by his daughter Elizabeth J. Smithson Smith.
"Allen Freeman Smithson was a good husband and provided well for his large family and paid for his children's schooling and bought their school books with his labor. In those days he did not have enough to pay taxes. He was a very good farmer and no man could make better molasses than he did. He sold them for wheat and potatoes and other things to live on. While living in Washington, Utah my father saved the lives of three men at different times who while crossing the Rio Virgin...while there was a flood...went downstream. My father, being a good swimmer, went into the raging water and brought them out and worked with them till they were restored to life again. In early days in Washington County, my father had a large brass horn he used to blow to call the people for church.
My father said it was better to wear out than to rust out...He was the most free hearted man I ever knew. He would take his coat off and give it to the other fellow if he needed it. I have seen him do that."
--Elizabeth J. Smithson Smith--
(1861-1949)