University of Arizona

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Papers of Lot Smith

Correspondence From Brigham Young

Lot Smith (1830-1892) was a Mormon soldier, colonist, and leader of the mission to settle in the Little Colorado River area in northern Arizona beginning in 1876. 

This collection contains correspondence, legal papers, biographical and family materials; chiefly correspondence to Lot Smith received during his time as president of the Little Colorado Stake; from Brigham Young, Wilford Woodruff, and other officials of the Mormon Church regarding colonization in Arizona at Sunset Crossing on the Little Colorado River. Also included are correspondence and commissions relating to Smith's earlier military service; tithing receipts; minutes of an 1889 Mormon High Council meeting, concerning Smith; certificates of election to Utah Territorial legislative assemblies; and a 1962 address list of Smith's descendants.