born preacher, and yet he did not set himself up to be such. He never thought highly of his own great qualities. Rather, he was simple, plain and unaffected to the last degree; and yet, there was a dignity with it all which enabled anyone and everyone to say: "He is a man among men!" As preacher, leader, teacher, husband, father, citizen and man, I ask, who among our mighty ones can be likened unto him?
He loved a good story and a good joke. There was a good laugh in him always. He had no patience with vile stories, but there was a fine vein of humor in him, and he could relate incidents of his early life and entertain the crowd about him as few men ever could.
He was the most methodical in all his work of any person I ever knew. Every letter that he received had to be endorsed by him with the date and any other information, and all carefully filed away. He could not stand for disorder. Everything in connection with his work was orderly. He could pack his suitcase or a trunk and line out and smooth out every piece of clothing in it so that it would hold more and be better packed than if anybody else had done it. His clothes, too, were always clean. Most men as they grow old are likely to have their clothes more or less spotted through dropping food on their clothing. But not so with him. To his last day his clothes were as clean and as well taken care of as if he had been a young man of thirty.
He was a most strenuous worker and never considered saving himself at all. You could go up to his little office in the Beehive most any night when he was well, and find him writing letters or attending to some other work. Perhaps some dear old soul had written him a personal letter, and he would work into the night answering it with his own hand. Indeed, he overworked himself and no doubt injured his strong constitution.
He was careless about eating—careless as to what he ate and when he ate. His living was exceedingly simple and plain. He rarely got to bed before midnight, and the consequence was he did not get sufficient sleep and rest.
He was very fond of music and loved to sing the songs of Zion.
His love for little children was unbounded. During the trip we took last year down through the southern settlements to St. George and return, when the troops of little children were paraded before him, it was beautiful to see how he adored these little ones. It was my duty to try and get the company started, to make time to the next settlement where the crowds would be waiting for us, but it was a difficult task to pull him away from the little children. He wanted to shake hands with and talk to every one of them-
Once in a while someone would come up to him and say, "President Smith, I believe I am a kinsman of yours."
I knew then that we were good for another ten minutes' delay, for that great heart of his, that went out to every kinsman as well as to the little children, could not be torn away quickly from anyone claiming kinship with him.
I have visited at his home when one of his little children was down sick. I have seen him come home from his work at night tired, as he naturally would be, and yet he would walk the floor for hours with that little one in his arms, petting it and loving it, encouraging it in every way with such tenderness and such a soul of pity and love as not one mother in a thousand would show.
While he was a hard-headed, successful business man, yet very few in this dispensation have been more gifted with spiritual insight than he. As we were returning from an eastern trip, some years ago, on the train just east of Green River, 1 saw him go out to the end of the car on the platform, and immediately return and hesitate a moment, and then sit down in the seat just ahead of me. He had just taken his seat when something went wrong with the train. A broken rail had been the means of ditching the engine and had thrown most of the cars off the track. In the sleeper we were shaken up pretty badly, but our car remained on the track.
The President immediately said to me that he had gone on the platform when he heard a voice saying, "Go in and sit down."
He came in, and I noticed him stand a moment, and he seemed to hesitate, but he sat down.
He said further that as he came in and stood in the aisle he thought, "Oh, pshaw, perhaps it is only my imagination;" when he heard the voice again, "Sit down," and he immediately took his seat, and the result was as I have stated.
He, no doubt, would have been very seriously injured had he remained on the platform of that car, as the cars were all jammed up together pretty badly. He said, "I have heard that voice a good many times in my life, and I have always profited by obeying it."
On another occasion, at a function which was held in the palatial home of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. McCune, he made an extended talk to the gathering. He then said that when a certain brother who had been called to a responsible position in the Church was chosen for that position, he himself had never heard this spiritual voice more plainly and more clearly telling him what to do, than in this naming of the individual who was to be called for that certain office.
He lived in close communion with the Spirit of the Lord, and his life was so exemplary and chaste that the Lord could easily manifest himself to his servant. Truly he could say "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." Not every servant can hear when He speaks. But the heart of President Smith was attuned to the Celestial melodies—he could hear, and did hear.
What shall I say of the grand and glorious work that he has done in rearing the large and splendid family that he leaves behind. What a noble work for any man! Indeed no man without great nobility of soul could have accomplished it. Is not this bringing up a good family, and a large family of good citizens, good men and women, good for the Church, for the State, and for the Nation? Is not this, I say, about the most God-like piece of work that a man can do in this world? The thinking mind, who goes into this question deep enough, will see that here is the work, not only of a man, of a great man, but of a God in embryo. The whole Church can take pride in the vindication of the great principle which he has so successfully wrought out. No ordinary man could accomplish that. Happy the wife who can call him husband. Happy and blessed indeed the children who call him father. Never was man more moral and chaste and virtuous to the last fiber of his being than he. Against all forms or thoughts of licentiousness, he was set, and as immovable as a mountain. "Blessed are the pure in heart," and as he was of the very purest—he shall see God.
It is written that a truly great man is known by the number of beings he loves and blesses, and by the number of beings who love and bless him. Judged by that standard alone, where is his equal to be found in all this world!
I can say of Joseph F. Smith as Carryle said of Luther, that he was truly a great man, "great in intellect, in courage, in affection, and in integrity. Great, not as a hewn obelisk, but as an Alpine mountain." No heart ever beat truer to every principle of manhood and righteousness and justice and mercy than his; that great heart, encased in his magnificent frame, made him the biggest, the bravest, the tenderest, the purest and best of all men who walked the earth in his time!
"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, 'This was a Man!'"
Reminiscences of President Joseph F. Smith
By Charles W. Nibley, Presiding Bishop of the Church
The Era has asked me to write a few remembrances of incidents connected with my personal association with the late President Joseph F. Smith, while they are yet fresh in memory, and it is a pleasure to comply.
The first time I ever remember seeing Joseph F. Smith was in the then little village of Wellsville, in the year 1867. He was twenty-eight years of age, and had recently been chosen one of the Twelve Apostles. President Brigham Young and company were making a tour of the northern settlements, and the new apostle, Joseph F. Smith, was among the number. I heard him preach in the old meetinghouse at Wellsville, and I remarked at the time what a fine specimen of young manhood he was — strong, powerful, with a beautiful voice, so full of sympathy and affection, so appealing in its tone, that he impressed me, although I was a youth of but eighteen. He was a handsome man.
At that time I was clerking in a little store owned by Father Ira Ames, one of the old Kirtland veterans of the Church. Apostle George A. Smith was one of that company and he was entertained at Brother Ames home, where I also lived. I recall that at the dinner table, Father Ames asked George A. who of the Smiths this young man Joseph F. was.
George A. replied that he was Hyrum's son; his mother, Mary Fielding Smith.
Brother Ames remarked that he looked like a likely young fellow, and George A. replied in about these words:
"Yes, I think he will be all right. His father and mother left him when he was a child, and we have been looking after him to try and help him along. We first sent him to school, but it was not long before he licked the schoolmaster, and could not go to school. Then we sent him on a mission, and he did pretty well at that. I think he will make good as an apostle."
Some years ago I related this incident to President Smith, and he told me that the reason he had trouble with the schoolmaster was that the schoolmaster had a leather strap with which he used to chastise the children. He was a rather hard-hearted schoolmaster, one of the olden type that believed in inflicting bodily punishment.
President Smith said: "My little sister was called up (Aunt Martha, now living in Provo) to be punished. I saw the schoolmaster bring out the leather strap, and he told the child to hold out her hand. I could not stand for that. I just spoke up loudly and said, 'Don't whip her with that,' and at that he came at me and was going to whip me, and instead of him whipping me, I licked him good and plenty."
At the time of this incident, Joseph F. (for by that name he was affectionately called) was about fifteen years of age. But he was a strong, powerful youth, and his big heart could not tolerate such punishment, especially if it bordered on the cruel, to be inflicted upon a little child.
Another incident which I have heard him relate which shows his courage and integrity, occurred when he was returning from his mission to the Sandwich Islands, in the fall of 1857. He came home by way of Los Angeles, by what was called the Southern Route. In that year Johnston's Army was on the move for Utah, and naturally enough there was much excitement and bitterness of feeling concerning the "Mormons." In southern California, just after the little train of wagons had traveled only a short distance and made their camp, several anti-"Mormon" toughs rode into the camp on horseback, cursing and swearing and threatening what they would do to the "Mormons." Joseph F. was a little distance from the camp gathering wood for the fire, but he saw that the few members of his own party had cautiously gone into the brush down the creek, out of sight. When he saw that, he told me, the thought came into his mind, "Shall I run from these fellows? Why should I fear them?" With that he marched up with his arm full of wood to the campfire where one of the ruffians, still with his pistol in his hand, shouting and cursing about the "Mormons," in a loud voice said to Joseph F.,
"Are you a 'Mormon'?"
And the answer came straight, "Yes, sir, true blue, through and through."
At that the ruffian grasped him by the hand and said, "Shake, young fellow, I am glad to see a man that stands up for his convictions."
These incidents show the inherent bravery, courage, integrity, of the man, and also tenderness and pity for the little helpless sister. These are the qualities upon which great men are builded.
In the spring of 1877, I was called to accompany President Smith on a mission to Europe. I was called by him to labor in the business affairs of the Liverpool office, and from that time until the day of his death, I think I have enjoyed his personal confidence more than any man living. When I look back on it all now, I can see what a treasure, a blessing, a favor from the Almighty it has been to me.
During the last eleven years, especially, I have traveled with him almost constantly whenever he has gone from home. I have been with him on three different trips to Europe, including the first missionary trip above mentioned, and on four trips to the Sandwich Islands. Everywhere, and on all occasions, I have found him the same great, brave, true-hearted, noble and magnificent leader, so simple and unaffected, so entirely democratic and unassuming.
He was always careful with his expenditures, too. He abhorred debt, and no man have I ever known who was so prompt to pay an obligation to the last penny. He could not rest until the Church was out of debt, and though hundreds of schemes, and many of them extra good schemes, too, were presented to him, which no doubt would have meant an increase of wealth for the Church, yet he resolutely set his face against debt; and would not, under any conditions or circumstances involve the Church in that way. Neither would he himself become involved in debt in his own individual affairs, but persistently stuck to the old motto, "Pay as you go."
Many of the older people now alive can recall that forty years ago, or even less, he was considered a radical, and many a one of that time shook his head and said, "What will become of things if that fiery radical ever becomes president of the Church?" But from the time he was made president of the Church, and even before that time, he became one of the most tolerant of men; tolerant of others' opinions, and while he would denounce sin with such righteous wrath as you would seldom see in any man, yet for the poor sinner he had compassion and pity, and even forgiveness, if sincere repentance were shown. None more ready than he to forgive and forget.
One touching little incident I recall which occurred on our first trip to the Sandwich Islands. As we landed at the wharf in Honolulu, the native Saints were out in great numbers with their wreaths of leis, beautiful flowers of every variety and hue. We were loaded with them, he, of course, more than anyone else. The noted Hawaiian band was there playing welcome as it often does to incoming steamship companies. But on this occasion the band had been instructed by the Mayor to go up to the "Mormon" meetinghouse and there play selections during the festivities which the natives had arranged for. It was a beautiful sight to see the deep-seated love, the even tearful affection that these people had for him. In the midst of it all I noticed a poor old blind woman, tottering under the weight of about ninety years, being led in. She had a few choice bananas in her hand. It was her all—her offering. She was calling, "Iosepa, Iosepa." Instantly, when he saw her, he ran to her and clasped her in his arms, hugged her, and kissed her over and over again, patting her on the head saying, "Mama, Mama, my dear old Mama."
And with tears streaming down his cheeks he turned to me and said, "Charlie, she nursed me when I was a boy, sick and without anyone to care for me. She took me in and was a mother to me."
Oh, it was touching—it was pathetic. It was beautiful to see the great, noble soul in loving tender remembrance of kindness extended to him, more than fifty years before; and the poor old soul who had brought her love offering—a few bananas —it was all she had—to put into the hand of her loved Iosepa!
On these ocean trips there was much spare time, and we often whiled away an hour or two playing checkers. He could play a good game of checkers, much better than I. In fact, he could beat me four times out of five, but once in a while, when I played more cautiously, and no doubt when he was more careless, I could beat him. If he was beating me right along and I made an awkward move, and could see instantly that I had moved the wrong checker, he would allow me to draw it back if I noticed it immediately; but on the other hand, if I had beaten him for a game or two and should put my finger on a checker to draw it back, even though it were on the instant, he would call out with force enough, and in that positive way of his, "No you don't, you leave it right there." It is in these little incidents that we show the human side of our natures.
He loved sport—manly sport. He was a natural athlete; and in his youth at foot-racing, jumping, wrestling, which were among the primitive sports of primitive days, he was a match for anyone. In later years I had induced him to take up with the ancient and royal Scottish game of golf. He got so that he could play a very good game, excellent indeed for a man of his years. But on one occasion, down at Santa Monica, when we were playing, we were up within about one hundred feet of the flag at the hole we were making for. A slight stroke should have driven the ball nearer the flag, but the inclination to look up as one tries to hit the ball got the best of him, and the consequence was he topped the ball and it rolled only a couple of feet or so. He bent over for the next stroke, and the one thing which all golfers most fear, and the hardest to overcome, is that habit of looking up or taking the eye off the ball just as you go to strike. This he did, the second time, when he topped it again and it moved but a few feet further. The third time he went up to it and hit it a whack that sent it rolling one hundred feet beyond the flag. His son, Wesley, who was playing with us, called out, "Why, papa, what did you do that for? You knew it would roll away down there in the ditch!" The President straightened up and said, rather severely, "Well, I was mad at it !" I have laughed hundreds of times at that, "I was mad at it."
Of course, we agreed well together, otherwise we would not have been companionable during all these years. But sometimes I could not fully agree with him on some matters that we discussed. I recall one night we were on shipboard returning from Europe, in 1906. It was a bright moonlight night, and we stood there leaning over the railing enjoying the smooth sea and balmy summer night air. The Smoot investigation, which had just occurred a little while before and which had stirred up so much controversy throughout the land was fresh in our minds, and we were talking of it. I took the position that it would be unwise for Reed Smoot to be re-elected to the United States Senate. I was conscientious in my objection, and I had marshaled all the facts, arguments, and logic, that I could; and I was well informed, I thought, on the subject, and had presented them to him in as clear and yet in as adroit a manner as I possibly could. It would take too much space here to go over the arguments, but it seemed to me that I had the best of it. I could see he began to listen with some little impatience, and yet he let me have my say, but he answered in tones and in a way that I shall never forget. Bringing his fist down with some force on the railing between us, he said, in the most forceful and positive manner:
"If ever the Spirit of the Lord has manifested to me anything clear and plain and positive, it is this, that Reed Smoot should remain in the United States Senate. He can do more good there than he can anywhere else."
Of course, I did not contend further with him, but accepted from that hour his view of the case and made it mine, too. Twelve years have passed since that time, and looking back on it now, I cannot help but think how marvelously and splendidly the inspiration of the Almighty has been vindicated, while my argument, facts and logic have all fallen to the ground.
During the last six or eight years, hundreds of prominent people, Democrats as well as Republicans, passing through Salt Lake City, even Secretary McAdoo, himself, among them, have stated to President Smith that Utah had a great big man in the United States Senate in the person of Senator Reed Smoot. President Smith's judgment, or rather his inspiration in this matter, has been vindicated to the last degree.
As a preacher of righteousness, who could compare with him? He was the greatest that I ever heard—strong, powerful, clear, appealing. It was marvelous how the words of living light and fire flowed from him. He was a born preacher, and yet he did not set himself up to be such. He never thought highly of his own great qualities. Rather, he was simple, plain and unaffected to the last degree; and yet, there was a dignity with it all which enabled anyone and everyone to say: "He is a man among men!" As preacher, leader, teacher, husband, father, citizen and man, I ask, who among our mighty ones can be likened unto him?
He loved a good story and a good joke. There was a good laugh in him always. He had no patience with vile stories, but there was a fine vein of humor in him, and he could relate incidents of his early life and entertain the crowd about him as few men ever could.
He was the most methodical in all his work of any person I ever knew. Every letter that he received had to be endorsed by him with the date and any other information, and all carefully filed away. He could not stand for disorder. Everything in connection with his work was orderly. He could pack his suitcase or a trunk and line out and smooth out every piece of clothing in it so that it would hold more and be better packed than if anybody else had done it. His clothes, too, were always clean. Most men as they grow old are likely to have their clothes more or less spotted through dropping food on their clothing. But not so with him. To his last day his clothes were as clean and as well taken care of as if he had been a young man of thirty.
He was a most strenuous worker and never considered saving himself at all. You could go up to his little office in the Beehive most any night when he was well, and find him writing letters or attending to some other work. Perhaps some dear old soul had written him a personal letter, and he would work into the night answering it with his own hand. Indeed, he overworked himself and no doubt injured his strong constitution.
He was careless about eating—careless as to what he ate and when he ate. His living was exceedingly simple and plain. He rarely got to bed before midnight, and the consequence was he did not get sufficient sleep and rest.
He was very fond of music and loved to sing the songs of Zion.
His love for little children was unbounded. During the trip we took last year down through the southern settlements to St. George and return, when the troops of little children were paraded before him, it was beautiful to see how he adored these little ones. It was my duty to try and get the company started, to make time to the next settlement where the crowds would be waiting for us, but it was a difficult task to pull him away from the little children. He wanted to shake hands with and talk to every one of them-
Once in a while someone would come up to him and say, "President Smith, I believe I am a kinsman of yours."
I knew then that we were good for another ten minutes' delay, for that great heart of his, that went out to every kinsman as well as to the little children, could not be torn away quickly from anyone claiming kinship with him.
I have visited at his home when one of his little children was down sick. I have seen him come home from his work at night tired, as he naturally would be, and yet he would walk the floor for hours with that little one in his arms, petting it and loving it, encouraging it in every way with such tenderness and such a soul of pity and love as not one mother in a thousand would show.
While he was a hard-headed, successful business man, yet very few in this dispensation have been more gifted with spiritual insight than he. As we were returning from an eastern trip, some years ago, on the train just east of Green River, 1 saw him go out to the end of the car on the platform, and immediately return and hesitate a moment, and then sit down in the seat just ahead of me. He had just taken his seat when something went wrong with the train. A broken rail had been the means of ditching the engine and had thrown most of the cars off the track. In the sleeper we were shaken up pretty badly, but our car remained on the track.
The President immediately said to me that he had gone on the platform when he heard a voice saying, "Go in and sit down."
He came in, and I noticed him stand a moment, and he seemed to hesitate, but he sat down.
He said further that as he came in and stood in the aisle he thought, "Oh, pshaw, perhaps it is only my imagination;" when he heard the voice again, "Sit down," and he immediately took his seat, and the result was as I have stated.
He, no doubt, would have been very seriously injured had he remained on the platform of that car, as the cars were all jammed up together pretty badly. He said, "I have heard that voice a good many times in my life, and I have always profited by obeying it."
On another occasion, at a function which was held in the palatial home of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. McCune, he made an extended talk to the gathering. He then said that when a certain brother who had been called to a responsible position in the Church was chosen for that position, he himself had never heard this spiritual voice more plainly and more clearly telling him what to do, than in this naming of the individual who was to be called for that certain office.
He lived in close communion with the Spirit of the Lord, and his life was so exemplary and chaste that the Lord could easily manifest himself to his servant. Truly he could say "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth." Not every servant can hear when He speaks. But the heart of President Smith was attuned to the Celestial melodies—he could hear, and did hear.
What shall I say of the grand and glorious work that he has done in rearing the large and splendid family that he leaves behind. What a noble work for any man! Indeed no man without great nobility of soul could have accomplished it. Is not this bringing up a good family, and a large family of good citizens, good men and women, good for the Church, for the State, and for the Nation? Is not this, I say, about the most God-like piece of work that a man can do in this world? The thinking mind, who goes into this question deep enough, will see that here is the work, not only of a man, of a great man, but of a God in embryo. The whole Church can take pride in the vindication of the great principle which he has so successfully wrought out. No ordinary man could accomplish that. Happy the wife who can call him husband. Happy and blessed indeed the children who call him father. Never was man more moral and chaste and virtuous to the last fiber of his being than he. Against all forms or thoughts of licentiousness, he was set, and as immovable as a mountain. "Blessed are the pure in heart," and as he was of the very purest—he shall see God.
It is written that a truly great man is known by the number of beings he loves and blesses, and by the number of beings who love and bless him. Judged by that standard alone, where is his equal to be found in all this world!
I can say of Joseph F. Smith as Carryle said of Luther, that he was truly a great man, "great in intellect, in courage, in affection, and in integrity. Great, not as a hewn obelisk, but as an Alpine mountain." No heart ever beat truer to every principle of manhood and righteousness and justice and mercy than his; that great heart, encased in his magnificent frame, made him the biggest, the bravest, the tenderest, the purest and best of all men who walked the earth in his time!
