Pennina Jane Smith

Pennina Jane Smith was born Feb 1, 1794 in Wayne, North Carolina to John and Margaret Brown Smith. Pennina is the earliest female born to have ever lived in Richmond. Pennina is a Pioneer of Richmond.

History

At a young age, Pennina's mother died, and was sent to be raised by one of her aunts. When the aunt later died while Pennina was still young, she was raised by the Frost Family. She would later marry one of the sons, McCaslin Frost, on Nov 28, 1809 in Johnston, North Carolina. The Frost family continued to live in North Carolina until sometime between 1814-1816 when they moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. They continued to live here for many years.2

Samuel, Pennina's oldest son, while on a trip to secure work up north was introduced to missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Samuel was later converted to the Church and brought the newfound religion to his family who were also converted, along with their neighbors, the Bright family. Sometime before 1840, the Frost family moved to Jefferson County, Iowa. They participated in church activities up until the time of the assassination of Joseph Smith in 1844.2 More specifically, Pennina was a participant in the organization of the Relief Society in 1842.1

The Frost family moved deeper into Iowa to keep their distance from the mobsters that were harming the Saints. They moved to Fremont, Iowa sometime before 1850. The Frost family joined the Philemon C. Merrill Co. on June 5, 1856 to move west, and arrived in Utah on Aug 13.2

It is unknown what Pennina did while living the first part of her life in Utah. Pennina moved to Richmond sometime before 1869, possibly by the request of the Bright family and Archibald Kerr, who married Pennin's daughter Nancy Illinwood.2

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