Jedidiah Smith

           Jedidiah Smith is a very interesting trapper and hunter for several reasons. He was only in his twenties when he came to Utah.  During his time as a trapper, he was considered a leader in his company, he had his ear ripped off during a grizzly bear attack, and thought to be dead by others at a rendezvous.

            First, Jedidiah Smith was considered a leader in his company.  He knew the Utah territory quite well because he had traveled across its length and width.  He also always kept his Bible with him and either read it to himself or out loud to the other trappers with him around the campfire.  Second, he got his ear ripped off during a grizzly bear attack.  The bear ripped off his entire ear, and part of his scalp was almost ripped all the way off.  Afterwards, he asked his friend to sew his ear back on, and his friend tried to stitch it on as neatly as he could.  Finally, Jedidiah surprised the trappers at a rendezvous because they thought he was dead.  He had left Utah to travel through Nevada and California to look for beaver.  He and his company almost died from starvation and thirst, but finally made their way back to the Bear Lake rendezvous point.

            Jedidiah was a brave and adventurous man.  His contributions as a trapper, hunter, and explorer have left their mark in Utah history.