"His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, 'This was a Man!'"
"In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith." Improvement Era. January 1919. pg. 199-203.
In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith
A Tribute
From the S. A. T. C, Brigham Young University
The Student Army Training Corps, of the Brigham Young University, held a memorial service in honor of President Joseph F. Smith, president of the board of trustees, at 12 noon, November 22, 1918, directly in front of the Maeser Memorial, Provo, Utah.
All the companies of the S. A. T. C. stood at attention and presented arms with the officers saluting. Taps was played by the buglers, and the flag was lowered to half mast.
At the conclusion of this ceremony, President George H. Brimhall delivered the address, of which the following is a synopsis:
"Officers and students of the S. A. T. C. : We honor today, at this hour, the life and memory of the patriot, patriarch and prophet, Joseph Fielding Smith, president of the board of trustees of the Brigham Young University.
"As I look back, I see a boy of nine years of age handling the heavy yoke of the oxen, and driving them forth into the great and barren desert—his mother, his only earthly guardian, his Father in heaven having watchful care over him. Then he grew to manhood and helped to build this mighty commonwealth —today we honor the pioneer.
"Students of the S. A. T. C, Joseph F. Smith, your president, was a great character. His character foreshadowed the Millennium, when the lion and the lamb shall lie down together in peace. He was lamb-like in his tenderness. The truly strong men of the world are the truly tender even of the world, and all men who have ever known President Joseph F. Smith have marveled at his tenderness. He was like a lion in his defense of' right and justice. No man ever fought more valiantly than he for right. Joseph F. Smith always had the courage of his convictions.
"Today we are committing his remains to mother earth, but his great character is our heritage that goes on and on, that can never die.
"He died in peace, at a time of peace, made possible by the work of such men as you, willing to give your lives for the liberty of the world.
"He was at all times a patriot, standing for the life and honor of this glorious Government, builded in a land of promise, concerning which God has decreed that it should be a land of liberty, over which no king should bear rule."
Brief Statement
Voiced on the night of President Joseph F. Smith's death, November 19, 1918
By Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve
To say that both the Church and the State have lost a pillar of strength in the demise of President Joseph F. Smith is but to express a fraction of the saddening truth. To me he was a man in every human sense ; and a man of God beside. It is my privilege to have been closely associated with him for many years before and ever since his accession to the presidency of the Church, and I have loved him beyond my affection for any other man outside of my own kin.
I have directed the attention of our people both young and old to his attainments, and particularly to his character as a practically flawless example. He has demonstrated in a most convincing way that a real education is obtainable without the facilities associated with training in college. His schooling was meager, but he was a man rich in the fruits of reading, and full of wisdom. His mastery of English was beyond that of many who boast of post-graduate degrees in literature. Good language was to him like sweet music, provided the speaker had something worth saying; but mere words could never blind his vision to facts.
He was a man of strong convictions, but always tolerant of another's honest opinion or belief. In giving counsel and encouragement he was effective through his mildness, for he was not only a gentleman but a gentle man; yet in denouncing sin he was a very lion in force and determination.
President Smith was a great man, not simply a big one. The gospel he professed and preached was the essence of his life and being.
I cannot conceive of him now, in the realm of spirits, as otherwise than busy in service. I know he still lives, and works, and teaches both by word and example; and the dominant hope of my heart tonight, while grief over his departure is still fresh and poignant, is that I may meet him again and be permitted to labor under his presidency in the world beyond the grave.
A Man of God
By Nephi Jensen
Just six days past his eightieth birthday, President Joseph F. Smith went on to the spirit world to engage in the great work of human redemption, a glorious vision of which was given him shortly before his death. His passing marked the end of the most unique career of our time.
It was a cold, cruel, hateful world upon which he first opened his eyes, at Far West, Missouri, November 13, 1838. There was poverty and privation in his home, and fiendish mobs howled on the outside. How different was the scene when he peacefully passed to rest, eighty years later! Then civil officials and men of all creeds stood with bowed heads and mellowed hearts beside his grave, while the bell in the Catholic cathedral tolled a solemn requiem.
No man of our day possessed in fuller measure the three cardinal characteristics of true greatness: genuine sincerity, unaffected humility, and deathless devotion to a great cause. In nothing was he ever half-hearted. He was totally void of pretense. He knew no policy except justice, mercy and right. In his every word and act, he put the cause for which he worked and sacrificed, for nearly three-quarters of a century, above every personal consideration.
Although a man of strong, stately body, active, virile brain, and great spirit, he humbly acknowledged his dependence upon God, with a grace as genuine and beautiful as that of a child. He walked all the long way through life in the dignity of benign meekness.
But his crowning virtue was a truly heroic heart that impelled him to dare all, risk all, and give all for eternal truth. From the time he went to Hawaii, on his first mission, at the tender age of fifteen, to October, 1918, when, with trembling frame, and heart aflame with strong convictions, he testified of the great things of God, there never was a time in his long, eventful life when he did not give the full strength of his big heart, and the vigor of his great mind, to the cause of human salvation.
He graduated from the only real University, the school of great service and varied experience. He was never spoiled by vain traditions, which are harder to unlearn than truth is to learn. His was a great, deep, virile, natural spirit, which was sent in eager quest of the biggest things of life, by a religion as true as truth. No glittering show of superficial scholasticism diverted his mind or heart from the one biggest thought of life, the salvation and glorification of human souls. Although he deeply appreciated the fine things of music, drama and art, he was yet wise enough to feel that no culture that the school master can give can take the place of the power and spirit in the word of God.
He was not a mere human machine that turned out one single mental product. His was an all-sided life. He exemplified most perfectly Carlyle's idea of greatness, that no man is supremely great unless he "can be all sorts of men."
In mind and heart he resembled very much Abraham Lincoln. Like the great Emancipator, there was in him an almost equal blending of rugged, practical sense, and the fine spiritual sensitiveness of the poet. Like Lincoln, too, he had that perfect sense of humor which recognizes that
"Life is real, life is earnest,"
and that mirth is also "real," and a legitimate part of an "earnest" life. But his wit was chaste, and in his humor there was a blending of smile and tear. His was the rarest of rare souls. There was in it the commingling of the bravest soldier's valor and the tenderness of gentle women. In the presence of the arrogant foes of truth, he was every inch the lion. And at the sight of the smiles of innocent babes he was touched to tears.
As an orator he was natural, direct, impressive and convincing. His diction was simple, lofty and refined. He was sincere to the core, and never indulged in rhetorical tricks. Whether at the altar, in the pulpit, or in legislative halls, he spoke from the heart and never was guilty of lip service. His pure, earnest eloquence, flowing spontaneously from a heart aglow with a genuine enthusiasm for God's righteousness, often moved critical men and fastidious women of other creeds to tears, when the fine words of the schooled phrase-maker fell upon cold hearts.
As a preacher he was original, simple, fearless and profound. He never indulged in fine-spun theological technicalities. Nor was he a reciter of verbal trappings, empty of meaning. His words were more than mere coinings of a brilliant brain.
What a life he lived! From his thrilling escape from Indians, when only eight years old, to his glorious vision of the spirit world at the age of eighty, almost every hour of his life was spent in serving man and glorifying God. Very few lives have been as rich in deep and varied experiences. He knew the thrill of dire danger, the pang of privation, the gnaw of hunger, the deep joy of divine service, and the bliss and glory of being in favor with God.
Such a life is not the product of colleges alone. The school room alone cannot produce such a man. Indeed it is questionable whether technical scholasticism could have added anything of importance to such a career. What did he lack that schools could give? He knew man and God. His heart was as deep as truth, and lifted as high as heaven. He was not a stranger to sod nor star. He knew every phase of practical life, and his tender spiritual nature was keenly sensitive to the finest things of art, and the truest things of religion. His life touched the depths and heights of human experience. He was a pioneer, preacher, orator, lawmaker, prophet, and leader of men. He was the most kind-hearted husband, the most loving father, one of the truest friends of mankind, and the anointed of God.
His life was a complete, perfect exemplification of the truest success. He suceeded most wonderfully in the biggest business of life, the business of ennobling human souls.
The Heaven we Get will be the Heaven we Earn
By Joseph S. Peery, Superintendent Y. M. M. I. A., Liberty Stake.
Many people seem to be satisfied with baptism, thinking thereby they will get to heaven. It is true that baptism is the door to the Kingdom of God, but there are various degrees in that kingdom. Paul compares the degrees to the sun, moon and stars.
Heaven will be strictly a merit system. We get what we earn. That is all we are entitled to. Should we send up no good works, by what right can we expect a good place? If we make the Celestial degree, it will depend upon our works. It will not be attained through indifference. Things worth while are won by effort.
The Lord is a good pay-master. It is a great privilege to be in his service, and those who decline this opportunity will certainly have intense regrets. They may lay up for themselves treasures on earth, but these treasures all perish with death. President Young said, "I am for life everlasting." He attained his aim.
Will I get a mansion or a dug-out? That depends on what I earn.
In Honor of President Joseph F. Smith
A Tribute
From the S. A. T. C, Brigham Young University
The Student Army Training Corps, of the Brigham Young University, held a memorial service in honor of President Joseph F. Smith, president of the board of trustees, at 12 noon, November 22, 1918, directly in front of the Maeser Memorial, Provo, Utah.
All the companies of the S. A. T. C. stood at attention and presented arms with the officers saluting. Taps was played by the buglers, and the flag was lowered to half mast.
At the conclusion of this ceremony, President George H. Brimhall delivered the address, of which the following is a synopsis:
"Officers and students of the S. A. T. C. : We honor today, at this hour, the life and memory of the patriot, patriarch and prophet, Joseph Fielding Smith, president of the board of trustees of the Brigham Young University.
"As I look back, I see a boy of nine years of age handling the heavy yoke of the oxen, and driving them forth into the great and barren desert—his mother, his only earthly guardian, his Father in heaven having watchful care over him. Then he grew to manhood and helped to build this mighty commonwealth —today we honor the pioneer.
"Students of the S. A. T. C, Joseph F. Smith, your president, was a great character. His character foreshadowed the Millennium, when the lion and the lamb shall lie down together in peace. He was lamb-like in his tenderness. The truly strong men of the world are the truly tender even of the world, and all men who have ever known President Joseph F. Smith have marveled at his tenderness. He was like a lion in his defense of' right and justice. No man ever fought more valiantly than he for right. Joseph F. Smith always had the courage of his convictions.
"Today we are committing his remains to mother earth, but his great character is our heritage that goes on and on, that can never die.
"He died in peace, at a time of peace, made possible by the work of such men as you, willing to give your lives for the liberty of the world.
"He was at all times a patriot, standing for the life and honor of this glorious Government, builded in a land of promise, concerning which God has decreed that it should be a land of liberty, over which no king should bear rule."
Brief Statement
Voiced on the night of President Joseph F. Smith's death, November 19, 1918
By Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve
To say that both the Church and the State have lost a pillar of strength in the demise of President Joseph F. Smith is but to express a fraction of the saddening truth. To me he was a man in every human sense ; and a man of God beside. It is my privilege to have been closely associated with him for many years before and ever since his accession to the presidency of the Church, and I have loved him beyond my affection for any other man outside of my own kin.
I have directed the attention of our people both young and old to his attainments, and particularly to his character as a practically flawless example. He has demonstrated in a most convincing way that a real education is obtainable without the facilities associated with training in college. His schooling was meager, but he was a man rich in the fruits of reading, and full of wisdom. His mastery of English was beyond that of many who boast of post-graduate degrees in literature. Good language was to him like sweet music, provided the speaker had something worth saying; but mere words could never blind his vision to facts.
He was a man of strong convictions, but always tolerant of another's honest opinion or belief. In giving counsel and encouragement he was effective through his mildness, for he was not only a gentleman but a gentle man; yet in denouncing sin he was a very lion in force and determination.
President Smith was a great man, not simply a big one. The gospel he professed and preached was the essence of his life and being.
I cannot conceive of him now, in the realm of spirits, as otherwise than busy in service. I know he still lives, and works, and teaches both by word and example; and the dominant hope of my heart tonight, while grief over his departure is still fresh and poignant, is that I may meet him again and be permitted to labor under his presidency in the world beyond the grave.
A Man of God
By Nephi Jensen
Just six days past his eightieth birthday, President Joseph F. Smith went on to the spirit world to engage in the great work of human redemption, a glorious vision of which was given him shortly before his death. His passing marked the end of the most unique career of our time.
It was a cold, cruel, hateful world upon which he first opened his eyes, at Far West, Missouri, November 13, 1838. There was poverty and privation in his home, and fiendish mobs howled on the outside. How different was the scene when he peacefully passed to rest, eighty years later! Then civil officials and men of all creeds stood with bowed heads and mellowed hearts beside his grave, while the bell in the Catholic cathedral tolled a solemn requiem.
No man of our day possessed in fuller measure the three cardinal characteristics of true greatness: genuine sincerity, unaffected humility, and deathless devotion to a great cause. In nothing was he ever half-hearted. He was totally void of pretense. He knew no policy except justice, mercy and right. In his every word and act, he put the cause for which he worked and sacrificed, for nearly three-quarters of a century, above every personal consideration.
Although a man of strong, stately body, active, virile brain, and great spirit, he humbly acknowledged his dependence upon God, with a grace as genuine and beautiful as that of a child. He walked all the long way through life in the dignity of benign meekness.
But his crowning virtue was a truly heroic heart that impelled him to dare all, risk all, and give all for eternal truth. From the time he went to Hawaii, on his first mission, at the tender age of fifteen, to October, 1918, when, with trembling frame, and heart aflame with strong convictions, he testified of the great things of God, there never was a time in his long, eventful life when he did not give the full strength of his big heart, and the vigor of his great mind, to the cause of human salvation.
He graduated from the only real University, the school of great service and varied experience. He was never spoiled by vain traditions, which are harder to unlearn than truth is to learn. His was a great, deep, virile, natural spirit, which was sent in eager quest of the biggest things of life, by a religion as true as truth. No glittering show of superficial scholasticism diverted his mind or heart from the one biggest thought of life, the salvation and glorification of human souls. Although he deeply appreciated the fine things of music, drama and art, he was yet wise enough to feel that no culture that the school master can give can take the place of the power and spirit in the word of God.
He was not a mere human machine that turned out one single mental product. His was an all-sided life. He exemplified most perfectly Carlyle's idea of greatness, that no man is supremely great unless he "can be all sorts of men."
In mind and heart he resembled very much Abraham Lincoln. Like the great Emancipator, there was in him an almost equal blending of rugged, practical sense, and the fine spiritual sensitiveness of the poet. Like Lincoln, too, he had that perfect sense of humor which recognizes that
"Life is real, life is earnest,"
and that mirth is also "real," and a legitimate part of an "earnest" life. But his wit was chaste, and in his humor there was a blending of smile and tear. His was the rarest of rare souls. There was in it the commingling of the bravest soldier's valor and the tenderness of gentle women. In the presence of the arrogant foes of truth, he was every inch the lion. And at the sight of the smiles of innocent babes he was touched to tears.
As an orator he was natural, direct, impressive and convincing. His diction was simple, lofty and refined. He was sincere to the core, and never indulged in rhetorical tricks. Whether at the altar, in the pulpit, or in legislative halls, he spoke from the heart and never was guilty of lip service. His pure, earnest eloquence, flowing spontaneously from a heart aglow with a genuine enthusiasm for God's righteousness, often moved critical men and fastidious women of other creeds to tears, when the fine words of the schooled phrase-maker fell upon cold hearts.
As a preacher he was original, simple, fearless and profound. He never indulged in fine-spun theological technicalities. Nor was he a reciter of verbal trappings, empty of meaning. His words were more than mere coinings of a brilliant brain.
What a life he lived! From his thrilling escape from Indians, when only eight years old, to his glorious vision of the spirit world at the age of eighty, almost every hour of his life was spent in serving man and glorifying God. Very few lives have been as rich in deep and varied experiences. He knew the thrill of dire danger, the pang of privation, the gnaw of hunger, the deep joy of divine service, and the bliss and glory of being in favor with God.
Such a life is not the product of colleges alone. The school room alone cannot produce such a man. Indeed it is questionable whether technical scholasticism could have added anything of importance to such a career. What did he lack that schools could give? He knew man and God. His heart was as deep as truth, and lifted as high as heaven. He was not a stranger to sod nor star. He knew every phase of practical life, and his tender spiritual nature was keenly sensitive to the finest things of art, and the truest things of religion. His life touched the depths and heights of human experience. He was a pioneer, preacher, orator, lawmaker, prophet, and leader of men. He was the most kind-hearted husband, the most loving father, one of the truest friends of mankind, and the anointed of God.
His life was a complete, perfect exemplification of the truest success. He suceeded most wonderfully in the biggest business of life, the business of ennobling human souls.
The Heaven we Get will be the Heaven we Earn
By Joseph S. Peery, Superintendent Y. M. M. I. A., Liberty Stake.
Many people seem to be satisfied with baptism, thinking thereby they will get to heaven. It is true that baptism is the door to the Kingdom of God, but there are various degrees in that kingdom. Paul compares the degrees to the sun, moon and stars.
Heaven will be strictly a merit system. We get what we earn. That is all we are entitled to. Should we send up no good works, by what right can we expect a good place? If we make the Celestial degree, it will depend upon our works. It will not be attained through indifference. Things worth while are won by effort.
The Lord is a good pay-master. It is a great privilege to be in his service, and those who decline this opportunity will certainly have intense regrets. They may lay up for themselves treasures on earth, but these treasures all perish with death. President Young said, "I am for life everlasting." He attained his aim.
Will I get a mansion or a dug-out? That depends on what I earn.
"Funeral of President Joseph F. Smith." Improvement Era. January 1919. pg. 204-205.
Funeral of President Joseph F. Smith
As before stated in the Era, owing to health conditions no public services were held for President Joseph F. Smith, except burial exercises at the cemetery, but it is designed that as soon as opportunity offers and health conditions will permit, that memorial services will be held throughout the Church.
Many people called at the residence on the morning of November 22, the day of the burial, and were permitted to take a last look at the great leader, so insistent was the demand for this privilege. Thousands of cards and letters of condolence had been received, also a very large number of beautiful floral tributes.
The funeral train was arranged under direction of Elders George Albert Smith, Stephen L. Richards and Richard R. Lyman. It consisted of upwards of one hundred and fifty closed automobiles, more than a mile in length, preceded by a platoon of mounted police. Then followed in order, the city commission, state officials, general authorities of the Church, the Hearse, next to which were the family, followed by the members of the general boards of the six auxiliary organizations in their order—Relief Society, Sunday School, Y. M. M. I. A., Y. L. M. I. A., Primary and Religion Class, Temple workers, employees of the President's office, officials and directors of business organizations with which President Smith had been associated, followed by large numbers of friends of the President and his family.
Thousands of people thronged the streets to witness the procession. Traffic was suspended east of Main, on South Temple street, and the great majority of business houses were closed for the noon hour, during the exercises at the cemetery, out of respect to the President and his family, by order of the state and city officials. Notwithstanding the cold weather, many stood with bared heads as the hearse passed by. South Temple from Main to Second East, was crowded with people and automobiles.
As the throngs gathered, the great bell in the Catholic cathedral on South Temple street tolled a solemn requiem, by order of Bishop Joseph S. Class.
Members of the quorum of Twelve Apostles officiated at the Beehive house; and in conveying the casket to the hearse, the active pallbearers were Elders Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. lvins, James E. Talmage, Stephen L. Richards and Richard R. Lyman, of the Council of Twelve apostles. Accompanying them as honorary pallbearers were Presidents Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose and Heber J. Grant, Elders Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith and Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith.
The body was encased in an all-metal casket, covered with flowers from near and far, sent by loving friends during the morning and for two days before.
At the cemetery, where brief exercises were held, a temporary pulpit was erected, draped in white, with the American flag and the Hawaiian leis. The remains were buried directly east of the monument recently erected to the father of the beloved President, Patriarch Hyrum Smith.
Large numbers of people were present, among them Governor Simon Bamberger, Mayor W. Mont Ferry, Secretary of State Harden Bennion, the city commission, and large numbers of Church authorities, workers and friends.
President Anthon H. Lund was in charge of the services. The temporary pulpit draped in while, fronted by a large American flag was occupied by Presidents Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose and Heber J. Grant, Elders Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith, and reporter Frank W. Olterstrom. Seats for the family were arranged on both sides, and Church and State, County and City, officials stood near during the ceremonies.
Messages of sympathy and condolence were received from Elders Reed Smoot, Washington, D. C, and George F.: Richards, Liverpool, England.
The exercises were short. A chorus of forty members of the Tabernacle Choir, under direction of Prof. A. C. Lund, sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." Prayer was offered by Elder George Albert Smith. The Eighteenth ward male quartette—Elders H. G. Whitney, George D. Pyper, Hugh W. Dougall and John D. Spencer—sang, "What Voice Salutes the Startled Ear?" Under the direction of Elder B. Cecil Gates, native Hawaiians sang, "Aloha Oe," with instrumental accompaniment.
