w. lester mangum was born in 1873 in nephi, utah. he attended brigham young university and was made an instructor in english there. in 1905 he married jennie knight, the daughter of the mining magnate jesse knight. mangum was quickly included in the knight family businesses and held different executive positions in these businesses. he also served as vice-president and manager of the american colombian corporation which owned huge tracts of land in south america. mangum was active in the l.d.s. church, and served as a member of his stake's high council. mrs. mangum was active in civic and church affairs.