Reed Smoot papers

Collection

Identifier: MS 0449

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Reed Smoot papers (1909-1986) consist mainly of copies of Smoot's diaries from microfilm. These diaries range from 1909-1928 and contain Smoot's thoughts and opinions on his faith, national politics, and religious and political leaders. The microfilm is from the University of Utah Press which was working with editor Merlo Pussey to publish Smoot's diaries. Complications resulted and the diaries remained unpublished while the originals were moved to Brigham Young University. The University of Utah Press then turned over the microfilm to the Marriott Library. In addition to the photocopies of the diaries, there is a biography on Reed Smoot by Milton Merrill and a thesis by Melvin Thayne. Lastly are some letters and articles that concern Reed Smoot and his faith and politics.

Dates

1909-1986

Creator

Smoot, Reed, 1862-1941 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Sketch

Reed Smoot (1862-1941) was one of Utah's longest serving senators, filling five terms over thirty years from 1903 to 1933. Smoot was born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory and later moved with his family to Provo. He attended several schools including the University of Deseret (now University of Utah) and finally graduated from Brigham Young Academy (now Brigham Young University). He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and was called as an apostle in 1900. To the surprise of many, the Utah State Legislature elected Smoot as a United States Senator (Republican party) in 1902. While preparing to take his seat in 1903, several people raised objections to Smoot serving as an apostle and senator at the same time. A bitter four-year battle began with members of the LDS Church being asked to testify before Congressional committees and anti-LDS articles being circulated nationwide. President Theodore Roosevelt, a friend of the LDS Church, tried to influence Congress in allowing Smoot to take his seat. After the Senate was satisfied that Smoot was not a polygamist and that the LDS Church had actually ended the practice, Smoot was allowed to sit in the Senate in 1907. He was reelected in 1908, 1914, 1920, and 1926. In 1930, Smoot helped sponsor the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act which many believe helped push the United States deeper into the Great Depression. In the very next election in 1932, Smoot was unsuccessful and returned to Salt Lake City, continuing on as an apostle in the LDS Church. He died in 1941 while visiting Florida.

Extent

8.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Reed Smoot papers (1909-1986) consist of copies of Smoot's journal as well as articles concerning his life and politics. Reed Smoot (1862-1941) was an Apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a United States Senator from Utah. He filled both positions simulatneously. Boxes 1-8 cannot be photocopied.

Separated Materials

Microfilm reels of the diaries have been removed to the Manuscripts microfilm case. Reels 1-3 contain books 4-38 negatives and use copies (1909-1928).