After a sickness of about three months and a half, Joseph Smith Nelson of Thayne passed to the great beyond at his home last Thursday. He suffered with rheumatism a great deal and came to Afton to be nearer to the doctor. But his condition improved at short intervals only, and his sickness turned to dropsy and he suffered intense pain during the closing days of his life.
He was born December 20th, 1838 in Caldwell County, Missouri, and came to Utah in the early days, taking a leading part in the Indian Wars, suffering all the hardships of pioneer life, and placing his life in jeopardy in protecting lives and property of the early Mormon settlers in Utah. He knew and was known by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
On the 23rd of January 1861 he was married to Hannah Jane Patton and they had 16 children, 9 boys and 7 girls. Eleven of them were baptized.
He leaves his wife and ten children and a host of relatives and friends to mourn his loss, as he was a good husband and father and a staunch friend. While not very religiously inclined, except towards the latter end of his career, he nevertheless had a deeply rooted faith in the Gospel, and died in full faith and with the hope of a glorious resurrection.
The funeral was held last Sunday and six of his sons acted as Pall Bearers.
Chas, Moser, Roy Dana, C.H. Haderlie and Roy Harrison were the speakers.
Mr Wm E Nelson of Teton Basin, Mrs Millie Vail of Idaho Falls and George Nelson of Portland Oregon were in to attend the funeral.

Nelson, Joseph Smith (14 Apr 1911)Star Valley Independent

Joseph Smith NELSON is the son of Edmond NELSON and Jane TAYLOR
Joseph Smith NELSON married Hannah Jane PATTEN 22 Jan 1861 in Franklin, Frnkln, Id
Mary Ann HANDY 12 May 1873 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Ut