Activities

Some of the Activities of President John Henry Smith. Born at Carbunca, near Kanesville, now Council Bluffs, Pottawama County, Iowa, September 18, 1848. Reached Salt Lake City with his father's family October 27, 1849. Baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, September 18, 1856, by his father. Received a patriarchal blessing January 18, 1852, by Patriarch John Smith, which became the guiding star of his subsequent life. Received his schooling at Provo and Salt Lake City, obtaining a moderately good education for the times. Miraculously escaped drowning June 8, 1862, in Provo river, while crossing in a small boat which capsized. Married Sarah Farr, daughter of Lorin Farr, October 20, 1866. Was chosen as counsellor to Bishop W. A. Follett of Provo, 4th ward, in the summer of 1867. With Benson, Farr and West, he aided in the completion of two hundred miles of Central Pacific Railway, prior to the entrance of the road, in 1869. Was assistant clerk of the House of Representatives of the Territorial Legislature, of 1872, acting in that capacity also in the Constitutional Convention. Filled a mission to Europe, leaving Ogden, June 29, 1874, reaching New York, July 4, and Liverpool, July 26. He labored in the Birming- ham Conference most of the time, and subsequently visited most of the conferences in Great Britain. In 1875, with President Joseph F. Smith, visited Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and France. He was called home in July, 1875, to the sick-bed of his father, George Albert Smith, who died September 1, 1875; and from that time was in the employ of the Utah Central Railway for several years. On November 22, 1875, was ordained a High Priest and Bishop by President Brigham Young, and set apart to preside over the 17th ward, Salt Lake City. On February 18, 1876, he was elected a member of the City Council from the 3rd precinct, serving as a councilman six years altogether. In April, 1877, he married Josephine Groesbeck. He was ordained an apostle, October 27, 1880, by President Wilford Woodruff. In October, 1882, he was sent to preside over the European mission, being absent from home two years and five months, and travelled exten- sively in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, visiting also the Isle of