Byron Thomas Smith
He was born on August 29, 1897 in Collinston, Utah to Manfred Smith and Mary Ann Owen. He had ten brothers and sisters. His grandparents, Thomas Smith and Emily Ellen Peacock were converted to the LDS Church in England and immigrated to Utah in 1861. His mother's parents, Henry William Owen and Mary Edwards were born in South Wales and came to Utah for the gospel in about 1866. Histories and journals of these noble people show their tremendous faith and courage in colonizing this land and giving us all a choice heritage.
This is where my father spent all his growing up years helping his father on the farm. He attended school and all the church meetings and activities including Primary and Religion Class. He graduated from Smithfield High School in 1915 and attended the Agricultural College in Logan the next year. He was baptized at the age of eight and ordained a deacon at 12 years of age. He was taught righteous principles in his home and throughout his life he was honest in all his dealings.
When the United States had trouble with Mexico in 1916 he wanted to serve his country so joined the US Army. It was very hot and dry and many nights he spent sleeping in the thistles and thorns. They met with Villa and his army did considerable fighting. On Christmas Eve he was operated on for 
appendicitis in the Base Hospital. In 1917 the problem was settled and he was able to be released from Fort Douglas. In August 1917 he was again called into the service for World War I. The men were trained and equipped for active service at Camp Kearney, California. In August 1918 he crossed the English Channel to LaHarve, France where his 145th Artillery practiced on a large range. Just as they were moving to the front they were quarantined for a bad flu epidemic. Shortly after this the Armistice was signed, Dec. 1918. He was so happy to be sailing for home.
appendicitis in the Base Hospital. In 1917 the problem was settled and he was able to be released from Fort Douglas. In August 1917 he was again called into the service for World War I. The men were trained and equipped for active service at Camp Kearney, California. In August 1918 he crossed the English Channel to LaHarve, France where his 145th Artillery practiced on a large range. Just as they were moving to the front they were quarantined for a bad flu epidemic. Shortly after this the Armistice was signed, Dec. 1918. He was so happy to be sailing for home.
He met Herma Clark in September 1920 in Logan and after a two-year courtship they were married in the Salt Lake Temple Oct 4, 1922. Just previous to this he was ordained an Elder in Richmond, Utah and received a Patriarchal Blessing. [Father and Mother] moved to several places including Murray, Smithfield, Wapello, Idaho, Butte, Montana, Farmington, Utah, and Salt Lake City. [Father] had six children in all, three boys and three girls: Bernice Herma, Calvin Byron, Thomas Manfred and Glen Hyrum, Elaine Marlene, Evelyn Ludean. Father was always proud of his family and was happy in their achievements both spiritually and scholastically. He always prayed for the Lord to bless each one in his family.
He lived the rest of his life in Salt Lake City. After studying and training to be an electrician, he became a fine electrical contractor. He enjoyed his work very much and so was willing to teach many others the trade including his sons, sons-in law and friends to be electricians. He realized how important it was to be trained in something specific and wanted others to benefit from his experience.
Father and mother were able to purchase a new five-room home in June, they lived there until their death and enjoyed it so much. They took great pride in their yard, flowers and father's large garden. He grew lovely raspberries, strawberries, fruits and all the vegetables and without nary a weed. They were kind and helpful to everyone. He and mother enjoyed doing temple work for many years
When my father was about 65 years old he developed a heart condition and was retired. He and mother took several enjoyable trips in their trailer. Three years later in 1966 he had two strokes which affected his right side and for the next eight years he was limited requiring lots of help from mother. He developed such a kind, encouraging way everyone enjoyed being around him. He'd say, "That's alright" or "No Doubt" in agreement and appreciated all done for him. One year before he passed away he and mother celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. He passed away June 24, 1973 of pancreas failure and strokes and was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
