BYU

Harold B. Lee Library

Abraham O. Smoot and Brigham Young University

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Abraham O. Smoot was one of the six original Brigham Young Academy Board of Trustee members, being chosen to serve by Brigham Young.  He was soon after elected by his colleagues to serve as the first president of the Board.  He contributed to the development of a curriculum that was both religious and practical to the academy student, and is acclaimed as the financial savior of the academy in its early years. In 1961, the Abraham O. Smoot Administration Building was dedicated in his honor. The remarkable history of Brigham Young University and the people that shaped it can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of Abraham O. Smoot’s legacy.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

  • Histories of Brigham Young University
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975 (see index for Pardoe, T. Earl)
    • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976 (see index for Pardoe, T. Earl)
  • Secondary Sources related to Abraham O. Smoot
    • BX 8670.1 .Sm7685n 1994 Abraham Owen Smoot: A Testament of his Life A biography of Abraham O. Smoot. It examines his early life, his involvement with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his association with the Brigham Young Academy. Section IV deals specifically with the Brigham Young Academy.
    • BX 8670.1 .Sm791b 1955 Abraham Owen Smoot, pioneer Mormon leader Describes the leadership of Abraham Owen Smoot in the church and in the community. Includes a description of his involvement with Brigham Young Academy and his influence on the academy’s growth. Chapters five, six and seven specifically talk about the involvement of Abraham Owen Smoot with the building of the Academy.

Primary Sources

  • Sample materials dealing with Abraham O. Smoot: A sample of the materials that contain information about Abraham O. Smoot. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
    • MSS 3843 Smoot Family papers, 1836-1947 The Smoot Family papers consists of correspondence, publications, genealogy records, journals, account books, receipts, and related ephemera. The collection covers several generations and family members of the Smoot Family.
    • MSS 574 Papers, 1837-1892 Photocopies of handwritten and printed certificates, letters of appointment, letters, an invitation, and a patriarchal blessing. The materials include a missionary recommendation dated 1851 when Smoot was called on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Britain; a patriarchal blessing from Joseph Smith, Sr., the father of the first president of the Church, Joseph Smith, Jr.; two appointments as an agent for the Perpetual Emigration Fund for the Church; a letter from Brigham Young, second president of the Church; and an invitation to a “Grand Military Ball.”
    • MSS 896 Papers, 1837-1894 Diaries, correspondence, financial records, and biographies dealing with personal, business, Church, and Brigham Young Academy matters. Smoot kept diaries from 1837 to 1838 and from 1844 to 1845 while serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern States. Also included are diaries for 1856 and from 1885 to 1893. Also with the collection are biographies of Smoot’s wives, Margaret Smoot and Diana Eldridge Smoot.
    • MSS 3175 A.O. Smoot letters, 1866-1872 One letter written from the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, from Abraham O. Smoot to Brigham Young. Also, a letter from Margaret T. Smoot, one of Abraham O. Smoot’s wives, to a person whose identity has not been determined.
    • UA 839 Photographs of BYU trustees, 1875-1975 Contains thirty-nine black-and-white photographs of presidents of the Board of Trustees of Brigham Young Academy and University; also views of chairmen of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of BYU.
    • MSS P 57 Photographs of Utah County, Utah, 1912-1917 Collection includes photographs of Utah County, Utah from the early 20th century. Photographs include images of A.O. Smoot, William Howard Taft, and Utah County towns. Access requires 24 hours advance notice.
  • Sample materials related to Abraham O. Smoot:
    • MSS 1432 Papers, 1881-1955 Papers of Ida Smoot Dusenberry, daughter of Abraham O. Smoot. Collection includes biographical materials, correspondence, writings and notes, newspaper clippings and mementos relating mainly to her personal and family history.
    • UA 594 Reminiscences of Brigham Young Academy Contains a tribute to A. O. Smoot (authorship unknown) among other things.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the life of Abraham O. Smoot. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.