LAST OF THE OLD SCHOOL OF VETERAN LEADERS.
Surrounded by members of his family, President Joseph F. Smith peacefully closed his active life upon earth, on Tuesday morning, at 4:50 o'clock, November 19, 1918, at his home, the Beehive House, Salt lake City, Utah. His noble work on earth is ended. He served the people of the Church in almost every useful private and public capacity all his life. He mounted, round by round, on the ladder of experience, as herd boy, pioneer, teacher, missionary, legislator, counselor; and for the past seventeen wonderful years was leader and mouthpiece of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Smith's administration began October 17, 1901, when he was chosen by the Twelve and set apart as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the choice being ratified by a special conference and solemn assembly of the priesthood, on Sunday, November 10, 1901. Hence, for a few days more than seventeen years, he stood at the head of God's "marvelous work and a wonder," upon the earth. His leadership was characterized by a steady growth of the people in both spiritual and temporal affairs. Much of their progress was stimulated by his forethought and consideration, by his inspiration from the Lord freely granted to the people, and by 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 conservative, staunch, firm, and yet progressive—a leader beloved and respected by all. Every Church worker among his nearest associates, as well as in the stakes of Zion, and in the far flung missions of the world, fairly loved and admired him, and so did the members of the Church.
As editor of the Improvement Era and the Juvenile Instructor, and general superintendent of the Sunday Schools and Young Men's Mutual Improvement Associations, 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.
He showed great tenderness and love for his large and honorable family. In his last address to his children, November 10, 1918, his heart's dearest sentiments were expressed to them in these words: "When I look around me, and see my boys and my girls whom the Lord has given to me,—and I have succeeded, with His help, to make them tolerably comfortable, and at least respectable in the world—I have reached the treasure of my life, the whole substance that makes life worth living."
He was ever anxious for the welfare of the young people, as well as the old, 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, sympathetic consideration to workers or members of the Church who called upon him. His courtesy to all was proverbial.
The passing of President Joseph F. Smith 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. The patience with which he bore the arduous labors of his life, fully, bravely, and cheerfully, will be a lasting inspiration to all who knew him. The story of his achievements for the Church, in spiritual and temporal affairs, during his long administration, would make a volume of thrilling interest. His mortal lips are sealed in death, but his spirit lives forever. Beloved by all, the noble workman has gone to his rest, having done his full duty for the advancement of the "marvelous work and a wonder," established of the Lord, which must ever continue upon its triumphant march.—Edward H. Anderson, May, 1919.