Life of Joseph Fielding Smith

From the day of his birth until the day of his passing, there was scarcely a day that was not filled with intense and interesting activity. He commenced life in the midst of tribulation and dark persecution and, through the greater part of his life, he was called upon to face the spirit of hate and wickedness - to a degree almost beyond human endurance. He was deprived of his father's love and protection when but six years of age through the wicked and murderous hate of a fiendish mob, among which were professed ministers of religion.

Fortunately he was left in the care of a loving, capable, highly religious mother, whose soul was filled with a faith and fortitude which carried on in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties. She taught strict obedience to the laws of God. Because of her faith, and integrity to the truth, he learned not only to rely on her counsels in his tender years, but the impressions she left upon his soul continued with him through all his years.