Name: William Carter
Birth Date: 12 Feb 1821
Birth Place: Ledbury, Hereford, England
Death Date: 22 Jun 1896
Death Place: St. George, Utah
Arrival: 22 Jul 1847, Brigham Young Co.
Spouse: Ellen Benbow
Marriage Date: 05 Dec 1843
Marriage Place: Nauvoo, Illinois
Spouse's Birth Date: 1825
Spouse's Death Date: 06 May 1901
Spouse's Death Place: St. George, Utah
Married 2nd: Harriet Temperance Utley Date: 23 Nov 1853 , Salt Lake City, Utah Born: 1835 Died: 16 Jul 1925 , St. George, Utah Married 3rd: Sophronia Ellen Lenora Turnbow Date: 8 Feb 1857 , Salt Lake City, Utah Born: 1842 Died: 5 Feb 1924 , St. George, Utah William was trained as a glassblower and blacksmith. At the age of 19 he was introduced to the Mormon Church and was baptized 27 December 1840 . His mother forbade her other children to go to the meetings. An older sister and her family joined the church later. William and his sister and her family determined to leave England and go to Nauvoo , which they did in 1841 . William worked on the Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo House, and became a farmer. It was while having grain ground that he met Ellen Benbow . They came west with the first company of pioneers and entered the Valley with the advance party on July 22 . He plowed the first half-acre of ground at State Street and 3rd East on July 23, 1847 . A plaque now stands there. He entered into polygamy with three wives. They were called to help colonize the area now known as St. George . When the foundation for the St. George Temple was laid, William was given the call to supervise the filling of one corner that was wet and spongy. Through ingenious means, he accomplished this assignment to make the ground firm and dry enough to support that part of the temple foundation. He filled many church assignments including being in bishoprics. He was assistant cattle marshall, member of a water-ditch survey team, and Quarter master of a military expedition. He was a well known and liked public speaker. He was involved in many irrigation projects for the area. He was one of the superintendents and council members of the St. George United Order. He was instrumental in the conversion and baptism of several of the She-bits Indian Nation. He remained active all his life in church and community. He was awarded a medal in 1888 by the Territorial Government for being the first plowman in the Salt Lake Valley . The medal plus the plow are often exhibited in the Church History Museum. Children unlisted. written by Bert Carter