Bishop Charles W. Nibley delivered a short address, embodying some of the thoughts contained in his later eulogy, written at the solicitation of the Era and which is found in this number.
President Heber J. Grant spoke briefly, reading the poem by Eliza R. Snow entitled, "Thou Dost Not Weep to Weep Alone," also a poem by Edgar A. Guest, entitled, "A Real Man." President Grant stated that he had labored under President Smith's presidency for thirty-six years, and that during all these years he had never known anything in President Smith's life, either in word or act, that was not worthy of a real man. He said he could say in all sincerity, "He was the kind of man I would like to be." "Standing here by his grave, I desire, more than language can tell, the power and the ability, to be as kind, as considerate, as forgiving, as brave and noble and true, as he was, and to walk in very deed in his footsteps. I could ask nothing mere."
President Lund thanked all present in behalf of the family, and for the Church thanked the State, City and County officials, and the general public for the consideration shown to the memory of President Smith.
The Tabernacle Choir sang, "O My Father," Prof. A. C. Lund singing the solo part.
President Charles W. Penrose dedicated the grave. — A.
Funeral of President Joseph F. Smith
As before stated in the Era, owing to health conditions no public services were held for President Joseph F. Smith, except burial exercises at the cemetery, but it is designed that as soon as opportunity offers and health conditions will permit, that memorial services will be held throughout the Church.
Many people called at the residence on the morning of November 22, the day of the burial, and were permitted to take a last look at the great leader, so insistent was the demand for this privilege. Thousands of cards and letters of condolence had been received, also a very large number of beautiful floral tributes.
The funeral train was arranged under direction of Elders George Albert Smith, Stephen L. Richards and Richard R. Lyman. It consisted of upwards of one hundred and fifty closed automobiles, more than a mile in length, preceded by a platoon of mounted police. Then followed in order, the city commission, state officials, general authorities of the Church, the Hearse, next to which were the family, followed by the members of the general boards of the six auxiliary organizations in their order—Relief Society, Sunday School, Y. M. M. I. A., Y. L. M. I. A., Primary and Religion Class, Temple workers, employees of the President's office, officials and directors of business organizations with which President Smith had been associated, followed by large numbers of friends of the President and his family.
Thousands of people thronged the streets to witness the procession. Traffic was suspended east of Main, on South Temple street, and the great majority of business houses were closed for the noon hour, during the exercises at the cemetery, out of respect to the President and his family, by order of the state and city officials. Notwithstanding the cold weather, many stood with bared heads as the hearse passed by. South Temple from Main to Second East, was crowded with people and automobiles.
As the throngs gathered, the great bell in the Catholic cathedral on South Temple street tolled a solemn requiem, by order of Bishop Joseph S. Class.
Members of the quorum of Twelve Apostles officiated at the Beehive house; and in conveying the casket to the hearse, the active pallbearers were Elders Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Anthony W. lvins, James E. Talmage, Stephen L. Richards and Richard R. Lyman, of the Council of Twelve apostles. Accompanying them as honorary pallbearers were Presidents Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose and Heber J. Grant, Elders Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith and Presiding Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith.
The body was encased in an all-metal casket, covered with flowers from near and far, sent by loving friends during the morning and for two days before.
At the cemetery, where brief exercises were held, a temporary pulpit was erected, draped in white, with the American flag and the Hawaiian leis. The remains were buried directly east of the monument recently erected to the father of the beloved President, Patriarch Hyrum Smith.
Large numbers of people were present, among them Governor Simon Bamberger, Mayor W. Mont Ferry, Secretary of State Harden Bennion, the city commission, and large numbers of Church authorities, workers and friends.
President Anthon H. Lund was in charge of the services. The temporary pulpit draped in while, fronted by a large American flag was occupied by Presidents Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose and Heber J. Grant, Elders Rudger Clawson, George Albert Smith, and reporter Frank W. Olterstrom. Seats for the family were arranged on both sides, and Church and State, County and City, officials stood near during the ceremonies.
Messages of sympathy and condolence were received from Elders Reed Smoot, Washington, D. C, and George F.: Richards, Liverpool, England.
The exercises were short. A chorus of forty members of the Tabernacle Choir, under direction of Prof. A. C. Lund, sang, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives." Prayer was offered by Elder George Albert Smith. The Eighteenth ward male quartette—Elders H. G. Whitney, George D. Pyper, Hugh W. Dougall and John D. Spencer—sang, "What Voice Salutes the Startled Ear?" Under the direction of Elder B. Cecil Gates, native Hawaiians sang, "Aloha Oe," with instrumental accompaniment.
Bishop Charles W. Nibley delivered a short address, embodying some of the thoughts contained in his later eulogy, written at the solicitation of the Era and which is found in this number.
President Heber J. Grant spoke briefly, reading the poem by Eliza R. Snow entitled, "Thou Dost Not Weep to Weep Alone," also a poem by Edgar A. Guest, entitled, "A Real Man." President Grant stated that he had labored under President Smith's presidency for thirty-six years, and that during all these years he had never known anything in President Smith's life, either in word or act, that was not worthy of a real man. He said he could say in all sincerity, "He was the kind of man I would like to be." "Standing here by his grave, I desire, more than language can tell, the power and the ability, to be as kind, as considerate, as forgiving, as brave and noble and true, as he was, and to walk in very deed in his footsteps. I could ask nothing mere."
President Lund thanked all present in behalf of the family, and for the Church thanked the State, City and County officials, and the general public for the consideration shown to the memory of President Smith.
The Tabernacle Choir sang, "O My Father," Prof. A. C. Lund singing the solo part.
President Charles W. Penrose dedicated the grave. — A.
"In Memoriam Joseph F. Smith 1838-1918." Improvement Era. January 1919. pg. 264-265.
In Memoriam Joseph Fielding Smith 1838-1918
In the passing of President Joseph F. Smith out of this world, on the morning of November 19, 1918, the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations mourn the loss of their General Superintendent for the third time since their organization in 1875 — General Superintendents Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow having preceded him into the World of Spirits, the Paradise of God.
It was in the winter of 1875 that President Smith's interest was first enlisted in our work; and after the Central Committee was organized, December, 1876, to stand at the head, he was engaged as the friendly occasional adviser of its officers. It was in the autumn of 1877, however, that this interest began to assume the constancy and ever-increasing activity that was most valuable to the success of the Association, during their formative period. It was during this period that he prepared, especially for our benefit, his intensely interesting lecture upon the Life of Joseph the Prophet, which he delivered scores of times before many thousands of our members.
By the end of 1879, about two hundred and forty associations had been organized, with nearly ten thousand members. Our growing importance, as an auxiliary organization of the Church, then seemed to demand the appointment of an official advisory authority, including one of the Twelve Apostles, then the presiding quorum of the Church. This was asked for and, because of his exceeding sympathy and abounding interest in our work, that Elder Joseph F. Smith be so selected from their number. Our request was met on the 6th of April, 1880, by the creation of the General Superintendency, and the appointment of three of the apostles, viz., Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and Moses Thatcher to comprise it.
Although President Smith was called at the following October Conference, to be a counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, he continued as First Assistant in the General Superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A. throughout the administrations of Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow. Immediately following his own succession to the Presidency of the Church, he became our General Superintendent, in which office he has been regularly sustained since 1901—not only sustained in it, but he has most faithfully administered its varied functions.
It thus appears that, from the first year of our organization, he has been actively associated with it as adviser and counselor, during its formative period, and as First Assistant General Superintendent, and later as General Superintendent, until his death, a period of forty-three years.
As his associate officers and members of the General Board, we are in love and duty bound to record our sorrow in his departure from among us, and our joy in the reflection of his superlative service while with us. He was the ideal officer in his place —never failing in direction, never lacking the word of counsel and encouragement that we needed. He was the friend and brother of each of us, severally, and had our unbounded confidence, admiration and love. He was so cordial in his fellowship and association with us that he was in very deed one of us. He never seemed to grow old. We never thought of him as being old.
The abiding consciousness of his comradeship is our precious heritage from him—the memory of it, an inspiration and comfort, while memory lasts—reminding us that we were the intimate companions of a veritable servant of the living God—His prophet, seer and revelator. The grandeur of his character shone among us with the deep glow of an effulgent seerstone, reflecting heights and breadths and depths of Intelligence that is the Glory of God.
And so we knew and loved him; an inspired leader, a faithful counselor, a worthy exemplar.
Blessed be his memory, forever!
Approved by the General Superintendency and members of the General Board of the Y. M. M, I. A. this 9th day of December, 1918.
In Memoriam Joseph Fielding Smith 1838-1918
In the passing of President Joseph F. Smith out of this world, on the morning of November 19, 1918, the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations mourn the loss of their General Superintendent for the third time since their organization in 1875 — General Superintendents Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow having preceded him into the World of Spirits, the Paradise of God.
It was in the winter of 1875 that President Smith's interest was first enlisted in our work; and after the Central Committee was organized, December, 1876, to stand at the head, he was engaged as the friendly occasional adviser of its officers. It was in the autumn of 1877, however, that this interest began to assume the constancy and ever-increasing activity that was most valuable to the success of the Association, during their formative period. It was during this period that he prepared, especially for our benefit, his intensely interesting lecture upon the Life of Joseph the Prophet, which he delivered scores of times before many thousands of our members.
By the end of 1879, about two hundred and forty associations had been organized, with nearly ten thousand members. Our growing importance, as an auxiliary organization of the Church, then seemed to demand the appointment of an official advisory authority, including one of the Twelve Apostles, then the presiding quorum of the Church. This was asked for and, because of his exceeding sympathy and abounding interest in our work, that Elder Joseph F. Smith be so selected from their number. Our request was met on the 6th of April, 1880, by the creation of the General Superintendency, and the appointment of three of the apostles, viz., Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and Moses Thatcher to comprise it.
Although President Smith was called at the following October Conference, to be a counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, he continued as First Assistant in the General Superintendency of the Y. M. M. I. A. throughout the administrations of Presidents John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow. Immediately following his own succession to the Presidency of the Church, he became our General Superintendent, in which office he has been regularly sustained since 1901—not only sustained in it, but he has most faithfully administered its varied functions.
It thus appears that, from the first year of our organization, he has been actively associated with it as adviser and counselor, during its formative period, and as First Assistant General Superintendent, and later as General Superintendent, until his death, a period of forty-three years.
As his associate officers and members of the General Board, we are in love and duty bound to record our sorrow in his departure from among us, and our joy in the reflection of his superlative service while with us. He was the ideal officer in his place —never failing in direction, never lacking the word of counsel and encouragement that we needed. He was the friend and brother of each of us, severally, and had our unbounded confidence, admiration and love. He was so cordial in his fellowship and association with us that he was in very deed one of us. He never seemed to grow old. We never thought of him as being old.
The abiding consciousness of his comradeship is our precious heritage from him—the memory of it, an inspiration and comfort, while memory lasts—reminding us that we were the intimate companions of a veritable servant of the living God—His prophet, seer and revelator. The grandeur of his character shone among us with the deep glow of an effulgent seerstone, reflecting heights and breadths and depths of Intelligence that is the Glory of God.
And so we knew and loved him; an inspired leader, a faithful counselor, a worthy exemplar.
Blessed be his memory, forever!
Approved by the General Superintendency and members of the General Board of the Y. M. M, I. A. this 9th day of December, 1918.
"A Tribute to President Joseph Fielding Smith." Juvenile Instructor. January 1919. pg. 14-15.
A Tribute to President Joseph Fielding Smith
With chastened spirits because of the loss of our beloved General Superintendent. President Joseph Fielding Smith, who was called from this life November 19, 1918, we, the members of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, offer to the bereaved family our sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
We recall with much pleasure, though mingled now with sadness, our association with him in the Sunday School work, the marvelous growth of this organization under his superintendency, his love for children and his readiness to raise a protesting voice whenever their rights seemed to be in danger of infringement.
The Church mourns the departure of her prophetic leader, the last earthly link between the present leadership and the times of the prophet Joseph Smith. His family will miss him in this capacity, and in addition will be deprived of the Companionship of the tenderest of husbands and the kindest of fathers.
From the dawn to the twilight of his eighty years no thought but to serve his Maker ever entered our departed brother's mind. As a boy, driving oxen across the plains, or herding cows; as a youth laboring as a missionary; as a man toiling with his hands for a living; as an Apostle laboring at home and abroad; and as the head of the Church, service to his God and fellowmen, was the overpowering and controlling thought of his life. Through all these experiences his moral and spiritual structure was as firm and erect as his body.
No man loved his friends more devotedly than he, and if he did not actually love his enemies, he prayed for and was tolerant of them. He was intolerant of sin, insincerity and hypocrisy. and for these he had a deep and proper contempt.
He was a prophet, but with no disposition to parade his prophetic gift.
He would have bowed to truth in rags rather than to falsehood on a throne. His mission was to fight sin and error and to establish righteousness and truth, and during all his long life he never avoided a fight with error, or missed an opportunity to defend truth, no matter what the occasion. Courageously and unweariedly he pursued this great aim.
His family has received from him the priceless heritage of faith, and any assurance in this poor tribute that they will again meet and associate with him in eternity would be as nothing compared with their own knowledge. A love such as his for the wives and the children, whom God so graciously gave him, would know no denial and could not, during his lifetime, and cannot in the future, fail to draw to him his loved ones.
As a son he never failed in devotion to his widowed mother, or to the memory of his father, and as a parent he "provoked not his children to wrath, but brought them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
We laid him away with beautiful music and impressive remarks, and his resting place was covered with chaste flowers. But what was occurring on the other side? It was an occasion of great rejoicing, for a Prince, victorious in all his battles with evil, had returned to his home of glory.
It is not too much to believe that he was welcomed home by hosts of prophets, apostles and saints and with glad hosannahs sung by heavenly choirs; that the Savior, whom he adored, manifested joy at the meeting, and that he listened to the blessed words from his Father, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
May the peace of heaven which he enjoys rest in great measure upon his family and upon mourning Israel.
Deseret Sunday School Union BOARD.
By David O. McKay,
Stephen L. Richards,
George D. Pyper,
General Superintendency.
A Tribute to President Joseph Fielding Smith
With chastened spirits because of the loss of our beloved General Superintendent. President Joseph Fielding Smith, who was called from this life November 19, 1918, we, the members of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board, offer to the bereaved family our sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
We recall with much pleasure, though mingled now with sadness, our association with him in the Sunday School work, the marvelous growth of this organization under his superintendency, his love for children and his readiness to raise a protesting voice whenever their rights seemed to be in danger of infringement.
The Church mourns the departure of her prophetic leader, the last earthly link between the present leadership and the times of the prophet Joseph Smith. His family will miss him in this capacity, and in addition will be deprived of the Companionship of the tenderest of husbands and the kindest of fathers.
From the dawn to the twilight of his eighty years no thought but to serve his Maker ever entered our departed brother's mind. As a boy, driving oxen across the plains, or herding cows; as a youth laboring as a missionary; as a man toiling with his hands for a living; as an Apostle laboring at home and abroad; and as the head of the Church, service to his God and fellowmen, was the overpowering and controlling thought of his life. Through all these experiences his moral and spiritual structure was as firm and erect as his body.
No man loved his friends more devotedly than he, and if he did not actually love his enemies, he prayed for and was tolerant of them. He was intolerant of sin, insincerity and hypocrisy. and for these he had a deep and proper contempt.
He was a prophet, but with no disposition to parade his prophetic gift.
He would have bowed to truth in rags rather than to falsehood on a throne. His mission was to fight sin and error and to establish righteousness and truth, and during all his long life he never avoided a fight with error, or missed an opportunity to defend truth, no matter what the occasion. Courageously and unweariedly he pursued this great aim.
His family has received from him the priceless heritage of faith, and any assurance in this poor tribute that they will again meet and associate with him in eternity would be as nothing compared with their own knowledge. A love such as his for the wives and the children, whom God so graciously gave him, would know no denial and could not, during his lifetime, and cannot in the future, fail to draw to him his loved ones.
As a son he never failed in devotion to his widowed mother, or to the memory of his father, and as a parent he "provoked not his children to wrath, but brought them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
We laid him away with beautiful music and impressive remarks, and his resting place was covered with chaste flowers. But what was occurring on the other side? It was an occasion of great rejoicing, for a Prince, victorious in all his battles with evil, had returned to his home of glory.
It is not too much to believe that he was welcomed home by hosts of prophets, apostles and saints and with glad hosannahs sung by heavenly choirs; that the Savior, whom he adored, manifested joy at the meeting, and that he listened to the blessed words from his Father, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
May the peace of heaven which he enjoys rest in great measure upon his family and upon mourning Israel.
Deseret Sunday School Union BOARD.
By David O. McKay,
Stephen L. Richards,
George D. Pyper,
General Superintendency.
"In Memoriam: President Joseph F. Smith." Relief Society Magazine. January 1919. pg. 2-5.
In Memoriam: President Joseph F. Smith. The Church and the world have bidden a temporary farewell to the kingly spirit of President Joseph F. Smith. He passed beyond Nov. 19, 1918. Born in extreme privation and exile, November 13, 1838, at Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri, while his father was in prison with the Prophet Joseph, and his mother's bed was protected from the pouring rain by vessels held up under the mud roof, he experienced trouble enough to begin with. As he grew, however, his sturdy frame and powerful constitution thrived in the midst of mobbings and drivings, while his spirit took on added force, and only reacted the more generously to trouble and sorrow in others because of his early privations. His mother, Mary Fielding Smith, was his ideal and his guiding star all his life. Her courage and loyalty to the truth, her gracious courtesy and sympathetic tenderness, softened his natural stern and rigorous temperament. With what vividness he recalled his mother's historic crossing of the plains in 1848, under the most trying and forbidding circumstances! With what faithful reverence did he enshrine her memory. He recalled with circumstantiality his brief childish experiences in Nauvoo, when he was intimately and lovingly associated with his father and his adored uncle, the Prophet Joseph Smith. He drove one of his mother's ox teams across the plains and entered with her into this valley September 23, 1848. Plowing, harvesting and wood-chopping hardened his muscles and taught him resourcefulness and initiative. From herd boy to farmer, he graduated into the university of mission life, spending many years at that, returning to take his spiritual post-graduate preparation in the Historian's Office under the liberal education and tutelage of his "uncle," President George A. Smith, for years the Church Historian and Counselor to President Brigham Young. He was an active participant in the labors of the Endowment House, during his early manhood. He filled three missions on the Sandwich Islands, his first undertaken when he was fifteen years of age, and paid several visits there at various periods, early acquiring the most perfect control of the Hawaiian tongue vouchsafed to any Utah missionary, and winning the ardent and constant devotion of those dusky natives, such as no man had ever done before or has ever done since. Two missions to Great Britain, in the second of which he was president of the European Mission, taught him, among many other things, life's balance between man-made churches and divinely revealed religion. Not only did he serve his Church assiduously, but he was an active member of the Salt Lake municipal council for several terms and urged the dedication of Liberty Park to the city, and later Pioneer Square was also purchased through his efforts. He served in the legislative assembly, and during a portion of the time, he acted as the president of that body. He also was president of the constitutional convention held in 1882. He served in every capacity in his own Church, from a deacon to the President of the Church, and was counselor to the First Presidency in the administration of both President Wood- ruff and President Snow. The years of his own administration were most fruitful in constructive measures. School buildings and churches, both at home and abroad, were built under his policy. Land was purchased, meeting houses bought or built, not only in all our intermountain states and Utah, but also in Chicago, the Eastern States, Southern States, California, Sandwich Islands, Europe and Mexico. He chose the sites and dedicated them for the erection of the temples in Cardston, Canada and in Laie, Sandwich Islands. He was a patron of the arts and sciences and was devoted to the cause of education for the young. Home industry claimed his deep allegiance. He rigidly sustained all forms of home industry, and encouraged home manufacture in every sense of the word. Among other public utilities which he fostered are our great heating plant and lighting system, the street car service and the splendid gymnasium, built for both Church schools in this city and for those in other parts of the Church. His wise, conservative financial policy was demonstrated in the successful banks, stores and institutions of which he was the head. He was a foe to debt and obligations of all kinds. Among the activities of his. administration the Hotel Utah will be a monument to his liberal views; the beautiful Church office building, unsurpassed for design and construction in the west; the L. D. S. Hospital, and other public structures, all testify to his constructive powers. President Smith was by nature a happy mixture of progressivism and conservatism. His great reverence for authority and precedent made him an ideal leader and state builder. His wives, Julina Lambson, Sarah Richards, Edna Lambson, Alice Kimball and Mary Schwartz, are well known women in this community. Each is a queen in her own right. They have been and are as faithful and fond wives, as true and wise mothers as ever lived upon the earth. Each has borne a galaxy of children. Much and deserved credit is accorded to President Smith for the remarkable family of children which he honored by his fatherhood, but at the same time it must be said that the five noble and high-principled "mothers of his children"—as he loved to call them—deserve and should receive equal share in the credit for the beneficent training and careful nurture given to their families. President Smith himself would be loath to see this article appear in the leading women's Magazine, in the Church, without due affectionate notice given to the women who have helped to mold his own character and that of his children. |
President Joseph Fielding Smith
Born 13 November, 1838. Died 19 November, 1918. Pres. Smith in 1876.
