"I enjoyed the privilege of seeing the Temple finished, and of receiving therein the blessing of holy ordinances. Willard, my first-born son, also had his endowments in that Temple, and came out among the first who left there; was one of the Mormon Battalion, who were called to go to Mexico while we were en route to find a resting place for the Saints. Willard is now, and has been for several years past, President of Morgan Stake."
During the time they lived in Nauvoo, President Joseph organized a Relief Society. Sister Smith became a member of its first organization and greatly rejoiced in the benevolent work; much good was accomplished by it.
In July, 1847, they started from Nauvoo intending to go with the Saints to the Rocky Mountains, but for the want of sufficient means for so long a journey they were compelled to stop in Iowa. They remained until the year 1850, when they took up their line of march for Salt Lake City, arriving on the 18th of September, safe and well. Shortly after arriving in this city, her husband, who had been for some time dilatory in his duties, apostatized from the faith, and they separated. She took the children with her and provided for herself.
On the 24th of January, 1854, a number of ladies met together to consider the importance of organizing a society for the purpose of making clothes for the Indians and other charitable work, which was properly organized Feb. 9th. Sister Smith was one of the officers of the society, which resulted in much temporal good being accomplished.
In consequence of the many hardships she endured through the persecutions in Missouri which were heaped upon her and her family by a relentless mob, her health was undermined, and as years increased, infirmities settled upon her which rendered her unable to retain the position she had held in the Relief Society. She was honorably released and will ever be remembered by the Bishop and his counselors and the members of the Ward for her benevolence and self-denial in ministering to the unfortunate.
Sister Smith has much to rejoice over even in her present affliction, for she has raised her family in the principles of the gospel of Christ and the fear of God, and they remain true and steadfast to the faith of the latter-day work. A good woman, who has reared to manhood and womanhood a large family almost without a father's help, is certainly worthy of commendation and must have great satisfaction in her life and labor. She has been for more than fifty years a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
There are very few now living who have a record of more than half a century in the Church. Sister Smith has endeared herself to a very large number of the Latter-day Saints, who are ever ready to do her honor for her faith, integrity and the many estimable qualities which have beautified and adorned her life.
Her testimony of the massacre at Haun's mill, in Missouri, is that of an eye witness and participator. Indeed she might with all propriety be termed the heroine of that fearful tragedy, for her sublimity of courage surpassed that of ordinary mortals. God was with her in His power in her hour of severe trouble and she was indeed a host in herself. In conclusion we would say may heaven's choicest blessings rest upon her the remainder of her days here upon the earth, and her heart be filled with joy and peace continually and may she continue to bear a faithful testimony to the truth, and live until she has accomplished all she has ever anticipated for the living and the dead. E. B. W.