James Gray Willie

Wikipedia Biographical Summary:

"...James Grey Willie (November 1, 1814 – September 9, 1895) is one of the most well-remembered leaders of the Latter-day Saint handcart pioneers.

Willie was born in Murrell Green, Hampshire, England. He emigrated to the United States in 1836 and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1842.

Willie first came to Utah Territory in 1847 in Jedediah M. Grant's Mormon pioneer company. In 1852, Willie returned to England as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It was at the end of his time as a missionary that he became a leader in the movement of Latter-day Saints to Utah Territory.

Willie led the fourth handcart company which was one of the two that was stuck in present-day Wyoming in the late autumn of 1856 and had many members die. He had previously been the presiding elder over the Latter-day Saints on the Thornton on its journey from Liverpool to Boston. Many of the people on this journey became part of his handcart company.

Later, Willie was one of the early settlers of Mendon, Utah. He served at times as mayor and postmaster of the town. In 1863, Willie founded the first Sunday School in Mendon. He also served as a counselor in the bishopric and ran a co-operative store..."

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Willie

GEDCOM Note

James Grey Willie— Died in Mendon, of dropsy of the heart, James Grey Willie, born November 1, 1814. He came from England to the United States when about 22 years of age; joined the Church, February, 1842; came to Utah in the fall of 1847. He performed a mission to England from 1852 to 1856, and was captain of the last handcart company but one; was caught in the snow. The company suffered much from cold and lack of food, many losing their lives in consequence. He moved to Cache Valley in the spring of 1859, taking up his residence in Mendon, where he has since resided up to his death, which transpired on the 9th instant. He held many important positions, both civil and ecclesiastical, which he filled with honor. Many attended the funeral from Logan and other places. He leaves a wife, three daughters and two sons, and upwards of thirty grandchildren. He died as he had lived a faithful Latter-day Saint. He held the office of Patriarch when he died. [Deseret Evening News, 13 September 1895]