Pres. Smith in 1884
|
Lyman, Richard R. "President Joseph F. Smith." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 2-7.
President Joseph F. Smith.
By Richard R. Lyman of the Council of the Twelve.
Who is wise enough to draw a limiting line about an American boy and be sure that his achievements will not extend beyond it? Who could forsesee the achievements of President Joseph F. Smith, when on Nov. 13, 1838, he was born in Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri?
If the people of Missouri were not proud of him and of his family then, they have reason to be proud of him now. The imagination can hardly picture more phenomenal changes and achievements than those in connection with the life of President Joseph F. Smith.
When he was less than six years old his father. Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church, was martyred (June 27, 1844) by a lawless mob in the state of Illinois. The work of this mob in killing the patriarch and his brother, the prophet, went on, as it seems, with the knowledge if not with the actual approval of the governor of that great state. These two men were killed, as it were, at the very hour in which that same governor had promised them protection.
Two years later, in the summer of 1846 he. when but eight years old. was driven from Nauvoo. He drove the oxen most of the way from the Mississippi with his widowed mother and her family to the Missouri. In another two years when he was but ten the journey was continued; and, practically unassisted. he handled two yoke of oxen and a heavy wagon during the whole journey of a thousand miles across the plains. In nearly all respects, this fatherless child did duty as if he were a man. The family arrived in Salt Lake Valiev Sept. 23. 1848. Four years later.
(Sent. 21. 1852) his mother. Mary Fielding Smith died, thus leaving Joseph F. an orphan at the age of fourteen.
Picture, if you can, a less p romping beginning; his father martyred when the son was less than six years old; he driven from his home and into the great American Desert before he was ten: at fourteen an orphan in poverty a thousand miles from the borders of civilization!
Compare this humble beginning of Joseph F. Smith the boy orphan of fourteen with Joseph F. Smith the President of the Church when bis death came at the age of eighty (Nov. 19. 1918.) He is mourned by his people everywhere in the intermountain region as also by other multitudes from ocean to ocean and beyond the seas. At the instance of the governor, business houses close and labor ceases during the hour of his funeral, while flags hang at half mast.
In the private car of the president of the Union Pacific Railroad System President Joseph F. Smith and his party recently traversed the trail over which, at the age of ten he drove the oxen. In his boyhood the journey from Omaha to Salt Lake City consumed three and a half months, but in these, his last days, surrounded with every comfort, he made the trip in thirty hours.
Joseph F. Smith had little chance to go to school. His mother was his principal teacher, the Bible his principal textbook. In those early times his mother taught him to read and write by the light of a camp fire. President Smith himself whites that his feet first found rest in their 10x12 log cabin in Salt Lake Valley. Now. at the age of eighty when his career comes to its close practically all the people over whom he presided are well fed. well clothed, and well housed. Among them are many who are well to do and few if any who are really poor.
Sent on a mission to the Sandwich Islands at the early age of fifteen, he developed the ability to use the native language well within one hundred days after his arrival. With a number of companions he started from home for this mission on May 27. 1854. For several weeks he and his fellow missionaries stopped in California and worked at making shingles. The traveling outfits used on the journey thus far were sold at such favorable prices, that with the money thus acquired and with that earned by their labor, h^ and h’s companions were able to pay their expenses to the Islands.
Joseph F. Smith was then a mere boy. People there in the early days looked upon him as their boy. His genial, tender, affectionate ways won their hearts. Love begets love. The affection they had for him was no greater than his for them. For days before his expected visits little dainties of all sorts were put away “for Joseph.”
When asked concerning him, one of the Saints from the Islands said “Words cannot tell one-hundredth part of the love the Hawaiian people had for their true friend, their great father. President Joseph F. Smith. On the occasion of his last visit to the Islands the Hawaiians put forth every possible effort to show him honor. He was decorated with wreaths and choice flowers in profusion. He himself said ‘They nearly suffocated me with love and flowers.’ Is it any wonder that during his administration the number of Church members in these Islands has increased from 5.322 to 10.108?
Picture his comparatively large company surrounded with luxuries when he crossed the Pacific recently and paid his last visit to the Islands. See that multitude of natives assembled to do honor to the man they had loved as a boy, to the man they now loved and honored as the President of the Church. Far in the background stood an aged woman. In her native dress from afar she looked timorously at the distinguished company, anxious to gaze once more upon the face of the now great man whom she had fed and clothed and entertained as a youthful missionary. The President saw her face. Had his own mother risen from the dead, he could hardly have given her a fonder embrace or more affectionate kisses than he bestowed upon this dear old sister, before the eves of the multitude. His tears flowed freely as he looked into her face and called her “Mother!”
In accordance with instructions received from home he and other missionaries left the Islands on the 6th of October, 1857, because the United States army was coming to Utah. He reached Salt Lake City Feb. 24th. 1858. having been away three years and nine months. In April 1860 he was called on a mission to England. During this trip abroad, he made visits also to Denmark and France. In March, 1864, he started on another mission to the Sandwich Islands, returning in December of the same year.
Joseph F. Smith was ordained an Apostle July 1, 1866, and became a special counselor to President Brigham Young. On Oct. 8. 1867. he was made a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He was called to Provo in 1868. and while there served as a member of the City Council. With permission of the authorities of the Church, he reeved back to Salt Lake City for the winter of ‘68 and ‘69. On Feb.
28. 1874, he started on his second mission to Great Britain. While abroad on this occasion, he visited Scandinavia. Germany. Switzerland, and France, returning to Utah in the fall of 1875.
Until the spring of 1877 he presided over the Saints in Davis County. Then he was called to take charge of the European Mission, and started for England in May. Because of the death of President Brigham Young he returned to Salt Lake City Sept. 27, 1877. In October, 1880 he was chosen second counselor to President John Taylor. He filled the same place in 1889, serving under President Wil ford Woodruff. He was also second counselor to President Lorenzo Snow until Oct. 7. 1901, when he was sustained as first counselor. Death came to President Snow Oct. 10, 1901 and Joseph F. Smith was sustained as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints on Oct. 17, 1901, with John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund as his counselors.
As a missionary in foreign lands Joseph F. Smith spent a little more than ten years. During the rest of his life he was serving the public either at his home in Salt Lake City or in the various stakes of Zion. With marked honesty and fidelity he has discharged the duties of every trust that has been assigned to him. Continuously has he been in the public service. Superb physical, moral, and mental strength were his characteristics. With this, his imposing physical appearance. President Smith had an extremely strong personality. Flis power to convince others lay more in his intense earnestness than in any studied oratory or strained logic.
He was Sergeant-at-Arms in the upper house of the Territorial Legislature during the session held in 1858-9. For many years he was among the most active of the city officials in securing the dedication of Liberty Park to public use. To his efforts also the people of Salt Lake are indebted for the Pioneer Square Park.
He served as a member of the House of Representatives in the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th. 19th. 20th, and 21st sessions of the Utah Territorial Legislature. In 1880 and also in 1882, he served in the Council or upper house and during the latter session was President of that body. He had also the honor of presiding over the Constitutional Convention in 1882, some 13 years before Utah became a state.
When Joseph F. Smith first came into Salt Lake Valley, the only trees here were the scattering cottonwoods which grew along the banks of City Creek. Only a few small buildings had been constructed. Truly wonderful has been the growth of the city during his lifetime. No other man has had more vital connection with the great interests here represented than has Joseph F. Smith. No attempt will be made to name all the companies which he has served as a director, nor will a complete list be given of those he has served as president. Following are some of the more important ones: Zion’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution, Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Beneficial Life Insurance Company, Coop Wagon & Machine Co., Heber J. Grant and Company. Utah State National Bank, Zion’s Savings Bank & Trust Company, Brigham Young University. Provo, Utah, Brigham Young College, Logan, Utah, and the Latter-day Saints Hospital.
Since his strongest characteristic was his leadership, then naturally as President of the Church and as head of his own household he accomplished most.
During the seventeen years of his administration the total Church membership throughout the world has almost doubled, while that in the missions has practically trebled. Four hundred new meeting houses have been built, seventeen of which are stake tabernacles: two fine new general church office buildings have been completed and twenty-two stake office buildings; two magnificent temples, one in Canada and one in Hawaii, have been practically finished.
In accordance with his foresight also, practically all the property surrounding the Temple Square has been purchased, and the following business blocks have been built; The Vermont, the Sharon, the Deseret News Annex, the Hotel Utah, and the Latter-day Saints Hospital. All the missions in the United States and several of those abroad have been provided with fine chapels and commodious mission homes.
Church schools have had a most encouraging growth in numbers during this seventeen years; and something like a million dollars have been used for constructing new school buildings. In that time three new Church schools have been established for the education and training of the dark races; one at Samoa, a second in New Zealand and a third at Tahiti. While in 1901 there were in the Church schools four thousand elementary students, today there are eight thousand of high school grade and less than five hundred of elementary grade. There were then only eighteen schools while now. including the seminaries, there are forty. The annual Church school appropriation has been increased from less than fifty thousand dollars to more than three hundred fifty thousand.
Nor was President Smith’s interest in educational work confined to the Church schools. The Relief Societies, the Sunday Schools, the Mutual Improvement Associations, the Primary Associations, and Religion Classes, during his administration have all been placed upon a higher or improved scholastic plane. In accordance with his instruction, systematic study has been undertaken in all these organizations as also in the Priesthood quorums. For use in these quorums well thought-out courses of study and training have been prepared and these are in the hands of qualified leaders and teachers who are in charge of the work. This is the reason the efficiency of the work in the quorums of the Priesthood has been so greatly increased.
Were President Smith here to speak with his fairness and modesty he would say that for this wonderful growth and for the wise way in which Church affairs have been conducted, he is indebted to his counselors, to his associates in the Council of the Twelve, and to the efficient service of the Presiding Bishopric, but most of all to the faithfulness of the officers and members of the Church as a united body and to the blessings of that Divine Providence upon which he always relied.
While his work as a public servant is excellent, while his work as a missionary is remarkable, and while his accomplishments as President are a source of pride to the people, yet the greatest of all his achievements is the raising and training of his large and worthy family. Referring to his family and to some of his own strong personal characteristics, his life-long friend and intimate associate, Bishop Charles W. Nibley, standing by his open grave said:
‘’The greatest work of all is his magnificent family, the largest in all Christendom, and no better in all the world. Here is the work of a man, indeed! Nay, is it not more like the work of a God? For what work is there that we do in this world that is so godlike as the rearing of a family; and in this large family there is not one ‘black sheep,’ not one renegade, not one that is not a good citizen—clean and upright. What a magnificent, noble, and splendid work for a man to do! Why, it shall live forever. It is his glory, and honor, and the pride of his life; and it is the greatest work that any man can ever do.
“He did not set himself up to be great; for he was so simple, so unostentatious, so gentle, loving, and kind; and yet, when his spirit was roused at any indignity, at any insult, no man could or would more fiercely or more quickly resent it; but his life was gentle and he was a man such as we seldom see. I say, from my point of view, here lies the body of the greatest man and the best man in all the world.”
President Joseph F. Smith.
By Richard R. Lyman of the Council of the Twelve.
Who is wise enough to draw a limiting line about an American boy and be sure that his achievements will not extend beyond it? Who could forsesee the achievements of President Joseph F. Smith, when on Nov. 13, 1838, he was born in Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri?
If the people of Missouri were not proud of him and of his family then, they have reason to be proud of him now. The imagination can hardly picture more phenomenal changes and achievements than those in connection with the life of President Joseph F. Smith.
When he was less than six years old his father. Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church, was martyred (June 27, 1844) by a lawless mob in the state of Illinois. The work of this mob in killing the patriarch and his brother, the prophet, went on, as it seems, with the knowledge if not with the actual approval of the governor of that great state. These two men were killed, as it were, at the very hour in which that same governor had promised them protection.
Two years later, in the summer of 1846 he. when but eight years old. was driven from Nauvoo. He drove the oxen most of the way from the Mississippi with his widowed mother and her family to the Missouri. In another two years when he was but ten the journey was continued; and, practically unassisted. he handled two yoke of oxen and a heavy wagon during the whole journey of a thousand miles across the plains. In nearly all respects, this fatherless child did duty as if he were a man. The family arrived in Salt Lake Valiev Sept. 23. 1848. Four years later.
(Sent. 21. 1852) his mother. Mary Fielding Smith died, thus leaving Joseph F. an orphan at the age of fourteen.
Picture, if you can, a less p romping beginning; his father martyred when the son was less than six years old; he driven from his home and into the great American Desert before he was ten: at fourteen an orphan in poverty a thousand miles from the borders of civilization!
Compare this humble beginning of Joseph F. Smith the boy orphan of fourteen with Joseph F. Smith the President of the Church when bis death came at the age of eighty (Nov. 19. 1918.) He is mourned by his people everywhere in the intermountain region as also by other multitudes from ocean to ocean and beyond the seas. At the instance of the governor, business houses close and labor ceases during the hour of his funeral, while flags hang at half mast.
In the private car of the president of the Union Pacific Railroad System President Joseph F. Smith and his party recently traversed the trail over which, at the age of ten he drove the oxen. In his boyhood the journey from Omaha to Salt Lake City consumed three and a half months, but in these, his last days, surrounded with every comfort, he made the trip in thirty hours.
Joseph F. Smith had little chance to go to school. His mother was his principal teacher, the Bible his principal textbook. In those early times his mother taught him to read and write by the light of a camp fire. President Smith himself whites that his feet first found rest in their 10x12 log cabin in Salt Lake Valley. Now. at the age of eighty when his career comes to its close practically all the people over whom he presided are well fed. well clothed, and well housed. Among them are many who are well to do and few if any who are really poor.
Sent on a mission to the Sandwich Islands at the early age of fifteen, he developed the ability to use the native language well within one hundred days after his arrival. With a number of companions he started from home for this mission on May 27. 1854. For several weeks he and his fellow missionaries stopped in California and worked at making shingles. The traveling outfits used on the journey thus far were sold at such favorable prices, that with the money thus acquired and with that earned by their labor, h^ and h’s companions were able to pay their expenses to the Islands.
Joseph F. Smith was then a mere boy. People there in the early days looked upon him as their boy. His genial, tender, affectionate ways won their hearts. Love begets love. The affection they had for him was no greater than his for them. For days before his expected visits little dainties of all sorts were put away “for Joseph.”
When asked concerning him, one of the Saints from the Islands said “Words cannot tell one-hundredth part of the love the Hawaiian people had for their true friend, their great father. President Joseph F. Smith. On the occasion of his last visit to the Islands the Hawaiians put forth every possible effort to show him honor. He was decorated with wreaths and choice flowers in profusion. He himself said ‘They nearly suffocated me with love and flowers.’ Is it any wonder that during his administration the number of Church members in these Islands has increased from 5.322 to 10.108?
Picture his comparatively large company surrounded with luxuries when he crossed the Pacific recently and paid his last visit to the Islands. See that multitude of natives assembled to do honor to the man they had loved as a boy, to the man they now loved and honored as the President of the Church. Far in the background stood an aged woman. In her native dress from afar she looked timorously at the distinguished company, anxious to gaze once more upon the face of the now great man whom she had fed and clothed and entertained as a youthful missionary. The President saw her face. Had his own mother risen from the dead, he could hardly have given her a fonder embrace or more affectionate kisses than he bestowed upon this dear old sister, before the eves of the multitude. His tears flowed freely as he looked into her face and called her “Mother!”
In accordance with instructions received from home he and other missionaries left the Islands on the 6th of October, 1857, because the United States army was coming to Utah. He reached Salt Lake City Feb. 24th. 1858. having been away three years and nine months. In April 1860 he was called on a mission to England. During this trip abroad, he made visits also to Denmark and France. In March, 1864, he started on another mission to the Sandwich Islands, returning in December of the same year.
Joseph F. Smith was ordained an Apostle July 1, 1866, and became a special counselor to President Brigham Young. On Oct. 8. 1867. he was made a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. He was called to Provo in 1868. and while there served as a member of the City Council. With permission of the authorities of the Church, he reeved back to Salt Lake City for the winter of ‘68 and ‘69. On Feb.
28. 1874, he started on his second mission to Great Britain. While abroad on this occasion, he visited Scandinavia. Germany. Switzerland, and France, returning to Utah in the fall of 1875.
Until the spring of 1877 he presided over the Saints in Davis County. Then he was called to take charge of the European Mission, and started for England in May. Because of the death of President Brigham Young he returned to Salt Lake City Sept. 27, 1877. In October, 1880 he was chosen second counselor to President John Taylor. He filled the same place in 1889, serving under President Wil ford Woodruff. He was also second counselor to President Lorenzo Snow until Oct. 7. 1901, when he was sustained as first counselor. Death came to President Snow Oct. 10, 1901 and Joseph F. Smith was sustained as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints on Oct. 17, 1901, with John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund as his counselors.
As a missionary in foreign lands Joseph F. Smith spent a little more than ten years. During the rest of his life he was serving the public either at his home in Salt Lake City or in the various stakes of Zion. With marked honesty and fidelity he has discharged the duties of every trust that has been assigned to him. Continuously has he been in the public service. Superb physical, moral, and mental strength were his characteristics. With this, his imposing physical appearance. President Smith had an extremely strong personality. Flis power to convince others lay more in his intense earnestness than in any studied oratory or strained logic.
He was Sergeant-at-Arms in the upper house of the Territorial Legislature during the session held in 1858-9. For many years he was among the most active of the city officials in securing the dedication of Liberty Park to public use. To his efforts also the people of Salt Lake are indebted for the Pioneer Square Park.
He served as a member of the House of Representatives in the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th. 19th. 20th, and 21st sessions of the Utah Territorial Legislature. In 1880 and also in 1882, he served in the Council or upper house and during the latter session was President of that body. He had also the honor of presiding over the Constitutional Convention in 1882, some 13 years before Utah became a state.
When Joseph F. Smith first came into Salt Lake Valley, the only trees here were the scattering cottonwoods which grew along the banks of City Creek. Only a few small buildings had been constructed. Truly wonderful has been the growth of the city during his lifetime. No other man has had more vital connection with the great interests here represented than has Joseph F. Smith. No attempt will be made to name all the companies which he has served as a director, nor will a complete list be given of those he has served as president. Following are some of the more important ones: Zion’s Cooperative Mercantile Institution, Utah-Idaho Sugar Company, Beneficial Life Insurance Company, Coop Wagon & Machine Co., Heber J. Grant and Company. Utah State National Bank, Zion’s Savings Bank & Trust Company, Brigham Young University. Provo, Utah, Brigham Young College, Logan, Utah, and the Latter-day Saints Hospital.
Since his strongest characteristic was his leadership, then naturally as President of the Church and as head of his own household he accomplished most.
During the seventeen years of his administration the total Church membership throughout the world has almost doubled, while that in the missions has practically trebled. Four hundred new meeting houses have been built, seventeen of which are stake tabernacles: two fine new general church office buildings have been completed and twenty-two stake office buildings; two magnificent temples, one in Canada and one in Hawaii, have been practically finished.
In accordance with his foresight also, practically all the property surrounding the Temple Square has been purchased, and the following business blocks have been built; The Vermont, the Sharon, the Deseret News Annex, the Hotel Utah, and the Latter-day Saints Hospital. All the missions in the United States and several of those abroad have been provided with fine chapels and commodious mission homes.
Church schools have had a most encouraging growth in numbers during this seventeen years; and something like a million dollars have been used for constructing new school buildings. In that time three new Church schools have been established for the education and training of the dark races; one at Samoa, a second in New Zealand and a third at Tahiti. While in 1901 there were in the Church schools four thousand elementary students, today there are eight thousand of high school grade and less than five hundred of elementary grade. There were then only eighteen schools while now. including the seminaries, there are forty. The annual Church school appropriation has been increased from less than fifty thousand dollars to more than three hundred fifty thousand.
Nor was President Smith’s interest in educational work confined to the Church schools. The Relief Societies, the Sunday Schools, the Mutual Improvement Associations, the Primary Associations, and Religion Classes, during his administration have all been placed upon a higher or improved scholastic plane. In accordance with his instruction, systematic study has been undertaken in all these organizations as also in the Priesthood quorums. For use in these quorums well thought-out courses of study and training have been prepared and these are in the hands of qualified leaders and teachers who are in charge of the work. This is the reason the efficiency of the work in the quorums of the Priesthood has been so greatly increased.
Were President Smith here to speak with his fairness and modesty he would say that for this wonderful growth and for the wise way in which Church affairs have been conducted, he is indebted to his counselors, to his associates in the Council of the Twelve, and to the efficient service of the Presiding Bishopric, but most of all to the faithfulness of the officers and members of the Church as a united body and to the blessings of that Divine Providence upon which he always relied.
