| Show UTAH PRESS ASSOCIATION from all walks of life and from varied businesses and civic and religious enterprises Though many were not of the same religion as he they respected him for his high principles and ideals as well as for his industry and initiative Samuel Otis Bennion was born in Taylorsville Utah on June 1874 of pioneer parentage His father John Rowland Bennion came to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847 asseven-year old Samuel spent his boyhood inrural atmosphere and became identified with sheep ranching and farming Over the years he gainedposition of prominence in Intermountain country agriculture and retained those interests throughout his life mission call in 1904 actually launched him into publishing as well as startingcareer of service to the Latter-day Saints Church which brought him recognition as one of its General Authorities His mission destination was the Central States with headquarters in Independence Missouri Initially called fortwo or three year mission he stayed 27 years and from 1906 until 1932 was mission president While in this capacity he also served as manager of the ZionPrinting and Publishing Company of Independence In addition to producing and editing much of the Churchmission literature this firm also published under his direction monthly missionary magazine called The Liahona He returned to Salt Lake City in 1932 when called asmember of the First Council of Seventy The following year he was named vice president and general manager of the Deseret News placing him inposition of community responsibility and in an important assignment commanding the respect of his publishing associates As the papereditor in chief he directed its content and its editorial aims utilizing to the fullest the services of associate editors Mark Petersen and James Langton He became active asdirector and committee member of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and brought to its activi ties the zeal for which he was noted In addition to being one of the leading figures in Days of 47 activities he extended his attention to honoring Utahpioneers asprominent member 434 Digital image 2005 Marriott Library University of Utah Al rights reserved |
