Item Detail
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Smith, Catherine Van Velsor
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1836-1925
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MSS 8
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Biography
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Catherine Van Velsor Smith was born December 18, 1836 to Steven Van Velsor and Fanny Croak in Nauvoo, Illinois. Stephen died in 1845, and Fanny was left with Catherine and her sister. The family was later driven from Nauvoo by mobs, and Fanny was advised to travel west with pioneer companies. Before she was able, however, she became ill and died. The two sisters were separated, as each went to live with a separate family. Catherine went to live with the Abigal Smith family, and they soon thereafter began the trek west. The sisters were reunited in Salt Lake City, though they remained with their separate families. Catherine married Jesse William Smith on April 1, 1855, and they lived thereafter in Farmington, Utah. Together, they had fourteen children. Catherine died October 12, 1925 in Farmington.
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This is a three-page typescript biography written by Ruvanee Hess Brown, and located in the Margaret Steed Hess collection. It covers the main events of Catherine's life, but there is not much personal detail. Ruvanee describes the pioneer trek west and writes that despite the hardships, there was much dancing and singing. At night, the wagons would be situated in a circle as protection for the animals and from Indians. Ruvanee describes the happiness of when the two sisters were reunited upon reaching Salt Lake, writing that it was 'like a fairy dream.' Ruvanee also provides a physical description of Catherine as a young woman: 'Catherine was a tall slender girl with black hair, dark eyes, and very smooth olive skin. She had a pleasing smile, and was kind to everyone.' She and Jesse's first house is described as a two room adobe that was plain, though always clean. Catherine would pick fruits and vegetables, and she was a wonderful and generous cook. Faithful in the Church until her death, she was also a wonderful mother. Following the biography is a photocopied list of Catherine's children and their birth and death dates.