While his work as a public servant is excellent, while his work as a missionary is remarkable, and while his accomplishments as President are a source of pride to the people, yet the greatest of all his achievements is the raising and training of his large and worthy family. Referring to his family and to some of his own strong personal characteristics, his life-long friend and intimate associate, Bishop Charles W. Nibley, standing by his open grave said:
‘’The greatest work of all is his magnificent family, the largest in all Christendom, and no better in all the world. Here is the work of a man, indeed! Nay, is it not more like the work of a God? For what work is there that we do in this world that is so godlike as the rearing of a family; and in this large family there is not one ‘black sheep,’ not one renegade, not one that is not a good citizen—clean and upright. What a magnificent, noble, and splendid work for a man to do! Why, it shall live forever. It is his glory, and honor, and the pride of his life; and it is the greatest work that any man can ever do.
“He did not set himself up to be great; for he was so simple, so unostentatious, so gentle, loving, and kind; and yet, when his spirit was roused at any indignity, at any insult, no man could or would more fiercely or more quickly resent it; but his life was gentle and he was a man such as we seldom see. I say, from my point of view, here lies the body of the greatest man and the best man in all the world.”
Widtsoe, Osbourne J. P. "President Joseph F. Smith, A Prophet of Truth." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 8-11.
President Joseph F. Smith.
A Prophet of Truth.
By Osborne J. P. Widtsoe.
At the General Conference held at Salt Lake City in October, 1917, one year before his death, President Joseph F. Smith said of Truth, “Our hope of salvation must be founded on the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; for we cannot build upon error and ascend into the courts of eternal truth and enjoy the glory and exaltation of the kingdom of God. It cannot be done.”
Perhaps no better saying can be found in all the writings and sermons of President Smith to designate that quality which was inherently characteristic of his life. President Smith loved the truth; he detested falsehood. President Smith acted the truth; he despised hypocrisy. President Smith lived the truth for eighty eventful years; he scorned dissembling. Of him, one may truly say what Carlyle wrote of the great man,
“But of a Great Man especially, of him I will assert that it is incredible that he should have been other than true. It seems to me the primary foundation of him, and of all that can lie in him this * * * The Great Man’s sincerity is of the kind he cannot speak of, is not conscious of: nay, I suppose, he is conscious rather of insincerity; for what man can walk accurately by the law of truth for one day? No, the Great Man does not boast himself sincere, far from that; perhaps does not ask himself if he is so: I would say rather, his sincerity does not depend on himself; he cannot help being sincere! The great Fact of Existence is great to him. Fly as he will, he cannot get out of the awful presence of this Reality. His mind is so made; he is great by that first of all. Fearful and wonderful, real as Life, real as Death, is this Universe to him. Though all men should forget its truth, and walk in a vain show, he cannot. At all moments the Flame image glares in upon him; undeniable, there, there!—I wish you to take this as my primary definition of a Great Man.”
Such a man was President Joseph F. Smith—a Great Man! And from the fountain of Truth within him gushed forth other qualities, great and noble and pure. Born under distressful circumstances, and pursued by the power of evil even as a babe, President Smith might have become saturated with bitterness, intolerant of those who differed from him, and vengeful toward those who had brought death and sorrow, to his loved ones. But the President became mellow and filled with brotherly kindness. He was intolerant only of that which ran counter to Truth as God has revealed it. True, he was known in his younger days as the Fighting Apostle. But taken alone that term is a misnomer. The Fighting Apostle carried no chip on his shoulder. He sought no quarrel. He gave no offense maliciously. Inspired himself by the Spirit of Truth, he knew that the Saints were good of heart, pure of purpose, clean of thought, loyal in devotion, and sincere in their fealty to both God and earthly government. His strong, courageous character resented every imputation that his people were insincere, or disloyal, or impure, or lacking in the Godly virtues.. Righteous indignation surged through his soul like a flood when his people were unjustly attacked. It was then, and then only, that he became a fighter—a terrible champion—in defense of a grievously persecuted people. He was then a Fighting Apostle, immovably fixed on the foundation of Truth, hurling discomfiture upon his enemies through the fire of truth. But intolerant he could not be. He had stifled the early burning desire in his soul for vengeance. He had learned to love his enemies, and to bless those who despitefully used him. He cherished those who differed from him in their beliefs, and prayed fervently that they, too, might come to see the truth as he saw it. Witness these sayings from the President’s sermons and writings. They testify of his devotion to truth.
“The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained.”
“Our young people are diligent students. They reach out after truth and knowledge with commendable zeal, and in so doing they must necessarily adopt for temporary use many theories of men. As long, however, as they recognize them as scaffolding useful for research purposes, there can be no special harm in them. It is when those theories are settled upon as basic truth that trouble appears, and the searcher then stands in grave danger of being led hopelessly from the right way.”
“We have no ill feelings in our hearts toward any living creature. We forgive those who trespass against us. Those who have spoken evil of us, and who have misrepresented us before the world, we have no malice in our hearts toward them. We say, let God judge between them and us; let Him recompense them for their work. We will not raise a hand against them; but we will extend the hand of fellowship and friendship to them, if they will repent of their sins and come unto the Lord and live. No matter how malicious they may have been, or how foolishly they may have acted, if they will repent of it we will receive them with open arms and we will do all we can to help them to save themselves. * * * When a man receives the truth he will be saved by it. He will not be saved merely because someone talks to him, but because he received (the truth) and acted upon it. The Gospel is consistent; it is common sense, reason, revelation; it is Almighty Truth from the heavens made known to man.”
It was not only as a churchman, however, that President Joseph F. Smith was a Champion of Truth. Guided and inspired by the spirit of eternal truth, he became a masterful clear-visioned, magnetic leader in matters temporal as well as in matters spiritual. First, his foresight and worldly wisdom were made manifest in the counsel that he gave to his own people. As he journeyed from one community to another on his extensive preaching tours, the people learned to look to his kindly, sympathetic advice to help them overcome the daily hardships and struggles of pioneer life. Their problems he made his own, their difficulties he took to himself; and pondering them under the inspiration of truth, he upheld, strengthened, helped, and directed the sturdy folk, to whom he was indeed a minister of light. Not content with this public service. President Smith reached out further to help in the temporal welfare of the territory. He sat in the city council; he served as a regent of the University; for seven consecutive terms he represented his people in the territorial House of Representatives; and always he was recognized as the strict champion of Truth. Fearless, above temptation, uncompromising in the presence of falsehood and error. he never once allowed himself to be led to give his support to anything opposed to Truth. No skeleton was ever stowed away in his closet, later to show its grinning head and to cow him into unrighteousness. And he loved his native land, the land of the Restoration, and gave unstintingly service without measure that the principle of righteousness in which the government was established, might become fixed forever. Of this matter, he said in Annual Conference, 1903, “This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of His omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter-days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. * * * His hand has been over this nation, and it is His purpose and design to enlarge it, to make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth. * * * Let us do right, keep the laws of God and the laws of man, honor our membership in the kingdom of God, our citizenship in the state of Utah, and our broader citizenship in the nation of which we are a part, and then God will sustain and preserve us.”
On October 17, 1901, Joseph F. Smith was sustained as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a little more than thirty-five years since he had been ordained an apostle by the great pioneer-prophet, Brigham Young. It was thirty-four years since he had been made a member of the Council of Twelve. He had served as assistant to President Brigham Young, as president of the European mission, as president of the Davis Stake, and as a counselor in the First Presidency during the administrations of John Taylor, Wil- ford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow. Never has a man been more thoroughly tested and trained for the responsibilities of his office than was Joseph F. Smith. And never, save once, has a man revealed more divine power, more compelling authority, and withal more kindliness and human sympathy, than has Joseph F. Smith during the past seventeen years of his presidency. Secure on the everlasting foundation of Truth, he has conducted the Church safely, and without reproach, through the seething stream of a turbulent modern life. His forceful leadership has been felt in every activity of the Church and of its members. And everyone who has come in contact with the President or his powerful influence, has been awed by the unimpeachable integrity of the man, his steadfast devotion to truth, the reality of his faith, and his simple child-like reliance upon the goodness of God. Under President Smith’s administration the Church has grown in power and righteousness, both temporally and spiritually. It has become recognized as a noble and elevating influence. The President has met men of every degree from every land, and has impressed them with the presence of Truth upon the earth. In our own nation, the Church has attained an enviable reputation such as it has never held before, and that largely, without question, through the forceful influence for righteousness of President Joseph F. Smith.
It may be imagined that a man who has accomplished so much, and has become so distinguished, might also become haughty and austere.
Not so President Joseph F. Smith. A friend to the friendless, a savior to the oppressed, a father to the fatherless, a support to the widow, President Smith was ever tender, full of sympathy, and kind. No creature was too humble to claim his considerate attention. And he was modest in all the dignity of his achievement, his high position, and the power of his calling. He never assumed to be greater than other men. Naturally peace-loving, retiring, and unassuming, he took no glory to himself. I shall never forget his simple words of disavowal when, shortly before his death, a few devoted friends presented to him a compilation of choice extracts from his sermons and writings. “I have done nothing of myself,” he said modestly, “except as I have been directed by the Spirit of the Lord. If I have accomplished anything, the honor is the Lord’s not mine.”
Much more might be said in appreciation of this great and noble man—much more than can be put into such a limited writing as this. Never has there been a man more thoroughly imbued with the Spirit of Truth, and more highly gifted and blessed through the testimony of Truth. By the light of Truth his mind was enlarged, his intelligence quickened. The sublime principles of the Gospel of the Son of God were to him as an open book; its sublimest depths he probed and made plain and clear as, the light of a summer’s day. He was a preacher of Truth and Righteousness. Above all else he was a prophet— a forth-teller—of Truth, God’s Truth was the dearest thing in the world to him; and as his m:nd expanded and grew under its inspiration. and as he waxed in power and authority, he determined the acts of his life by Truth.
“If you love the Truth,” said President Joseph F. Smith, in December. 1917, “if you have received the Gospel in your hearts, and love it, your intelligences will be added upon; your understanding of Truth will be expanded, larger than in any other way. Truth is the thing, above all other things in the world, that makes men free—free from indulgence and carelessness, free from the fearful consequences of neglect, for it will be a fearful consequence if we neglect our duty before the living God. If you will learn the Truth and walk in the light of Truth you shall be made free from the errors of men and crafts, you will be above suspicion and above wrong-doing of every description. God will approve of you and bless you and your inheritance and make you prosper and flourish like a green bay tree.”
Here, then, is the chief characteristic of this Great Man: He was true; he loved the Truth; he founded his hope of salvation upon the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth.
President Joseph F. Smith.
A Prophet of Truth.
By Osborne J. P. Widtsoe.
At the General Conference held at Salt Lake City in October, 1917, one year before his death, President Joseph F. Smith said of Truth, “Our hope of salvation must be founded on the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; for we cannot build upon error and ascend into the courts of eternal truth and enjoy the glory and exaltation of the kingdom of God. It cannot be done.”
Perhaps no better saying can be found in all the writings and sermons of President Smith to designate that quality which was inherently characteristic of his life. President Smith loved the truth; he detested falsehood. President Smith acted the truth; he despised hypocrisy. President Smith lived the truth for eighty eventful years; he scorned dissembling. Of him, one may truly say what Carlyle wrote of the great man,
“But of a Great Man especially, of him I will assert that it is incredible that he should have been other than true. It seems to me the primary foundation of him, and of all that can lie in him this * * * The Great Man’s sincerity is of the kind he cannot speak of, is not conscious of: nay, I suppose, he is conscious rather of insincerity; for what man can walk accurately by the law of truth for one day? No, the Great Man does not boast himself sincere, far from that; perhaps does not ask himself if he is so: I would say rather, his sincerity does not depend on himself; he cannot help being sincere! The great Fact of Existence is great to him. Fly as he will, he cannot get out of the awful presence of this Reality. His mind is so made; he is great by that first of all. Fearful and wonderful, real as Life, real as Death, is this Universe to him. Though all men should forget its truth, and walk in a vain show, he cannot. At all moments the Flame image glares in upon him; undeniable, there, there!—I wish you to take this as my primary definition of a Great Man.”
Such a man was President Joseph F. Smith—a Great Man! And from the fountain of Truth within him gushed forth other qualities, great and noble and pure. Born under distressful circumstances, and pursued by the power of evil even as a babe, President Smith might have become saturated with bitterness, intolerant of those who differed from him, and vengeful toward those who had brought death and sorrow, to his loved ones. But the President became mellow and filled with brotherly kindness. He was intolerant only of that which ran counter to Truth as God has revealed it. True, he was known in his younger days as the Fighting Apostle. But taken alone that term is a misnomer. The Fighting Apostle carried no chip on his shoulder. He sought no quarrel. He gave no offense maliciously. Inspired himself by the Spirit of Truth, he knew that the Saints were good of heart, pure of purpose, clean of thought, loyal in devotion, and sincere in their fealty to both God and earthly government. His strong, courageous character resented every imputation that his people were insincere, or disloyal, or impure, or lacking in the Godly virtues.. Righteous indignation surged through his soul like a flood when his people were unjustly attacked. It was then, and then only, that he became a fighter—a terrible champion—in defense of a grievously persecuted people. He was then a Fighting Apostle, immovably fixed on the foundation of Truth, hurling discomfiture upon his enemies through the fire of truth. But intolerant he could not be. He had stifled the early burning desire in his soul for vengeance. He had learned to love his enemies, and to bless those who despitefully used him. He cherished those who differed from him in their beliefs, and prayed fervently that they, too, might come to see the truth as he saw it. Witness these sayings from the President’s sermons and writings. They testify of his devotion to truth.
“The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained.”
“Our young people are diligent students. They reach out after truth and knowledge with commendable zeal, and in so doing they must necessarily adopt for temporary use many theories of men. As long, however, as they recognize them as scaffolding useful for research purposes, there can be no special harm in them. It is when those theories are settled upon as basic truth that trouble appears, and the searcher then stands in grave danger of being led hopelessly from the right way.”
“We have no ill feelings in our hearts toward any living creature. We forgive those who trespass against us. Those who have spoken evil of us, and who have misrepresented us before the world, we have no malice in our hearts toward them. We say, let God judge between them and us; let Him recompense them for their work. We will not raise a hand against them; but we will extend the hand of fellowship and friendship to them, if they will repent of their sins and come unto the Lord and live. No matter how malicious they may have been, or how foolishly they may have acted, if they will repent of it we will receive them with open arms and we will do all we can to help them to save themselves. * * * When a man receives the truth he will be saved by it. He will not be saved merely because someone talks to him, but because he received (the truth) and acted upon it. The Gospel is consistent; it is common sense, reason, revelation; it is Almighty Truth from the heavens made known to man.”
It was not only as a churchman, however, that President Joseph F. Smith was a Champion of Truth. Guided and inspired by the spirit of eternal truth, he became a masterful clear-visioned, magnetic leader in matters temporal as well as in matters spiritual. First, his foresight and worldly wisdom were made manifest in the counsel that he gave to his own people. As he journeyed from one community to another on his extensive preaching tours, the people learned to look to his kindly, sympathetic advice to help them overcome the daily hardships and struggles of pioneer life. Their problems he made his own, their difficulties he took to himself; and pondering them under the inspiration of truth, he upheld, strengthened, helped, and directed the sturdy folk, to whom he was indeed a minister of light. Not content with this public service. President Smith reached out further to help in the temporal welfare of the territory. He sat in the city council; he served as a regent of the University; for seven consecutive terms he represented his people in the territorial House of Representatives; and always he was recognized as the strict champion of Truth. Fearless, above temptation, uncompromising in the presence of falsehood and error. he never once allowed himself to be led to give his support to anything opposed to Truth. No skeleton was ever stowed away in his closet, later to show its grinning head and to cow him into unrighteousness. And he loved his native land, the land of the Restoration, and gave unstintingly service without measure that the principle of righteousness in which the government was established, might become fixed forever. Of this matter, he said in Annual Conference, 1903, “This great American nation the Almighty raised up by the power of His omnipotent hand, that it might be possible in the latter-days for the kingdom of God to be established in the earth. * * * His hand has been over this nation, and it is His purpose and design to enlarge it, to make it glorious above all others, and to give it dominion and power over the earth, to the end that those who are kept in bondage and serfdom may be brought to the enjoyment of the fullest freedom and liberty of conscience possible for intelligent men to exercise in the earth. * * * Let us do right, keep the laws of God and the laws of man, honor our membership in the kingdom of God, our citizenship in the state of Utah, and our broader citizenship in the nation of which we are a part, and then God will sustain and preserve us.”
On October 17, 1901, Joseph F. Smith was sustained as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a little more than thirty-five years since he had been ordained an apostle by the great pioneer-prophet, Brigham Young. It was thirty-four years since he had been made a member of the Council of Twelve. He had served as assistant to President Brigham Young, as president of the European mission, as president of the Davis Stake, and as a counselor in the First Presidency during the administrations of John Taylor, Wil- ford Woodruff, and Lorenzo Snow. Never has a man been more thoroughly tested and trained for the responsibilities of his office than was Joseph F. Smith. And never, save once, has a man revealed more divine power, more compelling authority, and withal more kindliness and human sympathy, than has Joseph F. Smith during the past seventeen years of his presidency. Secure on the everlasting foundation of Truth, he has conducted the Church safely, and without reproach, through the seething stream of a turbulent modern life. His forceful leadership has been felt in every activity of the Church and of its members. And everyone who has come in contact with the President or his powerful influence, has been awed by the unimpeachable integrity of the man, his steadfast devotion to truth, the reality of his faith, and his simple child-like reliance upon the goodness of God. Under President Smith’s administration the Church has grown in power and righteousness, both temporally and spiritually. It has become recognized as a noble and elevating influence. The President has met men of every degree from every land, and has impressed them with the presence of Truth upon the earth. In our own nation, the Church has attained an enviable reputation such as it has never held before, and that largely, without question, through the forceful influence for righteousness of President Joseph F. Smith.
It may be imagined that a man who has accomplished so much, and has become so distinguished, might also become haughty and austere.
Not so President Joseph F. Smith. A friend to the friendless, a savior to the oppressed, a father to the fatherless, a support to the widow, President Smith was ever tender, full of sympathy, and kind. No creature was too humble to claim his considerate attention. And he was modest in all the dignity of his achievement, his high position, and the power of his calling. He never assumed to be greater than other men. Naturally peace-loving, retiring, and unassuming, he took no glory to himself. I shall never forget his simple words of disavowal when, shortly before his death, a few devoted friends presented to him a compilation of choice extracts from his sermons and writings. “I have done nothing of myself,” he said modestly, “except as I have been directed by the Spirit of the Lord. If I have accomplished anything, the honor is the Lord’s not mine.”
Much more might be said in appreciation of this great and noble man—much more than can be put into such a limited writing as this. Never has there been a man more thoroughly imbued with the Spirit of Truth, and more highly gifted and blessed through the testimony of Truth. By the light of Truth his mind was enlarged, his intelligence quickened. The sublime principles of the Gospel of the Son of God were to him as an open book; its sublimest depths he probed and made plain and clear as, the light of a summer’s day. He was a preacher of Truth and Righteousness. Above all else he was a prophet— a forth-teller—of Truth, God’s Truth was the dearest thing in the world to him; and as his m:nd expanded and grew under its inspiration. and as he waxed in power and authority, he determined the acts of his life by Truth.
“If you love the Truth,” said President Joseph F. Smith, in December. 1917, “if you have received the Gospel in your hearts, and love it, your intelligences will be added upon; your understanding of Truth will be expanded, larger than in any other way. Truth is the thing, above all other things in the world, that makes men free—free from indulgence and carelessness, free from the fearful consequences of neglect, for it will be a fearful consequence if we neglect our duty before the living God. If you will learn the Truth and walk in the light of Truth you shall be made free from the errors of men and crafts, you will be above suspicion and above wrong-doing of every description. God will approve of you and bless you and your inheritance and make you prosper and flourish like a green bay tree.”
Here, then, is the chief characteristic of this Great Man: He was true; he loved the Truth; he founded his hope of salvation upon the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth.
Fox, Ruth May. "In Memoriam." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 16.
In Memoriam[1]
Ruth May Fox.
How sweet, when earthly tasks are all fulfilled,
And God’s approval stamped thereon;
To lay the worn-out body down to rest,
On Mother’s breast,
Without a fear or qualm;
To have the Spirit’s witness in the soul,
That death is life—exalted life,
Where strivings to attain will never cease,
But aye increase
As height on height is reached.
How glorious to know that sacred ties
In bliss supernal shall endure,
As link clasps link in beauteous golden chain,
Each to remain
Through vast eternities;
To have a perfect trust that God is God,
That men through faith become His sons;
That He who brake the icy bands of death,
With dying breath,
Freed all men from the tomb.
These truths to him were clear as morning sheen
They glorified his mortal day;
Anchored his soul; illumed his vision,
Till paths elysian
Wide-opened to his view.
