Abraham Owen

Background

Smoot was born in Owenton, Kentucky on February 17, 1815 to George W. Smoot and Ann Rowlett Smoot. His mother converted to Mormonism in 1833, and he did the same in March 1835.

Career

His family moved twice in his childhood, first to southwestern Kentucky and then to banks of the Blood River in Tennessee. In February 1836, he was ordained an Elder and began preaching in Kentucky and Tennessee with Wilford Woodruff, David West. Patten, and others Smoot moved to western Missouri in 1837.

From there he embarked on a five-month proselytizing mission to southern Missouri and Arkansas in 1838.

In August 1841, he left to preach in South Carolina, returning in July 1842. He led a branch of the church in Keokuk, Iowa.

In 1844, he served another mission in Alabama. Smoot officiated in the Nauvoo Temple during the winter of 1845-1846.

He began practicing polygamy in January 1846 by marrying Sarah Gibbens and Emily Hill.

Salt Lake City

Smoot led companies of pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, 1852, and 1856. He was an alderman from the Sugar House district from 1854 to 1857. He served as mayor until 1866.

He also served twice as a bishop in Salt Lake City.

Provo and Brigham Young Academy

Early in 1868 Brigham Young called Smoot to be president of the Utah Stake in Provo, Utah. Young was concerned with Church members" unity and cooperation, and he expected Smoot to improve the situation.

According to family tradition, Smoot initially protested the call. After more than three decades of church and civic service, including nine missions, Smoot was apparently looking forward to enjoying the comforts that his hard work and successful business ventures had brought him.

At the time Young delivered the assignment, he reportedly told Smoot, "There are three places, all on a par, one is as good as the other.

They are Provo, Hell, or Texas. Within a week, Smoot was elected mayor, an office he held until 1881. Smoot was the first head of the board of trustees of Brigham Young Academy.

Smoot is also credited with making major financial contributions to the Brigham Young Academy that allowed it to continue functioning.

Today, the administration building at Brigham Young University is named after Smoot.

Achievements

• He was a major investor in the Provo Woolen Mills, and was co-founder of a bank and a lumber company.

Connections

Partner:

M. Grant