John Henry Smith
1848–1911 (63 years)
Hometown: Carbunca, Iowa
Biography
John Henry Smith was an apostle from 1880 until his death in 1911 and served in the First Presidency. The son of apostle George A. Smith, he continued a family tradition of church leadership.
Smith practiced polygamy with two wives. He was involved in church business interests and served in various administrative capacities. He became counselor in the First Presidency near the end of his life.
His 31 years as an apostle spanned significant periods including the transition away from polygamy.
Served Under
Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:
Wives (2)
John Henry Smith was a polygamist with 2 marriages. 1 of these wives were teenagers at the time of marriage.
Marriage Age Comparison
2 wives · Ages at marriage
Her age
His age
Teenage bride (<18)
| # | Name | Marriage Date | Her Age | His Age | Age Diff | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarah Farr ⚠ | Oct 20, 1866 | 15 | 18 | 3 | 11 |
| 2 | Josephine Groesbeck | Sep 10, 1877 | 18 | 28 | 10 | 6 |
Children (17)
With Sarah Farr (11 children)
- John Henry Smith Jr. (b. Jan 1, 1868)
- George Albert Smith (b. Apr 4, 1870)
- Lorin Farr Smith (b. Jan 1, 1872)
- Don Carlos Smith (b. Jan 1, 1874)
- Ezra Chase Smith (b. Jan 1, 1876)
- Charles Warren Smith (b. Jan 1, 1879)
- Winslow Farr Smith (b. Jan 1, 1881)
- Nathaniel Libby Smith (b. Jan 1, 1883)
- Nancy Clarabell Smith (b. Jan 1, 1886)
- Tirzah Priscille Smith (b. Jan 1, 1888)
- Elsie Louise Smith (b. Jan 1, 1891)
With Josephine Groesbeck (6 children)
- Sarah Ann Smith (b. Jan 1, 1878)
- Nicholas Groesbeck Smith (b. Jun 20, 1881)
- Joseph Harmon Smith (b. Jan 1, 1884)
- Lucy Smith (b. Jan 1, 1887)
- Elizabeth Smith (b. Jan 1, 1890)
- Glen Groesbeck Smith (b. Jan 1, 1893)
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