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George Albert Smith (April 4, 1870 - April 4, 1951) was the eighth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Biographer and historian S. George Ellsworth has called Smith an example of "Christlike living." [ citation needed ] Born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Smith was the son of Sarah Farr and John Henry Smith, an apostle in the LDS Church. His grandfather, for whom he was named, was also an LDS Church apostle. Smith attended Brigham Young University and the University of Deseret. In 1896, he joined the Republican Party and campaigned for William McKinley, who became President. He also favored Theodore Roosevelt, McKinley's successor. While surveying for a railroad as a young man, Smith's eyesight was permanently impaired by glare from the sun. After 1903, Smith found his frequent travels debilitating, and began to show prominent symptoms of physical weakness. He was eventually diagnosed with lupus erythematosus, a chronic debilitating autoimmune disease. Smith was known for his patriotism, joining various American patriotic groups and was an ardent supporter of the Boy Scouts. In 1934, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America awarded him the prestigious Silver Buffalo Award. Smith was an avid genealogist and family historian and was named National Vice President of the Sons of the American Revolution in 1922.
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