Those paths of peace our reverend Leader treads
With the immortals of all time,
Who sacrificed and strove with zealous might,
To spread the Light,
That God’s will shall prevail.
Farewell, Dear Friend, for such he was to all,
The world has lost in very deed a friend;
The Church a chieftain who never quailed--
There he is hailed--
Son! Brother! Father! Seer!
But here, alas in trembling tones we say:
Farewell, farewell!
[1] Inscribed to President Joseph F. Smith.
In Memoriam[1]
Ruth May Fox.
How sweet, when earthly tasks are all fulfilled,
And God’s approval stamped thereon;
To lay the worn-out body down to rest,
On Mother’s breast,
Without a fear or qualm;
To have the Spirit’s witness in the soul,
That death is life—exalted life,
Where strivings to attain will never cease,
But aye increase
As height on height is reached.
How glorious to know that sacred ties
In bliss supernal shall endure,
As link clasps link in beauteous golden chain,
Each to remain
Through vast eternities;
To have a perfect trust that God is God,
That men through faith become His sons;
That He who brake the icy bands of death,
With dying breath,
Freed all men from the tomb.
These truths to him were clear as morning sheen
They glorified his mortal day;
Anchored his soul; illumed his vision,
Till paths elysian
Wide-opened to his view.
Those paths of peace our reverend Leader treads
With the immortals of all time,
Who sacrificed and strove with zealous might,
To spread the Light,
That God’s will shall prevail.
Farewell, Dear Friend, for such he was to all,
The world has lost in very deed a friend;
The Church a chieftain who never quailed--
There he is hailed--
Son! Brother! Father! Seer!
But here, alas in trembling tones we say:
Farewell, farewell!
[1] Inscribed to President Joseph F. Smith.
"Tributes to President Joseph F. Smith." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 17-20.
Tributes to President Joseph F. Smith.
President Joseph F. Smith— chosen of God, honored of men, beloved of all. A spirit pure, a heart full of love for family, Church, and humanity. Honesty and sincerity were strongly emphasized in his life and character, and won for him the love and confidence of all who knew him. He had too great self- respect to do a mean act.
I honored President Smith because he honored God. I honored him because he honored those who were under him. I honored him because he honored woman. She was to h:m a companion and helpmeet. No man had greater reverence for motherhood than he. Truly may it be said of him as was said of a faithful servant of God in former days: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be like unto Moroni, behold the very gates of hell would be shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”
Martha H. Tingey.
President Joseph F. Smith was the anointed of the Lord, His mouthpiece to the world, the leader and exemplar of His people. In religious convictions he was firm as the rock of ages.
He was the perfection of manly dignity; fearless as a lion; tender as a woman; considerate of the aged; solicitous of the poor; a true friend.
Sincerity burned in his heart and flowed from his lips impressing all who heard him.
As a husband and father he was without a peer; his family adored him, little children caressed him. To those of his faith the grasp of his hand was a treasured benediction.
As our leader we loved him, as a man we honored him, as a prophet we revered him, as a friend we mourn him. God bless his memory.
Ruth May Fox.
If I were asked to name the most striking characteristic of President Joseph F. Smith, aside from his absolute devotion to the work of God, it would be his tender solicitude for his family. No one could witness his greeting of wife, son, or daughter and not realize his great love for them. They were his greatest possession, the stars in his eternal diadem.
There was room, too, in that great heart of his, so full of tenderness and love, for all, for to him every son and daughter of God was dear, and his whole life work was for their uplift and final redemption.
Stately and dignified in bearing, courteous and kind in manner, pure of heart, loyal and true to his people, his country, and his Maker, surely we know he was one of God’s noblemen.
Mae T. Nystrom.
He seems to me like a mighty oak, a rock of refuge, or an intermediator between me and the source of all real comfort. I receive consolation, comfort, and encouragement from his influence and blessing.
Alice K. Smith.
A good and great leader has left us, and the people mourn. President Smith’s life and labors from the time when I first became acquainted with him as a girl, have been to me an inspiration potent and impressive. When I looked upon that noble face a few hours after his spirit had left its mortal tabernacle, I could scarcely believe he was not in a natural sleep from which he would soon awaken.
Even in the presence of death I felt he looked like a king in all his majesty.
If I were to mention those attributes in President Smith’s life which seem to me the dominating ones, I should say first was his unswerving integrity to the principles of the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his sincere devotion to his wives and children. I have been moved to tears many times when I have witnessed his fond embraces and kisses to his grown sons and daughters, in private and public.
Always sympathetic and tender, he was to those in trouble a comforter. He carried with him to the sick room a spirit of peace and love, I speak from actual experience.
He is gone, he is lost to our view, but his powerful testimony is echoing in our minds, his face is pictured in our memories. We are better for his having lived and having taught us these many years. A monument to his memory is engraved in the hearts of his people.
M. Y. Dougall.
In the death of President Joseph F. Smith, one of the greatest of God’s prophets has been called hence.
I have known him since my early girlhood, he having been a frequent visitor at my father’s home, and all through the years he has been a beacon light to me. His word and counsel was ever a law in our home. He could adjust, to the satisfaction and comfort of all concerned, the extremely difficult problems of family and community life. His presence alone could quell the most disturbing influences. His tender, gentle, gracious attitude to the lowliest was .proverbial, while his pleasing, animating, kindly smile went to the heart of the recipient in a bond of love. He loved humanity ; was generous, benevolent, indulgent, and forbearing, but firm as the “rock of ages’’ for the right.
He was my father’s friend. He was my guiding star. I mourn his loss.
Adella W. Eardley.
The love of home and family was characteristic of President Joseph F. Smith, the sentiment in him being so developed that it stood out with almost greater prominence than any other of his splendid abilities. One of his highest ideals was the perfection of the home, the rearing of children to be worthy citizens, happy and contented in their own homes. President Smith respected every member of his family and honored each and every one in his place. He also loved and honored his people and for the generosity of his soul he was beloved by all and honored by his God.
In appearance he was majestic and commanding, possessed of superior intelligence, and wonderful faith. His life’s work is his greatest monument and he was one of the noble and truly great of earth. Let us cherish his memory, emulate his virtues, and so order our lives that we may be worthy to meet and associate with him throughout the ages of eternity.
Agnes S. Campbell.
It is said that none but deep, strong natures are capable of tenderness. That being true, President Joseph F. Smith must have possessed the deepest and strongest nature, for, in my experience, no other man has shown, to so many people, such infinite tenderness.
Ann M. Cannon.
President Smith! In thinking of his characteristics I find none lacking that go to make up my ideal of a perfect man. Every attribute that one must possess to be great in the highest and noblest sense, was his. With him for my ideal I can accept with my whole soul the statement that “God. created man in His own image and likeness,” and in that thought find stimulus for life’s highest endeavor.
May Booth Talmage.
As President, I honored him and, with all my soul, sustained him and revered him as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I esteemed him for his perfect love of God and his unbounded trust in the Redeemer of Mankind. I admired his fearless defense and exposition of divine truths revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I shall ever cherish the remembrance of the purity and uprightness of his life, coupled with the strict observance of every principle of the Gospel.
I loved him for his wonderful appreciation of and intense devotion to his family and his impartial, affectionate solicitude for each member, young and old.
My life has been enriched by witnessing most beautiful demonstrations of these tender feelings. I count it an inestimable privilege and distinguished honor to have known and associated with him, and in his death feel a keen personal loss.
Emma Goddard.
Because of President Joseph F. Smith’s birthright I considered that he must be possessed of exceptional powers of mind and spirit. Every time I entered his presence this testimony grew in my soul. His great humility blended perfectly with the dignity of his bearing. Swift and terrible in rebuke of evil doing or in defense of truth, he was yet so tender in blessing that the soul melted within the one so favored.
The souls of the Saints were enlarged by his mere presence; when he spoke to them they knew that every corner of his soul was illuminated by the perfect light of the Holy Ghost. He spoke as one having authority, the authority of his great Priesthood, and the authority of a life hewn squarely to the line of his high calling.
To contemplate his life is exquisite joy to me, all sorrow is swallowed up in the joy of it. A prophet of the living God, what joy must heaven feel at his entrance!
Rosetta W. Bennett.
I am thankful for the opportunity of paying a tribute of appreciation to my friend, our loved, departed leader. I do not feel that it is presumption on my part to say “my friend.” He was a true friend to all his people.
In thinking of his life, so many noble traits and worthy characteristics rise before me that it is impossible to single out one as the greatest. He was so kind, generous, wise, strong, humble, just, Godfearing, that he endeared himself to us. And the sorrow that has come through his loss to his nearest and dearest is sincerely shared by me and mine.
May we who follow be able to attain in some measure to the excellence of his life and work.
Augusta W. Grant.
Tributes to President Joseph F. Smith.
President Joseph F. Smith— chosen of God, honored of men, beloved of all. A spirit pure, a heart full of love for family, Church, and humanity. Honesty and sincerity were strongly emphasized in his life and character, and won for him the love and confidence of all who knew him. He had too great self- respect to do a mean act.
I honored President Smith because he honored God. I honored him because he honored those who were under him. I honored him because he honored woman. She was to h:m a companion and helpmeet. No man had greater reverence for motherhood than he. Truly may it be said of him as was said of a faithful servant of God in former days: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be like unto Moroni, behold the very gates of hell would be shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”
Martha H. Tingey.
President Joseph F. Smith was the anointed of the Lord, His mouthpiece to the world, the leader and exemplar of His people. In religious convictions he was firm as the rock of ages.
He was the perfection of manly dignity; fearless as a lion; tender as a woman; considerate of the aged; solicitous of the poor; a true friend.
Sincerity burned in his heart and flowed from his lips impressing all who heard him.
As a husband and father he was without a peer; his family adored him, little children caressed him. To those of his faith the grasp of his hand was a treasured benediction.
As our leader we loved him, as a man we honored him, as a prophet we revered him, as a friend we mourn him. God bless his memory.
Ruth May Fox.
If I were asked to name the most striking characteristic of President Joseph F. Smith, aside from his absolute devotion to the work of God, it would be his tender solicitude for his family. No one could witness his greeting of wife, son, or daughter and not realize his great love for them. They were his greatest possession, the stars in his eternal diadem.
There was room, too, in that great heart of his, so full of tenderness and love, for all, for to him every son and daughter of God was dear, and his whole life work was for their uplift and final redemption.
Stately and dignified in bearing, courteous and kind in manner, pure of heart, loyal and true to his people, his country, and his Maker, surely we know he was one of God’s noblemen.
Mae T. Nystrom.
He seems to me like a mighty oak, a rock of refuge, or an intermediator between me and the source of all real comfort. I receive consolation, comfort, and encouragement from his influence and blessing.
Alice K. Smith.
A good and great leader has left us, and the people mourn. President Smith’s life and labors from the time when I first became acquainted with him as a girl, have been to me an inspiration potent and impressive. When I looked upon that noble face a few hours after his spirit had left its mortal tabernacle, I could scarcely believe he was not in a natural sleep from which he would soon awaken.
Even in the presence of death I felt he looked like a king in all his majesty.
If I were to mention those attributes in President Smith’s life which seem to me the dominating ones, I should say first was his unswerving integrity to the principles of the Everlasting Gospel of Jesus Christ, and his sincere devotion to his wives and children. I have been moved to tears many times when I have witnessed his fond embraces and kisses to his grown sons and daughters, in private and public.
Always sympathetic and tender, he was to those in trouble a comforter. He carried with him to the sick room a spirit of peace and love, I speak from actual experience.
He is gone, he is lost to our view, but his powerful testimony is echoing in our minds, his face is pictured in our memories. We are better for his having lived and having taught us these many years. A monument to his memory is engraved in the hearts of his people.
M. Y. Dougall.
In the death of President Joseph F. Smith, one of the greatest of God’s prophets has been called hence.
I have known him since my early girlhood, he having been a frequent visitor at my father’s home, and all through the years he has been a beacon light to me. His word and counsel was ever a law in our home. He could adjust, to the satisfaction and comfort of all concerned, the extremely difficult problems of family and community life. His presence alone could quell the most disturbing influences. His tender, gentle, gracious attitude to the lowliest was .proverbial, while his pleasing, animating, kindly smile went to the heart of the recipient in a bond of love. He loved humanity ; was generous, benevolent, indulgent, and forbearing, but firm as the “rock of ages’’ for the right.
He was my father’s friend. He was my guiding star. I mourn his loss.
Adella W. Eardley.
The love of home and family was characteristic of President Joseph F. Smith, the sentiment in him being so developed that it stood out with almost greater prominence than any other of his splendid abilities. One of his highest ideals was the perfection of the home, the rearing of children to be worthy citizens, happy and contented in their own homes. President Smith respected every member of his family and honored each and every one in his place. He also loved and honored his people and for the generosity of his soul he was beloved by all and honored by his God.
In appearance he was majestic and commanding, possessed of superior intelligence, and wonderful faith. His life’s work is his greatest monument and he was one of the noble and truly great of earth. Let us cherish his memory, emulate his virtues, and so order our lives that we may be worthy to meet and associate with him throughout the ages of eternity.
Agnes S. Campbell.
It is said that none but deep, strong natures are capable of tenderness. That being true, President Joseph F. Smith must have possessed the deepest and strongest nature, for, in my experience, no other man has shown, to so many people, such infinite tenderness.
Ann M. Cannon.
President Smith! In thinking of his characteristics I find none lacking that go to make up my ideal of a perfect man. Every attribute that one must possess to be great in the highest and noblest sense, was his. With him for my ideal I can accept with my whole soul the statement that “God. created man in His own image and likeness,” and in that thought find stimulus for life’s highest endeavor.
May Booth Talmage.
As President, I honored him and, with all my soul, sustained him and revered him as Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I esteemed him for his perfect love of God and his unbounded trust in the Redeemer of Mankind. I admired his fearless defense and exposition of divine truths revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I shall ever cherish the remembrance of the purity and uprightness of his life, coupled with the strict observance of every principle of the Gospel.
I loved him for his wonderful appreciation of and intense devotion to his family and his impartial, affectionate solicitude for each member, young and old.
My life has been enriched by witnessing most beautiful demonstrations of these tender feelings. I count it an inestimable privilege and distinguished honor to have known and associated with him, and in his death feel a keen personal loss.
Emma Goddard.
Because of President Joseph F. Smith’s birthright I considered that he must be possessed of exceptional powers of mind and spirit. Every time I entered his presence this testimony grew in my soul. His great humility blended perfectly with the dignity of his bearing. Swift and terrible in rebuke of evil doing or in defense of truth, he was yet so tender in blessing that the soul melted within the one so favored.
The souls of the Saints were enlarged by his mere presence; when he spoke to them they knew that every corner of his soul was illuminated by the perfect light of the Holy Ghost. He spoke as one having authority, the authority of his great Priesthood, and the authority of a life hewn squarely to the line of his high calling.
To contemplate his life is exquisite joy to me, all sorrow is swallowed up in the joy of it. A prophet of the living God, what joy must heaven feel at his entrance!
Rosetta W. Bennett.
I am thankful for the opportunity of paying a tribute of appreciation to my friend, our loved, departed leader. I do not feel that it is presumption on my part to say “my friend.” He was a true friend to all his people.
In thinking of his life, so many noble traits and worthy characteristics rise before me that it is impossible to single out one as the greatest. He was so kind, generous, wise, strong, humble, just, Godfearing, that he endeared himself to us. And the sorrow that has come through his loss to his nearest and dearest is sincerely shared by me and mine.
May we who follow be able to attain in some measure to the excellence of his life and work.
Augusta W. Grant.
Thomas, Kate. "For President Smith." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 21-22.
For President Smith.
“O Grave Where is Thy Victory?”
Cold, Cold, Cold!
Bare limb, browning bush;
Grief dry-eyed and hearts a-chill
With early winter’s hush.
The great tree lieth low,
Its branches all outspread,
While its curled leaves cup the snow
That covers their autumn red.
In majesty it lies,
Its big trunk smooth and clean,
Sturdy and fresh to our eyes
As if it were young and green.
Ay, little children, weep!
It shall stir no more in the breeze.
It has gone to its last long sleep,--
Like these and these and these.
A burst of sudden sun,
Bathing the mountains, bathing the valley,
Bathing the mourners!
Faint strains of faraway music, coming nearer and nearer!
What is ’t I see?
The gravestones have vanished and there riseth a temple,
A temple of the air?
Luminously white and ghostly fragile doth it look
And yet how strong!
Who is it waiteth at the door?
It is he who lieth here!
And he points the way within.
May we enter—we?
With these earth trappings on us and the cold
Freezing our bones?
He beckons.
Ay, you go, you go, dearies,
But I—I am afraid!
Gold, gold, gold
On his white and glowing hair.
And his feet shine like to burnished brass
As he mounts the chancel stair.
Gold, gold, gold
Where the great Throne riseth high
Golden tones from a million strings
As the shining hosts go by.
A million different themes:
One sings of Love, one Faith,
Another of God’s-forgiveness,
Which the sore repentant hath.
One sings the Joy-of-giving,
One of the Wounds-made-whole;
And all of the songs of Heaven Sing
Hope to each human soul!
Hope and Courage and Comfort
From One-Who-Can-Understand,
Who planteth the seeds of mercy
With His own strong, tender Hand.
And the wondrous thing of the singing.
The marvel that can be
Is how these many themes can blend
To one vast harmony.
For all man’s joy or sorrow
His wise or wilful ways
Unite to swell the Chorus
Of his Redeemer’s praise.
Hosanna, hosanna!
Lord God of Sabaoth!
All things in the universe
Are His, the great Creator!
All, from simple, single cell
To realms where the exalted dwell
He made and claims—ant, cherubim!
Each thing on the teeming earth
Tn the spirit had its birth,
And near to Him
It learned the primal truth:
God’s glory came of Growth.
The germ that He has given
Makes man “joint heir of Heaven.”
For “as man is God once was,
As God is man may be
This is the joy of the earth life
The crown of futurity.
And such as he now gone
Bears the glad tidings on.
Hail the all-saving Name
Christ the Supernal
Though dust return to dust
God is eternal!
Kate Thomas.
For President Smith.
“O Grave Where is Thy Victory?”
Cold, Cold, Cold!
Bare limb, browning bush;
Grief dry-eyed and hearts a-chill
With early winter’s hush.
The great tree lieth low,
Its branches all outspread,
While its curled leaves cup the snow
That covers their autumn red.
In majesty it lies,
Its big trunk smooth and clean,
Sturdy and fresh to our eyes
As if it were young and green.
Ay, little children, weep!
It shall stir no more in the breeze.
It has gone to its last long sleep,--
Like these and these and these.
A burst of sudden sun,
Bathing the mountains, bathing the valley,
Bathing the mourners!
Faint strains of faraway music, coming nearer and nearer!
What is ’t I see?
The gravestones have vanished and there riseth a temple,
A temple of the air?
Luminously white and ghostly fragile doth it look
And yet how strong!
Who is it waiteth at the door?
It is he who lieth here!
And he points the way within.
May we enter—we?
With these earth trappings on us and the cold
Freezing our bones?
He beckons.
Ay, you go, you go, dearies,
But I—I am afraid!
Gold, gold, gold
On his white and glowing hair.
And his feet shine like to burnished brass
As he mounts the chancel stair.
Gold, gold, gold
Where the great Throne riseth high
Golden tones from a million strings
As the shining hosts go by.
A million different themes:
One sings of Love, one Faith,
Another of God’s-forgiveness,
Which the sore repentant hath.
One sings the Joy-of-giving,
One of the Wounds-made-whole;
And all of the songs of Heaven Sing
Hope to each human soul!
Hope and Courage and Comfort
From One-Who-Can-Understand,
Who planteth the seeds of mercy
With His own strong, tender Hand.
And the wondrous thing of the singing.
The marvel that can be
Is how these many themes can blend
To one vast harmony.
For all man’s joy or sorrow
His wise or wilful ways
Unite to swell the Chorus
Of his Redeemer’s praise.
Hosanna, hosanna!
Lord God of Sabaoth!
All things in the universe
Are His, the great Creator!
All, from simple, single cell
To realms where the exalted dwell
He made and claims—ant, cherubim!
Each thing on the teeming earth
Tn the spirit had its birth,
And near to Him
It learned the primal truth:
God’s glory came of Growth.
The germ that He has given
Makes man “joint heir of Heaven.”
For “as man is God once was,
As God is man may be
This is the joy of the earth life
The crown of futurity.
And such as he now gone
Bears the glad tidings on.
Hail the all-saving Name
Christ the Supernal
Though dust return to dust
God is eternal!
Kate Thomas.
"President Joseph F. Smith." Young Woman's Journal. January 1919. pg. 47.
President Joseph F. Smith.
How glorious to have made a complete success of life! Not as men count success alone but in the things which count with one’s Creator—in the eliminating from one’s character the weaknesses of the flesh and in firmly establishing one's self in integrity and righteousness. Only One has possessed the absolutely perfect life, but among those who have approached it most nearly President Joseph F. Smith is preeminent.
