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Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith Relief Society message

 File — Folder: 1
Identifier: MSS 7408

Scope and Contents note

The Relief Society message given by Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith on April 30, 1903 is a mission statement. In it, she describes the two organizations founded for women in the Latter-day Saint church. She names these organizations as the Young Ladies (later Young Women) and the Relief Society. She then goes on to describe the functions of Relief Society, and to address the issue of motherhood, reminding the sisters of the church to teach their children and to remember the Sabbath day. The document is signed by Smith, Annie T. Hyde, and Ida Smoot Dusenberry.

Dates

  • 1903 April 30

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use note

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith Relief Society message must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith (1822-1910) a Mormon pioneer, and a civic and ecclesiastical leader. She served as president of the Relief Society from 1901 to 1910.

Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith was born in Shinnston, Virginia (now West Virginia) to Mark Bigler and Susanna Ogden. After her brother, Jacob G. Bigler, traveled to Far West, Missouri and bought his family a farm after converting to the Latter-day Saint faith, Bathsheba's family moved to Far West, subsequently joining the Latter-day Saint Church as well. In 1841, Bathsheba married George A. Smith, a cousin of the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. and the youngest member of the quorum of the twelve apostles. After Joseph Smith's murder, Bathsheba and her husband pioneered their way to Salt Lake City, Utah where George A. Smith eventually served as first counselor to Brigham Young in the First Presidency. Following her husband's death in 1875, Bathsheba became a supporter of woman's suffrage and heavily influenced its security in Utah. Along with being involved with other civic affairs, Bathsheba sat on the Deseret Hospital Board of Directors and served as the matron of the Salt Lake Temple. She also served as the fourth general Relief Society president. She was called in 1901 and served until her death in 1910.

Extent

1 folder (0.1 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The document in this collection, written by Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith, is a Relief Society message discussing the Latter-day Saint organizations for women and the role of women in their homes.

Custodial History note

Item was found in the special collections in 2002. Since it was not accessioned, the document was transferred to David Whittaker by P. Bradford Westwood for processing.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

Transferred; P. Bradford Westwood; 2002.

Appraisal note

19th Century Western & Mormon Americana; 1903 Relief Society message.

Related Archival Materials note

See also the Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith papers (MSS 5869) and the Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith diary, 1847 and 1873 (Ms 36; J. Willard Marriott Library; University of Utah).

Processing Information note

Processed; Lissa Chandler; 2009.

Title
Register of Bathsheba W. Bigler Smith Relief Society message
Status
Completed
Author
Lissa Chandler
Date
2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States