William McCarrey, son of James McCarrey and Catherine Croan, was born on February 12, 1832 at Peel, Kirk Jerman, Isle of Man.

James McCarrey was the father of four children; Elizabeth (Betsy), Jane, John, and William.

William came across the plains in 1853 in McAllister's company. His children have a fine copy of a fine letter which he wrote on the plains to his parents in the East. Excerpts: -- "We got into a company of Saints June 2. We are in the company of 28 wagons; all Saints, with the exceptions of myself and three or four others. The journey had been quite a pleasure trip. There are about 125 individuals in camp. We do not travel on Sunday, but have Sunday School in proper Mormon order. We have prayer night and morning. I would like to see you come, mother, next spring. Write by return post, direct for Wm. McCarrey, Utah Territory."

William was baptized into the L.D.S. Church by McAllister's July 24, 1853. He came to Richmond in the Spring of 1860. He was ordained a Seventy, 1861. During 1861 - 1862, he was a militia man in Johnston's Army trouble. He was married to Hanna Melissa Hoopes on July 24, 1864. He received endowments in Salt Lake City in December 1864.

September 14, 1864, he began military service in Captain Henry Standish's company; served 42 days, and was honorably discharged October 25, 1864.

He was a hard worker; always provided a home and work for all. He believed in education, and read a great deal; was considered a man of good judgement, was a successful farmer, always paid for what he had, and never signed a note. He was always very saving with his money, was a good tithe payer, kept the Word of Wisdom, and had family prayers night and morning. He was interested in politics, being a staunch Republican, and always voted.

He was afflicted with shaking palsy several years before his death, and died of pneumonia November 25, 1904.

William and Melissa McCarrey were the parents of eight children: William Warner, Catherine Priscilla, Rebecca Jane, James Lewis, Hannah Elizabeth Adelaide, John, Olive Ann, and Melissa May.

- taken from the original in the possession of Lois Thomas - Logan, Utah.

Copyright 1999