George Albert Smith, President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Wikipedia Biographical Summary:

"...George Albert Smith, Sr. (April 4, 1870 – April 4, 1951) was the eighth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)...."

"..Born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Smith was one of nineteen children of Mormon apostle John Henry Smith and one of his plural wives, Sarah Farr. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was also an LDS Church apostle as well as a cousin of Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr..."

"...Smith was known for his patriotism, joining various American patriotic groups and was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts. In 1934, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America awarded him the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award. Smith was an avid genealogist and family historian and was named National Vice President of the Sons of the American Revolution in 1922..."

"...In 1892, Smith married Lucy Emily Woodruff, the daughter of Wilford Woodruff, Jr., in the Manti Temple. The couple later had three children..."

"...Smith was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1903. From 1920 until 1923 Smith served as president of the British and European Missions of the church..."

"...Smith became president of the church on May 21, 1945 with the death of Heber J. Grant. When World War II ended, Smith helped send supplies to Europe and was also known for his efforts to revitalize missionary work. He publicly denounced the activities and political influence of the American Ku Klux Klan. Smith dedicated the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on September 23, 1945. Over his lifetime, he traveled approximately a million miles fulfilling church assignments..."

"...Smith died in Salt Lake City from systemic lupus erythematosus..."

SOURCE: Wikipedia contributors, 'George Albert Smith', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 30 April 2011, 23:21 UTC, <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=George_Albert_Smith&oldid...> [accessed 4 May 2011]