Background
Smith was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, the eldest son of church apostle and future church president Joseph F. Smith and Edna Lambson.
Smith was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, the eldest son of church apostle and future church president Joseph F. Smith and Edna Lambson.
Smith attended Latter-day Saint College, from which he graduated in 1894.
From October 1896 until February 1898, Smith presided over the Newcastle Conference. After returning from his mission, Smith worked at Zions Cooperative Mercantile Institution while also serving as a part-time missionary in Salt Lake City. Smith was ordained an apostle of the church on October 24, 1901, at the age of 29, by his father, who was president of the church.
Smith was the first apostle of the church ordained in the 20th century.
In 1913, Smith was called as the president of the European Mission of the church. He served in this capacity until 1916, when the activities of the mission were suspended due to World War I.
Smith wrote a commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants with Janne M. Sjödahl.
Smith died in Salt Lake City from a ruptured appendix at the age of 45. He was buried at Salt Lake City Cemetery.