GEORGE A. SMITH

George A. Smith was born june 26, 1817, in Potsdam, New York. He was reared a member of the Congregational Church, but in August, 1830, a Book of Mormon was left at his father's home by Joseph Smith Sr., and Don Carlos Smith. George studied the book, raised certain objections, but received satisfying answers from his uncle and and Don Carlos. Later he attended his congregational meetings, but failed to receive the edification which he thought necessary. Rev. Frederick E. Cannon, finally "sealed him up unto eternal damnation."

George A. Smith spent the fall and winter of 1832-1833 on his father's farm and on the side studied the restored Gospel. He finally accepted and requested baptism, which was performed by Joseph H. Wakefield, Sept. 10, 1832.

In May, 1833, he journeyed to Kirtland with his parents. In 1834, he became a member of Zion's Camp.

George A. Smith was ordained an apostle April 26, 1839, at Far West, Missouri, by Heber C. Kimball. He was set apart as first counselor to Brigham Young in 1868, and on Sept. 1, 1875, he died at Salt Lake City.