David Hyrum Smith was born in Nauvoo on 17 November 1844, some five months after the assassination of his father. The impact of this tragedy made its mark on the young man. Opportunities were few and David’s education was limited, but he early indicated an almost unlimited interest in his environment. He was an avid reader and an artistically talented young man. Passionately fond of music, flowers, and people, his education was primarily self-created from these interests. Known to many as “The Sweet Singer of Israel,” David’s powerful voice was often raised when other means of expression failed him. He wrote several hymns during his short productive life.
This paper was anticipated as an introduction to the poetry, sketches, hymns, and paintings of David H. Smith, annotated by some analysis of the character and thinking of the man as indicated from his letters, first to his wife and then to his son. These works of art, letters, journals, as well as some unpublished partial essays, are owned by David’s grandson, Lynn E. Smith of Independence, Missouri.
