Item Detail
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Smith, Julia Ann Restel Winter
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1854-1946
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MSS 326
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Biography
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Julia Ann Restel Winter Smith, commonly known as 'Aunt Julia Smith,' was born on February 8, 1854 to Thomas William Winter and Julia Restel. Julia's mother died while giving birth to Julia, leaving her motherless. On May 2, 1870 at the age of sixteen, Julia married Samuel Harrison Bailey Smith, a nephew of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was already married to Mary Catherine Smith. For six years, Julia longed to be a mother. She eventually gave birth to twelve children, but only six grew to maturity: Albert Winter Smith, J. Winter Smith, David Winter, Susannah Blanch Smith, Grace Levira Smith, and Ruby Kate Smith. In the 1880s, Julia endured persecution for her involvement in a plural marriage when her husband was sent to the state penitentiary for six months for practicing polygamy. On June 15, 1905 Julia was set apart as a temple worker and served in this position for over thirty-six years. Julia was widowed by her husband's death on June 12, 1914, but she remained active until her own death. Even at the age of 91, Julia attended church meetings and parties, visited friends, enjoyed good entertainment, and performed housework. Julia finally died on November 29, 1946, less than three months before her ninety-third birthday.
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This collection contains three similar biographies of Julia Ann Restel Winter Smith (Box 6, Folder 1). Found in the bound book entitled 'Family Biographies' by Ruby Kate Smith, a daughter of Julia Winter Smith, is a four-page typewritten 'Biographical Sketch of Julia Winter Smith, Written for the North Eighteenth Ward Relief Society, February 1945.' Also included is a pamphlet entitled 'A Tribute to Aunt Julia Smith on her Eightieth Birthday, February 8, 1934,' which describes Julia as follows: 'Her whole life has been characterized by a great faith in God and a wholehearted devotion to duty. She has suffered many severe trials during her long useful life, but not once has she ever faltered in her faith and courage to carry on.' The third recollection of Julia's life is entitled 'My Mother, Julia Ann Restel Winter Smith: A Short Biographical Sketch Written for the Family Books of Remembrance, 1956.'