Item Detail
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Smith Catherine Van Velsor
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1836-1925
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MSS SC 8
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Biography
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Catherine Van Velsor Smith was born 18 December 1836 to Steven Van Velsor and Fanny Croak in Nauvoo, Illinois. Steven died in 1845 and Fanny was left with Catherine and her sister. The family was later driven from Nauvoo by mobs and the widowed mother was advised to travel west with a pioneer wagon company. However, before Fanny was able to make this trek across the plains she became ill and passed away. The two sisters were separated as each went to live with a different family. Catherine went to live with Abigail Smith and family and soon thereafter they began the journey west. The sisters were reunited in Salt Lake City though they remained with their separate families. Catherine married Jesse William Smith on 1 April 1855, and they made their home in Farmington, Utah. Together they had fourteen children. Catherine passed away after a full life of 12 October 1925 in Farmington.
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This is a three-page typescript biography written by Ruwanie Hess Brown, a granddaughter, and located in the Margaret Steed Hess collection. It covers the main events of Catherines life, but there is not much personal detail. Ruwanie 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 The author describes the happiness of when the two sisters were reunited upon reaching Sal Lake, writing that it was like a fairy dream. The history 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 Jesses first house is described as a two room adobe that was plain, though always clean. They also had a beautiful garden with vegetables and fruit trees. Catherine was an excellent cook and always generous and helping others. Faithful in the Church until her death she was also a wonderful mother. Following the biography is a photocopied list of Catherines children and birth and death dates.
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1836-1925