Jerusha Barden Smith, first wife of Patriarch Hyrum Smith was born on February 15, 1805. She passed into almost total anonymity when she died in Kirtland, Ohio on Oct. 13 1837, following the birth of her sixth child, Sarah. Many of the grandchildren of Jerusha have expressed an intense desire to put in place a fitting memorial for.
The famous sculptor, Dee Jay Bawden has been commissioned by her grandchildren to sculpt a likeness of this devoted and valiant woman who was the first love of Hyrum Smith to be placed alongside his bust that is already in Kirtland. Though small donations of any amount will be helpful in this effort, a smaller version of Jerusha can be purchased, as well as a companion likeness of Hyrum for $100 each. A purchase of one of the small busts will be counted toward the donation to the fund for the large bust memorial. Mail your contribution or request for a small likeness to: Eldred G. Smith, Hyrum Smith Family Association at 2942 Devonshire Circle, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108.