James Smithies

James Smithies was one of the early Mormon Tabernacle Choir directors, serving from 1856 to 1962.

Smithies was born on October 29, 1807, in Downham, Lancashire, England. He immigrated to Nauvoo, Illinois and joined the Nauvoo Band. He performed musical selections at the Nauvoo Temple. He arrived in Salt Lake City with the Abraham O. Smoot/George B. Wallace wagon company in September 1847.

He died on June 21, 1879.[1] He was married twice, to Nancy “Ann” Knowles Smithies and Hannah Crowther Smithies. His eldest daughter, Mary, married Heber C. Kimball.