His life was beautiful! Always strong and vigorous in character, he was an example of the refining, softening influence which the years bring. Each year added nobility and grandeur to his already noble personality.
President Smith had many splendid qualities, but the one thing, which should be remembered most often I y the young people of Zion and the one which he doubtless would have them remember, was his fervent testimony of the Father and the Son and of the truthfulness of the Gospel. No less absolute than that of the Prophet Joseph himself, who saw the Heavenly vision was Joseph F. Smith’s knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Redeemer of the world. Those who have heard him bear witness of these things have thrilled at the conviction of his words and the recollection of them will live in the hearts of his friends forever.
When the final summons came, it found him ready. Wonderful has been the work he has accomplished for his has been a long life of intensive activity and unfaltering devotion. He will be keenly missed bv all his people for he endeared himself to all who knew him.
The Journal has appreciated the warm support he always gave it. When Sister Susa Y. Gates desired to found the magazine he gave his encouragement and has ever since been the friend of the publication. As the General Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. he always showed the greatest courtesy and consideration to Sister Tingey and her Board. Whenever it was necessary to take questions to him regarding the Y. L. M. I. A. work he gave the most kindly attention to them and the most helpful counsel.
Although he has been called home, he lives through the numerous family that honors him in their lives of devotion to the work so dear to his heart. He lives in the hearts of his people because of his integrity, faithfulness, gentleness, strength, love. Blessed will be his memory in the hearts of generations yet to come.
President Joseph F. Smith.
How glorious to have made a complete success of life! Not as men count success alone but in the things which count with one’s Creator—in the eliminating from one’s character the weaknesses of the flesh and in firmly establishing one's self in integrity and righteousness. Only One has possessed the absolutely perfect life, but among those who have approached it most nearly President Joseph F. Smith is preeminent.
His life was beautiful! Always strong and vigorous in character, he was an example of the refining, softening influence which the years bring. Each year added nobility and grandeur to his already noble personality.
President Smith had many splendid qualities, but the one thing, which should be remembered most often I y the young people of Zion and the one which he doubtless would have them remember, was his fervent testimony of the Father and the Son and of the truthfulness of the Gospel. No less absolute than that of the Prophet Joseph himself, who saw the Heavenly vision was Joseph F. Smith’s knowledge that God lives and that Jesus is the Redeemer of the world. Those who have heard him bear witness of these things have thrilled at the conviction of his words and the recollection of them will live in the hearts of his friends forever.
When the final summons came, it found him ready. Wonderful has been the work he has accomplished for his has been a long life of intensive activity and unfaltering devotion. He will be keenly missed bv all his people for he endeared himself to all who knew him.
The Journal has appreciated the warm support he always gave it. When Sister Susa Y. Gates desired to found the magazine he gave his encouragement and has ever since been the friend of the publication. As the General Superintendent of the Y. M. M. I. A. he always showed the greatest courtesy and consideration to Sister Tingey and her Board. Whenever it was necessary to take questions to him regarding the Y. L. M. I. A. work he gave the most kindly attention to them and the most helpful counsel.
Although he has been called home, he lives through the numerous family that honors him in their lives of devotion to the work so dear to his heart. He lives in the hearts of his people because of his integrity, faithfulness, gentleness, strength, love. Blessed will be his memory in the hearts of generations yet to come.
Nibley, Preston. "The Friendship of Charles W. Nibley and President Joseph F. Smith." Relief Society Magazine. June 1932. pg. 350-353.
The Friendship of Charles W. Nibley and President Joseph F. Smith By Preston Nibley ONE of the most interesting and beautiful things in connection with the life of my honored father, Charles W. Nibley, was the admiration, friendship, and love which he manifested throughout his whole life toward President Joseph F. Smith, and which was returned to him in full measure. I do not recall any similar record of such a friendship, unless it be that of David and Jonathan. It was at least the strongest friendship I have ever known to exist between two men, and it certainly resulted in greatly enriching the lives of both. Since the death of my father, the family has come into possession of about one hundred pages of his autobiography, which he dictated at various times over a period of twenty years. In this autobiography, he carefully traces a record of his childhood, his immigration from Scotland to this country, his settlement in Rhode Island, and then the trip across the plains, which occurred in the summer of 1860. There is a little note in the autobiography which contains the first mention of his ever coming in contact with or hearing of Joseph F. Smith. The event took place at Omaha, and is as follows: "I think it was in June, 1860, that we first saw Apostles of the Church—Amasa Lyman, Charles C. Rich, and a young boy, not then an Apostle, Joseph F. Smith (by name, here on their way to fill a mission to Europe." I can picture these two youths taking side-glances at each other, probably out of mere curiosity. My father at that time was a boy of eleven years, barefooted, just beginning his long walk across the plains by the side of his father's covered wagon. President Smith was a mature, strong, young man, twenty-two years of age, going on his way to England to fill his second mission. He had previously filled one at the age of seventeen to the Hawaiian Islands. My father came on to Utah, and after enduring unusual hardships in the settlement of Wellsville, in Cache County, he moved to Brigham City and set himself up there as a merchant. He prospered, more or less, in everything he undertook, and by the time he had reached the age of twenty-five years, he was general freight and passenger agent of the Utah Northern Railroad. In going through his autobiography, there is this second little note of his contact with President Joseph F. Smith: "I continued to work as a general freight and passenger agent of the Utah Northern Railroad from 1873 to 1877, when I was called on a mission to Europe. President Joseph F. Smith had been called by President Young to go and preside over the European mission. President (Smith sent for me and asked me to go with him and (take charge of the business affairs of the Liverpool office. This was the beginning of the friendship with President Smith, which has been invaluable to me in so many ways. His example has always been the best and his friendship has always been to me like the friendship of Jonathan and David. From the very first, we seemed to understand each other. I owe so much to him." My father has often related to me his experiences while on this European mission and how kind and considerate President Smith was in every way toward him. They traveled together throughout the British Isles, preached together, ate together, and at Liverpool, lived in the same house—old Forty-two Islington. As everyone knows, who has been on a mission, there is a natural, strong friendship springs up between an Elder and his companion, but in this case, it was permanent and remained throughout a lifetime. After returning to Utah, there was a long period of years in which these two men were closely associated, particularly during the old anti-polygamy days, when they often had to be absent from the state. Upon many occasions, they were together and took long journeys to the East and to the Northwest. Whenever my father was in any position where he required advice, he always hastened to President Smith, and sought and obtained the advice and counsel from him. In the year of 1901, at the death of President Lorenzo Snow, President Smith succeeded him as President of the Church. By this time my father was a very prosperous and busy man, at the height of his career; yet I remember on many occasions when President Smith and members of his family would be at our house to dinner, or we would be at his home visiting with him. The friendship between the two men continued and grew stronger. In the summer of 1906, President Smith and my father, together with members of their families, made a trip to Europe. On their return home, they stopped and visited me in Chicago, where I was a student, attending the University there. On that occasion, I accompanied the party on a visit to Carthage and Nauvoo, Illinois. I recall that it was President Smith's first visit to Carthage jail, and never shall I forget how he sank down in a chair and wept in the little jail room, where his father had been killed. Also I shall not soon forget the picture of my father standing by him with his arms around him, silently weeping too. These men had their moments of joy and their times of sorrow together. In my fathers' autobiography under date of December, 1907, there is this: "Early in the month of December, 1907, President Smith sent for me to come to the President's office. He said to me: 'Charlie, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints needs a presiding bishop, and you have been chosen for that place.' Of course it was a great surprise to me. I had never dreamed of acting in that office, but I was glad, and even anxious to do anything I could to assist President Smith in his administration of Church affairs, and I told him so. He took me in his arms and kissed me and wept tears of joy as he hugged me and blessed me, as only he can do." During the time my father was presiding bishop, he traveled far and wide with President Smith. They took two trips to Europe together, four trips to the Hawaiian Islands, and many throughout the various states, and to Canada. In the autobiography, father says: "Surely it was a great favor and blessing to me to be thus [privileged to associate with one whom I so dearly loved and who was always so companionable with me." On a certain occasion in Salt Lake City—to be exact, I find it was under date of November 14, 1913 — there was a large reception at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. McCune on North Main Street. During the course of the evening President Smith was called upon to address the group. He was in a happy frame of mind and complimented one and another, and also bore his deep, strong, testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. Suddenly, pointing to my father he said, "This is my bishop and he is the Lord's bishop. He is the presiding bishop of the Church, and he is a good man in his place. I know that the voice of the Lord spoke to me about his choice and calling to that position, just as well as I know that I am speaking to you tonight. It was all just as clear to me as my voice is clear to me now while I am speaking to you." About Christmas time of this same year, my father presented to President Smith four volumes of Cromwell's Letters and Speeches, by Thomas Carlyle. As an inscription in volume one, he wrote: "To President Joseph F. Smith, the best friend I have ever had and the truest." In the third volume, Bishop David A. Smith has recently shown me a little writing of his father's, which neither of us had known prior to be there. It is as follows : "From Honorable Charles W. Nibley, the most generous, truest, and most unselfish friend I ever had, except only my wives, my children, and my Heavenly Father. I thank God for such a friend and invoke His eternal favor and blessings upon him." On many and all occasions, during the lifetime of my father and President Smith, especially during the time they were associated together as officers in the Church, it was always my father's first desire, as he termed it, "to help make President Smith's administration successful." I might say that he gave the principal efforts of his bishopric to that service. After reading the above lines, one can well understand what a shock and a blow it was to my father when in November, 1918, President Smith passed away. Father records in his autobiography as follows: "On November 19, 1918, my dearest and best of friends, my most lovable and precious brother, President Joseph F. Smith, passed from this sphere to his reward in the life beyond. This brought the greatest sorrow into my life, for to me, he was my ideal. If I could only be assured that I would be worthy to associate with him in the Hereafter, I would be happy indeed." On the day of the funeral, standing beside President Smith's open grave, he paid him this loving tribute: "He did not set himself up to be great; for he was so simple, so unostentatious, so gentle, loving, and kind; and yet, -when his spirit was roused at any indignity, at any insult, no man could or would more fiercely or more quickly resent it; but his life was gentle and he was a man such as we seldom see. I say, from my point of view, here lies the body of the greatest man and the best man in all the world." It took my father many years to recover from the loss of this great friend, and indeed, I do not know that he ever recovered. In going through some of my father's papers after his death last December, I came upon this beautiful letter, written to him by President Smith on February 5, 1916. The letter is almost too sacred to print, and yet I want to reproduce it, as I think it is one of the most beautiful letters ever penned. It expresses in the fullest measure the glorious friendship which President Smith felt towards my father, and it also expresses his wonderful and abiding faith in the favors of our Lord: "Feb. 5, 1916 "Bishop Charles W. Nibley "City. "My Beloved Brother and Most Respected Bishop. "I welcome your 67th birthday anniversary with the fullness and richness of its accompanying gifts and blessing from above and all around—with all my heart and soul. How glad I would be if I could simply add just one blessing more — just one joy or holy pleasure to all of those you already possess, by God's kind providence in your behalf. "You are already assured that there is nothing in this world, in my opinion, too good for you, and that the lightest grief or smallest hurt or wrong would be most unwelcome and Unkind and undeserved. "God bless my friend and brother. May each of the many anniversaries to come be better and happier than the last. May every noble desire and ambition of your heart be crowned with success, and every aspiration of your soul be not only pure and good—but readily attained. May the highest wisdom and the clearest foresight always guide you in your individual pursuits, and in your public duties and business. May the record of your Bishopric be spotless and the glory of your Stewardship excel that of all who have gone before. May your name go down the coming ages in most honorable and loving remembrance, and your posterity minister forever in righteousness before the Living God. "May the honor and glory of Divine Priesthood and Authority never depart from your House—nor forsake your posterity. "Oh God bless the Presiding Bishop of Thy Church, and his associates, and secure unto them the heart-felt love and confidence of Thy people, and make them a mighty power in Thine hand for good. With abiding love and confidence, I am Your brother, "Joseph F. Smith." If I were to be asked what secret lay at the bottom of whatever success my father had in life, I think I should answer: "He had a friend." |
President Joseph F. Smith and Charles W. Nibley, taken at the time they were on a mission in England together, in 1877. President Smith was 39 years of age and C. W. Nibley was 28.
|
Smith, David A. "President Joseph F. Smith's Last Message." Improvement Era. November 1936. pg. 692.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH'S LAST MESSAGE
Bishop David A. Smith, son of the late President Joseph F. Smith, wrote the following remarkable statement November 19, 1918, the day of his father's death:
"President Grant came into the Beehive House yesterday afternoon to inquire as to father's condition, and I suggested that he go in and speak to him, but he said he did not want to disturb him. I said, 'You would better wait and see him, as it may be your last chance to speak to him.'
"Father being awake, I told him that Brother Grant was there, and he directed me to tell Brother Grant that he wanted to see him, and when Brother Grant entered the room he took him by the hand and said:
" 'The Lord bless you, my boy, the Lord bless you; you have a great responsibility. Always remember that this is the Lord's work, and not man's. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows whom He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistake. The Lord bless you.'
"This was the last message that President Smith delivered to anyone." (Signed) DAVID A. SMITH.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH'S LAST MESSAGE
Bishop David A. Smith, son of the late President Joseph F. Smith, wrote the following remarkable statement November 19, 1918, the day of his father's death:
"President Grant came into the Beehive House yesterday afternoon to inquire as to father's condition, and I suggested that he go in and speak to him, but he said he did not want to disturb him. I said, 'You would better wait and see him, as it may be your last chance to speak to him.'
"Father being awake, I told him that Brother Grant was there, and he directed me to tell Brother Grant that he wanted to see him, and when Brother Grant entered the room he took him by the hand and said:
" 'The Lord bless you, my boy, the Lord bless you; you have a great responsibility. Always remember that this is the Lord's work, and not man's. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows whom He wants to lead His Church, and never makes any mistake. The Lord bless you.'
"This was the last message that President Smith delivered to anyone." (Signed) DAVID A. SMITH.
Richards, Stephen L. "Joseph F. Smith: A Preacher of Righteousness." Instructor. December 1938. pg. 576-577.
JOSEPH F. SMITH: A PREACHER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS By Elder Stephen L Richards, of the Council of the Twelve A tribute paid at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, October 8, 1938 To sit under the spell of a matchless eloquence not so much of diction as of spirit and fervor and compelling conviction; to be in a presence of dignity, and distinction with a figure tall, erect, muscular, almost athletic, — even in advanced age; to look upon a striking, handsome countenance of patriarchal aspect with eyes dark, deep-set, piercing and discerning, with long, flowing beard, aquiline nose, firmness and perhaps a little sternness of feature, softened withal by an engaging, congenial smile that betoken a tender nature, disarmed fear, and made approach easy and reassuring; to observe a strong red-blooded man of indomitable will and courage submit patiently to indignities heaped upon him, to base libel and ridicule in the public press and then subsequently, by the nobility and consistency of his life, win the respect, the admiration, and even the acclaim of his detainers and enemies; to see this great man in the privacy of his home and among his kinspeople and to witness the tenderness and the warmth of his affection, his solicitude, his fairness, his wisdom and the loving adoration of family and intimate friends which his affection begot:—these are some of my recollections of Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was nearly six years old when his uncle, the Prophet Joseph, and his father were martyred in Carthage Jail. He left Nauvoo with his mother during the terrible experiences of the exodus and drove an ox team to Council Bluffs before he was eight years of age. He was a man in the family at ten when the long journey across the plains brought his widowed mother and her children to Utah in the Company of Heber C. Kimball. He was but fourteen when his dear mother died leaving him alone to face the world. Before he was sixteen his extensive missionary service began with a four years' mission to the Hawaiian Islands, followed with a second mission to Hawaii and three missions to England. While in Utah he was Sergeant at Arms in the Utah Territorial Legislature, a member of the Salt Lake City Municipal Council, a member of the Territorial Legislature and President of the Legislative Council. He was also President of the Constitutional Convention held in Utah in 1882 but was debarred from service by the operation of the Edmunds Law. July, 1866, he was ordained an Apostle by President Brigham Young and became a member of the Council of the Twelve in 1867. In 1880 he was selected to be second counselor to President John Taylor and he later served as counselor to President Wilford Woodruff and President Lorenzo Snow. He became President of the Church in 1901 and served for 17 years. His death occurred during the influenza epidemic of 1918. No public funeral could be held but the entire city went into mourning. Business houses were closed. An imposing procession solemnly wound its way into the cemetery where brief graveside services were held on a wintry day. President Grant and Bishop Nibley were the only speakers. His remains were laid at the base of the marble monument erected by the Church in memory of his martyred father, the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. The nobility of this great man of God, his contributions to the Church and the Cause to which he gave his life, his incomparable proclamation of the truths of the everlasting Gospel, his devotion to friends and the inspiration of his life are all so fresh in the memory as scarcely to warrant elaboration even if time permitted. All who knew him loved him, honored him and revere his memory. I was particularly fortunate in his acquaintance. Over thirty years ago I was made one of his assistants in the General Superintendency of the Sunday Schools and twenty-two years ago he called me to the position which I now hold. If some day I may go where he now is, if I may feel again the friendly, encouraging clasp of his hand and hear perhaps from his kindly voice just a word of approval of the ministry to which he indulgently assigned me, I will be content. May God preserve the inspiration of this good man for generations to come, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. |
STEPHEN L RICHARDS
JOSEPH F. SMITH
|
"Life of Joseph F. Smith." Relief Society Magazine. February 1939. pg. 115-116.
“The Life of Joseph F. Smith”
“THE Life Of Joseph F. Smith", a new book compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, and distributed by the Deseret Book Company, is of interest to Latter-day Saints.
This book is not only a biography of a man great from every point of view but covers a period of Church history when the opinion of the world was in transition from misunderstanding and blind hatred of the Church and its teachings to one of understanding and admiration. It reveals the place of President Joseph F. Smith in helping to bring about this transition through his manifest greatness and goodness of character and his unusual leadership abilities. Much light is thrown on Church doctrine through a recording of many of the words of this remarkably spiritual man. Of particular value is the official statement, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the World recorded in the latter part of the book.
The fore part of the book deals with the ancestry of Joseph F. Smith and furnishes an interesting and comprehensive background for an understanding of his character. In the ''Introduction" the following statement is of interest to mothers:
"The impression made upon his soul through the humble and unwavering fidelity of his mother to the cause of truth, became a sure and safe anchor to his soul through all the trials and vicissitudes of his eventful life. Well could he say: 'Nothing beneath the Celestial Kingdom can surpass my deathless love for the sweet, noble soul who gave me birth—my own, own, mother. She was true! She was pure! She was indeed a Saint; a royal daughter of God! To her I owe my very existence as also my success in life, coupled with the favor and mercy of God.' "
The book, prepared primarily for the benefit of the descendants of president Joseph F. Smith, presents him not only as a great religious leader but as a genuinely good husband and father.
The careful attention to accuracy of detail, characteristic of other writings of the author, also characterize this new book.
"The Life of Joseph F. Smith" is interesting and profitable reading for any one.
“The Life of Joseph F. Smith”
“THE Life Of Joseph F. Smith", a new book compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith, and distributed by the Deseret Book Company, is of interest to Latter-day Saints.
This book is not only a biography of a man great from every point of view but covers a period of Church history when the opinion of the world was in transition from misunderstanding and blind hatred of the Church and its teachings to one of understanding and admiration. It reveals the place of President Joseph F. Smith in helping to bring about this transition through his manifest greatness and goodness of character and his unusual leadership abilities. Much light is thrown on Church doctrine through a recording of many of the words of this remarkably spiritual man. Of particular value is the official statement, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the World recorded in the latter part of the book.
The fore part of the book deals with the ancestry of Joseph F. Smith and furnishes an interesting and comprehensive background for an understanding of his character. In the ''Introduction" the following statement is of interest to mothers:
"The impression made upon his soul through the humble and unwavering fidelity of his mother to the cause of truth, became a sure and safe anchor to his soul through all the trials and vicissitudes of his eventful life. Well could he say: 'Nothing beneath the Celestial Kingdom can surpass my deathless love for the sweet, noble soul who gave me birth—my own, own, mother. She was true! She was pure! She was indeed a Saint; a royal daughter of God! To her I owe my very existence as also my success in life, coupled with the favor and mercy of God.' "
The book, prepared primarily for the benefit of the descendants of president Joseph F. Smith, presents him not only as a great religious leader but as a genuinely good husband and father.
The careful attention to accuracy of detail, characteristic of other writings of the author, also characterize this new book.
"The Life of Joseph F. Smith" is interesting and profitable reading for any one.
"Excerpts from Life of Joseph F. Smith." Relief Society Magazine. January 1941. pg. 54.
EXCERPTS FROM "LIFE OF JOSEPH F. SMITH"
Joseph Fielding Smith
(Selected by Marianne C. Sharp)
"Always thy duty well perform, whatever may threaten in thy way;
Nor ever fear to meet the storm of human hate, or passions sway;
But calmly trust in God above, and bend thy course at His command;
Nor swerve, to gain or lose the love of friend or foe, but with firm hand.
