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Smith, Joseph West, 1859-1944

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1859 - 1944

Biographical History

Joseph West Smith (1859-1944) was a pioneer who helped to settle the Snowflake, Arizona area.

Joseph West Smith was born on September 6, 1859, in Minersville, Utah, to parents Jesse Nathaniel and Margaret Fletcher West Smith. He married Sarah Ellen (Nellie) Marsden (1860-1924) on November 5, 1879, in St. George, Utah, and together they had twelve children. He also married Della Fish (1864-1934) on October 29, 1886, in St. George, Utah, and together they had eight children.

Smith and his new wife Sarah left for the Territory of Arizona soon after getting married. There, he helped settle Snowflake and the surrounding area as one of the founding pioneers to that area. He served the community, state, and federal government in areas of the Irrigation Congress, the Arizona Counsel of Defence, the Kansas City International Congress, and delegations to Washington and New York City.

Smith worked as a home builder, farmer, teacher, mail man, banker, mayor, insurance salesman, dairy man, and cash store (grocery, etc) owner. He was highly involved in church work also, and served as missionary, Superintendant of YMMIA, patriarch, and temple worker.

Smith died on December 22, 1944, in Snowflake, Arizona.

Citation:
Journal of Joseph West Smith, 1969?: t.p. (b. 1859, d. 1944)

UPB files, January 21, 2015 (Joseph West Smith; b. Sept. 6, 1859, in Minersville, Utah, to parents Jesse Nathaniel and Margaret Fletcher West Smith; m. Sarah Ellen (Nellie) Marsden (1860-1924) on Nov. 5, 1879, in St. George, Utah, twelve children; also m. Della Fish (1864-1934) on Oct. 29, 1886, in St. George, Utah, eight children; left for the Territory of Arizona soon after getting married; helped settle Snowflake and the surrounding area as one of the founding pioneers to that area; served the community, state, and federal government in areas of the Irrigation Congress, the Arizona Counsel of Defence, the Kansas City International Congress, and delegations to Washington and New York City; worked as a home builder, farmer, teacher, mail man, banker, mayor, insurance salesman, dairy man, and cash store (grocery, etc) owner; church work served as missionary, Superintendant of YMMIA, patriarch, and temple worker; d. Dec. 22, 1944, in Snowflake, Ariz.)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Joseph West Smith letters received

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230324615]
Identifier: MSS SC 2498
Scope and Contents

Typewritten and signed letters dated 20 June and 17 Aug. 1923. The items are addressed to Joseph W. Smith and are signed by the Mormon Church leaders, Melvin J. Ballard and John A. Widtsoe. The letters deal primarily with business matters.

Dates: Other: 1923 August 17; 1923 June 20
Found in: L. Tom Perry Special Collections / Joseph West Smith letters received

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