Born 1827 at Charlestown, Chester, PA. Father David Kaufman died when she was young, and so she went by her mother's maiden name of Shimer. As a young girl, worked in silk mills. Married Edward Hunter, the Presiding Bishop of the Church, as a plural wife in 1844 at about age 17; sealed to him in 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple. Had five children by him between 1846 and 1853; the first one died as a newborn in the poor conditions at Winter Quarters. Did join go to Utah to join Edward Hunter until 1850. When he was about to take another plural wife in 1855, she divorced him. Left with him their four children, and stayed on amicable terms with him. Married Gilbert Smith in 1856. Husband deserted her before the birth of her son Alonzo. Married at least two more times after 1857. Died in 1894 at the age of 67 in Salt Lake City, UT. From a child, known as being beautiful, vivacious, proud, with a very independent spirit. Brigham Young once told her, "Laura, you are a beautiful woman with a bit of a temper", and then added, "but I wouldn't like a temper without a bit of temper in it".

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