Biographical Summary:

"...Willford Elisha Crangun (1852-1896) was the first white child born in Weber County, Utah. Because of this, when he grew to manhood, he was given the privilege of naming the little town where he was born. He chose to name it "Pleasant View".

Eva Cragun Heiner, daughter of Wilford Elisha Cragun, gives a good account of her parents and family, in her book on the Cragun - Ellis families, which follows.

Her father must have been a very interesting man. His father had taught him early in the pioneer crafts of building houses, digging for water and building dams, thus becoming the first irrigation projects so much needed in that arid mountainous land. He also learned to survey.

He grew to manhood, always interested in music, education and the welfare of the community. He taught his children and led them in a band, Mormon played the piccolo, Wilford the cornet and clarinet, Edmund the drums, Wiley the flute and Hiram filled in. Mary Ann ("Manie"), Julia & Pearl played the organ and piano.

There was a great deal of antagonism toward the Mormons. However, one evening he and a companion were invited to dine with a family who seemed interested. The food tasted peculiar and the missionaries became nauseated. He also contracted malaria fever, and thus became so ill his companion had to help him on the train. He was barely able to reach home. He lived only one month and died 8 Aug 1896, age 43 years..."

SOURCE: Unknown

-------------------- From Pioneers and Prominent Men of Utah:

"CRAGUN, WILFORD ELISHA (son of Simeon Cragun and Susannah Mower). Born Dec. 4. 1853, North Ogden, Utah. Married Mary Ann Ellis Jan. 2, 1870, Salt Lake City (daughter of Edmund Ellis and Sarah Barnaby of Melksham. Wiltshire, Eng., pioneers July 1868, Capt. Thatcher company). She was born Aug. 3, 1856.

Their children: Mary Ann. m. Leroy Barker; Sarah Susan, died; Wilford S., m. Kate Burt; Julia A., m. George Douglass; Mahala, m. Joseph Hill; Mormon, m. Anna Budge; Edmund, m. Ella Mower; Wiley M., m. Delpha Hetzler; James Hyrum, ra. Bertha Packham; Pearl Violet G.; Eva L. Family home Pleasant View, Utah.

Member 38th quorum seventies; missionary to Indiana 1895-96; president Y. M. M. I. A.; ward teacher. School trustee. Farmer. Died Aug. 8, 1896."