Symon's Daughter: A Memoir of Elizabeth Symon Smith

by Don Ian Smith

Orphaned at 11, the daughter of a Scottish Presbyterian minister earns a teaching credential and sails to America in 1905. Guided by her father's faith, a powerful sense of humor, a passion for knowledge, and a will to make the world a better place, she leaves her mark on Utah and southern Idaho. How she raises six children during the hardships and poverty of the Great Depression -- all to become professionals and leaders in their fields -- will inspire parents today.

430 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Don Ian Smith (1918-2007) was a pastor, rancher and outdoorsman who spent much of his life in rural Idaho. He also loved to write--and loved to share the inspiration he received from the land around him. His first four books were a series of meditations reflecting how the land and the people of the land helped him to better understand his faith in God. In these books, he shared many unique insights on how one can find God and relate to God through one's surroundings--whether it be the plunging waters of a mountain river, the view of lofty snow-capped peaks, or the windings of mountain trails. He tells stories of horses and cattle, of wildlife, of irrigating, of growing gardens--and in each story he shares a unique insight into how to live one's life. His four-book meditation series was reprinted in 2004 by his family book company, High Country Books, and all four are available. Titles are BY THE RIVER OF NO RETURN, WILD RIVERS AND MOUNTAIN TRAILS, SAGEBRUSH SEED, and THE OPEN GATE.

Smith later branched out into other genres, including biography (SYMON'S DAUGHTER) and historical mystery novel (MURDER ON THE MIDDLEFORK)--both of these titles were printed by BRIDGE HOUSE BOOKS. He also published a short book of rural poetry (RANCHLAND POEMS), through High Country Books.