And nobly, to thy duty stand." (Page 279)
"Teach your children to pay tithing, so that it may be perpetually observed. If we observe this law, no matter what our enemies may do, the Lord will preserve us. Because we are His sons and daughters, He loves us, and He has forgiven our forgetfulness of this holy law in the past, but He will not forgive you and me any longer. I say it in the name of the Lord. He will not forgive this people any longer." (Page 308)
"Furthermore, I want to say to you, we may not be able to reach it right away, but we expect to see the day when we will not have to ask you for one dollar of donation for any purpose, except that which you volunteer to give of your own accord, because we will have tithes sufficient in the storehouse of the Lord to pay everything that is needful for the advancement of the Kingdom of God." (Page 429)
"Virtue is a priceless gem in the wife, she has a right to demand the same of her husband. There is no true happiness where virtue and purity do not dwell." (Page 258)
"I would rather take my children to the cemetery, and see them buried in innocence, than I would see them corrupted by the ways of the world. . . . Some people feel that it does not make very much difference whether a girl marries a man in the Church, full of the faith of the Gospel, or an unbeliever. Some of our young people have married outside of the Church; but very few of those who have done it have failed to come to grief. I would like to see Latter-day Saint men marry Latter-day Saint women. . . . There is nothing that I can think of, in a religious way, that would grieve me more intensely than to see one of my boys marry an unbelieving girl, or one of my girls marry an unbelieving man." (Page 404)
"We can make no advancement only upon the principles of eternal truth. In proportion as we become established upon the foundation of these principles which have been revealed from the heavens in the latter days, and determine to accomplish the purposes of the Lord, will we progress, and the Lord will all the more exalt and magnify us before the world and make us to assume our real position and standing in the midst of the earth." (Page 317)
"I would rather die any moment than to do aught that would forfeit the confidence and the love of my friends and my brethren." (Page 315)
"It is error and the lack of knowledge of God's laws and God's will that leaves men in the world on a par with the brute creation; for they have no higher instinct, no higher principle, no higher incentive, no higher aspiration than the brute world if they have not some inspiration that comes from a higher source than man himself." (Page 372)
"When we receive the Gospel, we enter into the truth, and we enter into it through the door that-was opened by the Son of God. We do not give anything for it except obedience. We have nothing to give except obedience, and for that obedience we get everything, even life everlasting, and exaltation in the presence of God, a perfect knowledge that we will be joined together as kinsfolk in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant. ..." (Page 398)
EXCERPTS FROM "LIFE OF JOSEPH F. SMITH"
Joseph Fielding Smith
(Selected by Marianne C. Sharp)
"Always thy duty well perform, whatever may threaten in thy way;
Nor ever fear to meet the storm of human hate, or passions sway;
But calmly trust in God above, and bend thy course at His command;
Nor swerve, to gain or lose the love of friend or foe, but with firm hand.
And nobly, to thy duty stand." (Page 279)
"Teach your children to pay tithing, so that it may be perpetually observed. If we observe this law, no matter what our enemies may do, the Lord will preserve us. Because we are His sons and daughters, He loves us, and He has forgiven our forgetfulness of this holy law in the past, but He will not forgive you and me any longer. I say it in the name of the Lord. He will not forgive this people any longer." (Page 308)
"Furthermore, I want to say to you, we may not be able to reach it right away, but we expect to see the day when we will not have to ask you for one dollar of donation for any purpose, except that which you volunteer to give of your own accord, because we will have tithes sufficient in the storehouse of the Lord to pay everything that is needful for the advancement of the Kingdom of God." (Page 429)
"Virtue is a priceless gem in the wife, she has a right to demand the same of her husband. There is no true happiness where virtue and purity do not dwell." (Page 258)
"I would rather take my children to the cemetery, and see them buried in innocence, than I would see them corrupted by the ways of the world. . . . Some people feel that it does not make very much difference whether a girl marries a man in the Church, full of the faith of the Gospel, or an unbeliever. Some of our young people have married outside of the Church; but very few of those who have done it have failed to come to grief. I would like to see Latter-day Saint men marry Latter-day Saint women. . . . There is nothing that I can think of, in a religious way, that would grieve me more intensely than to see one of my boys marry an unbelieving girl, or one of my girls marry an unbelieving man." (Page 404)
"We can make no advancement only upon the principles of eternal truth. In proportion as we become established upon the foundation of these principles which have been revealed from the heavens in the latter days, and determine to accomplish the purposes of the Lord, will we progress, and the Lord will all the more exalt and magnify us before the world and make us to assume our real position and standing in the midst of the earth." (Page 317)
"I would rather die any moment than to do aught that would forfeit the confidence and the love of my friends and my brethren." (Page 315)
"It is error and the lack of knowledge of God's laws and God's will that leaves men in the world on a par with the brute creation; for they have no higher instinct, no higher principle, no higher incentive, no higher aspiration than the brute world if they have not some inspiration that comes from a higher source than man himself." (Page 372)
"When we receive the Gospel, we enter into the truth, and we enter into it through the door that-was opened by the Son of God. We do not give anything for it except obedience. We have nothing to give except obedience, and for that obedience we get everything, even life everlasting, and exaltation in the presence of God, a perfect knowledge that we will be joined together as kinsfolk in the bonds of the new and everlasting covenant. ..." (Page 398)
Hinckley, Bryant S. "President Joseph F. Smith." Instructor. April 1949. pg. 155-156, 190.
President Joseph F. Smith
BRYANT S. HINCKLEY
"No sounder piece of manhood was put together in this century of time."—Thomas Carlyle[1]
Joseph F. Smith, the son of Hyrum (Patriarch) and Mary Fielding Smith, was born November 13, 183 8, at Far West, Missouri. He saw the light of day during one of the darkest periods in the history of the Church. At the time of his birth, his father languished in jail and his mother was suffering from poverty, persecution, and ill health. When Joseph F. was not yet six years of age his father was martyred in Carthage Jail, Illinois. As a boy of nine, he helped his widowed mother in the long, hard journey across the plains to Utah. He yoked and unyoked his oxen and drove them all the way, taking his turn with the men in day guarding. Four years after their arrival in Salt Lake, his brave and wonderful mother, worn and weary with the hardships which she had endured, died, leaving Joseph an orphan at fourteen. At fifteen he was called on a mission to the Hawaiian Islands, leaving Salt Lake City May 27, 1854, and returning February 14, 1858, then just past nineteen years old. In April, 1860, he left for a mission to Europe and returned September, 1863. In March, 1864, he returned again to the Islands on a brief mission, and on October 8, 1867, in his twenty-ninth year, he was sustained as an apostle. At the age of forty-one he was chosen as second counselor to President John Taylor. April 7, 1889, he was chosen second counselor to President Wilford "Woodruff, and to President Lorenzo Snow on September 13, 1898. He was sustained as president of the Church October 17, 1901, and died November 19, 1918, six days past his eightieth birthday.
Soon after becoming president of the Church he was sustained as the general superintendent of the Sunday Schools and served in that capacity up to the time of his death. While he was unable to devote very much time to the details of the Sunday School work, his leadership and his exalted office gave that organization a new and powerful impetus. The general board of the Sunday Schools and all who were connected with the organization felt the inspiration that comes from contact with a really great leader. It was indeed a rare privilege to be associated with such a man, to catch the contagion of his high-powered soul and feel the influence of his majestic personality.
Speaking of the Sunday School work, he said: "The object of the Sunday School organization, the great paramount object, is to teach our children the truth, teach them to be honorable, pure-minded, virtuous, honest and upright, and enable them by your advice and counsel, and by your guardianship to become the honorable of the earth; the good, the pure among mankind, the virtuous and the upright, and those who shall be worthy to enter the House of God and not be ashamed of themselves in the presence of angels if they should come to visit them."[2]
The years of his administration as president of the Church were marked by prosperity and growth. As early as 1906 the Church was entirely free from debt. The priesthood quorums were more perfectly organized and many splendid buildings were erected during this period.
Following the dedication of the Joseph Smith monument at Sharon, Vermont, December 23, 1905, he was presented with a chain and locket by the Utah party as a token of their affection for him. He was greatly moved by this kindness and in response said, among other things: "My heart is like that of a child. It is easily touched, especially with love. I can much easier weep for joy than for sorrow, I suppose, perhaps, it is due to some extent to the fact that all my early remembrances were sorrowful The persecution of the Prophet and of the people in Missouri and Illinois, the final martyrdom of the Prophet and my father, the expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo, the driving Out of the widows and orphans from their homes, the journey across the plains, the hardships we endured in settling the valley of the Great Salt Lake and trying to make a home there, my experiences on the plains in standing guard, herding cattle, going to the canyons, and then starting out at the age of fifteen on a mission to the Sandwich Islands, so far away, alone, apparently, without father or mother, without kindred or friends. All of this had a tendency in my youth to depress my spirits, but I have had the strength, by the grace of God, to keep myself from deadly sin. And now when I experience the expressions of confidence and love from my brethren and sisters it goes directly to my heart."[3]
He was a great preacher of righteousness and will go down in history as one of the greatest expounders of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. Charles "W. Nibley, his steadfast friend, said of him: "As a preacher of righteousness, no one could compare with him. He was the greatest I ever heard—strong and powerful, clear, appealing. It was marvelous how the words of living light and fire flowed from him."[4]
No other man since the days of the Prophet Joseph bore a more convincing and powerful testimony of the mission of the Redeemer of the "world, of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, of the reality of the restoration of the gospel than did Joseph F. Smith. There was a quality about his preaching that no other man had. His words penetrated your soul. You knew what he said was true; you felt it. His knowledge of the plan of salvation, as revealed in his writings and discourses, place him among the greatest teachers, preachers, and prophets of all time.
He was a great man, the personification of all that is true, admirable, and genuine; a man of great, spiritual understanding and power, who walked close to the Lord. There was a sustaining greatness about him that was altogether uncommon. No analysis of his character could reveal a trace of dissembling, compromising, or deviating from the upright. There was no unsound spot in him. His courage was magnificent; his kindness without limit; his loyalty immaculate. "No heart ever beat truer to every principle of manhood and righteousness, and justice, and mercy than his; that great heart encased in his magnificent frame made him the biggest, bravest, tenderest, purest, and the best of all men who walked the earth in his time."[5] God bless his memory forever.
[1] Essay Sir Walter Scott.
[2] April C. R., 1903, p. 82.
[3] Presidents of the Church, p. 253-254.
[4] Gospel Doctrine, p. 522.
[5] Bishop Charles W. Nibley, page 525 of the Gospel Doctrine, 7th edition.
President Joseph F. Smith
BRYANT S. HINCKLEY
"No sounder piece of manhood was put together in this century of time."—Thomas Carlyle[1]
Joseph F. Smith, the son of Hyrum (Patriarch) and Mary Fielding Smith, was born November 13, 183 8, at Far West, Missouri. He saw the light of day during one of the darkest periods in the history of the Church. At the time of his birth, his father languished in jail and his mother was suffering from poverty, persecution, and ill health. When Joseph F. was not yet six years of age his father was martyred in Carthage Jail, Illinois. As a boy of nine, he helped his widowed mother in the long, hard journey across the plains to Utah. He yoked and unyoked his oxen and drove them all the way, taking his turn with the men in day guarding. Four years after their arrival in Salt Lake, his brave and wonderful mother, worn and weary with the hardships which she had endured, died, leaving Joseph an orphan at fourteen. At fifteen he was called on a mission to the Hawaiian Islands, leaving Salt Lake City May 27, 1854, and returning February 14, 1858, then just past nineteen years old. In April, 1860, he left for a mission to Europe and returned September, 1863. In March, 1864, he returned again to the Islands on a brief mission, and on October 8, 1867, in his twenty-ninth year, he was sustained as an apostle. At the age of forty-one he was chosen as second counselor to President John Taylor. April 7, 1889, he was chosen second counselor to President Wilford "Woodruff, and to President Lorenzo Snow on September 13, 1898. He was sustained as president of the Church October 17, 1901, and died November 19, 1918, six days past his eightieth birthday.
Soon after becoming president of the Church he was sustained as the general superintendent of the Sunday Schools and served in that capacity up to the time of his death. While he was unable to devote very much time to the details of the Sunday School work, his leadership and his exalted office gave that organization a new and powerful impetus. The general board of the Sunday Schools and all who were connected with the organization felt the inspiration that comes from contact with a really great leader. It was indeed a rare privilege to be associated with such a man, to catch the contagion of his high-powered soul and feel the influence of his majestic personality.
Speaking of the Sunday School work, he said: "The object of the Sunday School organization, the great paramount object, is to teach our children the truth, teach them to be honorable, pure-minded, virtuous, honest and upright, and enable them by your advice and counsel, and by your guardianship to become the honorable of the earth; the good, the pure among mankind, the virtuous and the upright, and those who shall be worthy to enter the House of God and not be ashamed of themselves in the presence of angels if they should come to visit them."[2]
The years of his administration as president of the Church were marked by prosperity and growth. As early as 1906 the Church was entirely free from debt. The priesthood quorums were more perfectly organized and many splendid buildings were erected during this period.
Following the dedication of the Joseph Smith monument at Sharon, Vermont, December 23, 1905, he was presented with a chain and locket by the Utah party as a token of their affection for him. He was greatly moved by this kindness and in response said, among other things: "My heart is like that of a child. It is easily touched, especially with love. I can much easier weep for joy than for sorrow, I suppose, perhaps, it is due to some extent to the fact that all my early remembrances were sorrowful The persecution of the Prophet and of the people in Missouri and Illinois, the final martyrdom of the Prophet and my father, the expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo, the driving Out of the widows and orphans from their homes, the journey across the plains, the hardships we endured in settling the valley of the Great Salt Lake and trying to make a home there, my experiences on the plains in standing guard, herding cattle, going to the canyons, and then starting out at the age of fifteen on a mission to the Sandwich Islands, so far away, alone, apparently, without father or mother, without kindred or friends. All of this had a tendency in my youth to depress my spirits, but I have had the strength, by the grace of God, to keep myself from deadly sin. And now when I experience the expressions of confidence and love from my brethren and sisters it goes directly to my heart."[3]
He was a great preacher of righteousness and will go down in history as one of the greatest expounders of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. Charles "W. Nibley, his steadfast friend, said of him: "As a preacher of righteousness, no one could compare with him. He was the greatest I ever heard—strong and powerful, clear, appealing. It was marvelous how the words of living light and fire flowed from him."[4]
No other man since the days of the Prophet Joseph bore a more convincing and powerful testimony of the mission of the Redeemer of the "world, of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, of the reality of the restoration of the gospel than did Joseph F. Smith. There was a quality about his preaching that no other man had. His words penetrated your soul. You knew what he said was true; you felt it. His knowledge of the plan of salvation, as revealed in his writings and discourses, place him among the greatest teachers, preachers, and prophets of all time.
He was a great man, the personification of all that is true, admirable, and genuine; a man of great, spiritual understanding and power, who walked close to the Lord. There was a sustaining greatness about him that was altogether uncommon. No analysis of his character could reveal a trace of dissembling, compromising, or deviating from the upright. There was no unsound spot in him. His courage was magnificent; his kindness without limit; his loyalty immaculate. "No heart ever beat truer to every principle of manhood and righteousness, and justice, and mercy than his; that great heart encased in his magnificent frame made him the biggest, bravest, tenderest, purest, and the best of all men who walked the earth in his time."[5] God bless his memory forever.
[1] Essay Sir Walter Scott.
[2] April C. R., 1903, p. 82.
[3] Presidents of the Church, p. 253-254.
[4] Gospel Doctrine, p. 522.
[5] Bishop Charles W. Nibley, page 525 of the Gospel Doctrine, 7th edition.
"Little Deeds From Big Lives: Finding the Lost Oxen." Instructor. June 1956. pg. 171.
Little Deeds from Big Lives Finding the Lost Oxen IN the fall of 1847, when Joseph F. Smith was but nine years old, he and his widowed mother and her brother camped on the open prairie near a small stream. They left the yokes on the oxen. Next morning Joseph F. and his uncle could not find their best yoke of oxen. They hunted all morning but to no avail. When young Joseph returned to the wagon, he found his mother kneeling in prayer. He heard her ask the Lord to return the lost cattle to the family so that they might continue their journey. Then his uncle came into camp. "Well, Mary, the cattle are gone," he said. "Never mind. Your breakfast has been ready for hours. While you and Joseph are eating, I will just take a walk and see if I can find the cattle." Although her brother protested, Mary Smith started walking toward the stream. There, caught in a clump of willows, growing in the bottom of a deep gulch, perfectly concealed from view were the oxen. They were soon released and all were on their way homeward. |
Anderson, Arthur S. "In Preparation for Greatness." Instructor. May 1960. pg. 150-151.
IN PREPARATION FOR GREATNESS By Arthur S. Anderson JOSEPH F. SMITH During the winter of 1857-58, Joseph F. Smith obtained a job driving a team from San Bernardino, California, to Salt Lake City. He was returning from a mission in Hawaii. One evening while he and his companions were making camp on the Mojave Desert, a company of drunken men rode in, swearing and threatening to kill any "Mormons" that came across their path. Hearing the disturbance, some of the men in the company cautiously hid in the brush. At first Joseph F. Smith had the same inclination. Then he said to himself, "Why should I run from these fellows?” Gathering his courage, the young man of 19 boldly marched up to the campfire and prepared to unload an armful of wood. As he did so, one of the ruffians, with a pistol in hand, demanded in an angry voice, "Are you a Mormon?" Joseph F. Smith quickly weighed the possible consequences of giving a truthful answer and decided he could take no other course. Looking the ruffian in the eye, he boldly answered, "Yes, siree; dyed in the wool, true blue, through and through!" The belligerent man was completely disarmed- In his bewilderment he grasped Joseph F. Smith by the hand and said, "Well, you are the pleasantest man I ever met. Shake, young fellow; I'm glad to see a man who stands up for his convictions!" With this the man, who evidently was leader of the band, rode off and the others followed him. This young missionary continued to "stand up for his convictions" and in October, 1901, became president of the Church.[1] [1] Smith, Joseph Fielding, Life of Joseph F. Smith, 1938; Deseret News Press, Salt Lake City, Utah; pages 187, 189. |
Joseph F. Smith was a son of Patriarch Hyrum and Mary Fielding Smith and was born in Far West, Missouri, Nov. 13, 1838. After his father's martyrdom, Joseph and his mother crossed the plains to Salt Lake Valley in 184-8, He was named to the Council of the Twelve Oct. 8, 1867, and served as second counselor to John Taylor in the First Presidency and served likewise under Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow. On Oct. 17, 1901, he became the sixth President of the Church. He died on Nov. 19, 1918, in Salt Lake City.
|
Burton, Marshall T. "Fear Not Death." Instructor. December 1961. pg. 404.
Fear Not Death Compiled by Marshall T. Burton President Joseph F. Smith ''What a glorious thought it is . . . that those from whom we have to part here, we will meet again and see as they are. We will meet the same identical being that we associated with here in the flesh—not some other soul, some other being, or the same being in some other form, but the same identity and the same form and likeness, the same person we knew and were associated with in our mortal existence, even to the wounds in the flesh. Not that a person will always be marred by scars, wounds, deformities, defects or infirmities, for these will be removed in their course, in their proper time, according to the merciful providence of God. Deformity will be removed, defects will be eliminated, and men and women shall attain to the perfection of their spirits, to the perfection that God designed in the beginning. . . "We will progress and develop and grow in wisdom and understanding, but our identity can never change. We existed from the beginning, have existed always, and will continue forever. We did not pass through the ordeals of embodiment in the lesser animals in order to reach the perfection to which we have attained in manhood and womanhood, in the image and likeness of God. God was and is our Father." |
President Smith
|
Richards, Lynn S. "Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men." Instructor. October 1970. pg. 379.
Inspiration from the Lives of Eight Men by First Asst. General Superintendent Lynn S. Richards Joseph F. Smith Joseph F. Smith, the father of President Joseph Fielding Smith, was sustained as President of the Church October 17, 1901, and became the third general superintendent of the Deseret Sunday School Union. President Joseph F. Smith was a nephew of the Prophet Joseph Smith. His father was Hyrum Smith, who was martyred with the Prophet. President David 0. McKay said of him: Invincible in his determination to choose the right and to defend it; powerful in resisting temptations common to mankind; though naturally quick and fiery in disposition, yet, calm and dignified in the midst of calumny and persecution; mighty in defense of virtue and truth; unexcelled as a preacher of righteousness; unfaltering in his devotion to his family and to his God—these are some of the prominent characteristics of this truly great man. . . . His was the nature which it was good and pleasant to be near. He had such a pleasing way of making everyone feel at ease in his company—the mark, by the way, of the true gentleman. . . . Though the greatest among us, he greeted the humblest as his equal.[1] [1] "Editorial Thoughts," The Juvenile Instructor, December, 1918, pages 634, 635. |
JOSEPH F. SMITH
|