William Price was born on July 29, 1859 in Llanafan Parrish, Breckonshire, South Wales. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Betsy) Price. He grew to manhood in his native land.
He recalls playing in the gardens of his uncle, who had a large estate, with many deer and animals on the estate. But times for him were hard, and, like many people in Wales, he worked in the coal mines there.
In 1880, on July 27, he was married to Mary Ann Margetts in England. Work was hard for the young couple, and they were convinced by Thomas R. Jones, a missionary, to start a new life in the United States where he told them they would have a change for a better life. They had at this time a young son, Edward, who was born Feb. 4, 1882. It was hard for the young couple to bid farewell to loved ones and friends, never to see them again. William was disowned by his family, for he was investigating the L.D S. church, and it was not popular with his people.
He crossed the ocean in company of Thomas R. Jones, who brought them to Lehi with him, and settled them in a little log cabin in the Third Ward area, across from the George Barnes home on 8th north and west in the fields. William worked at whatever jobs he could at this time. Sadness came to the couple when, after only a few months in this country, their infant son of four months contracted pneumonia and died June 10, 1882. They had brought the baby on the ship, cooking their own meals en route, and had settle successfully in their new land. Here, alone, they buried their child in the Lehi Cemetery.
William was baptized, along with his wife Mary Ann, on December 11,1882. It was not until May 15, 1895 that they were sealed in the temple and had, six children sealed: Edward,(deceased) Winnifred,
Mary Elizabeth, William James (deceased) John, and George Phillip.
It was the 9th of May, 1892, that William made the declaration of intention to become a citizen of the United States. Utah, at the time, was the Territory of Utah, but Lehi was in Utah County (see copy). He was listed as being a citizen of the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. His final citizenship papers were issued August 20, 1894. when George was a year old.
William worked on the railroad on the section, and became the section boss. He was away from home working quite a lot of the time, and William kept a hired girl for her, among them Harriet Gough. He developed a hernia at this time, and Harriet recalls that it gave him a great deal of trouble
William bought a house and a block of property from Otto Hudson, and here the family raised a large garden and fruit. The young boys helped in the harvest of onion and vegetables; rhubarb, raspberries, cherries and other fruit that were sold to the store to help with the family income. Live chickens were also taken to the store, where they were kept in a coop until someone wanted to purchase them, then take them home live to be killed and eaten. William was an honest man, and he was always fair in his dealings.
In his later years, he worked as custodian at the Central School located on Center Street and 6th N, Lehi. Here he fired the boiler and cleaned the school. His son George and Bill Worlton (Dr. William Worlton) would help him dean the school as they were students there at the time and worked with him after school. His health was failing at this time.
He was a true friend to his fellow man and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to those in trouble if it were within his power. He had piercing blue eyes, and was very independent.
For many years during the early part of his time in Lehi he followed railroading as has been indicated. At one time he assisted in laying the telegraph line from the Lehi Junction to Eureka.
Welsh was often spoken in the Price home with Thomas R. Jones and others from Wales, and the Price children were taught to speak some welsh. Grandchildren can recall going to their grandparents home and having “Verimin and kaus” [Bara menyn a caws] (bread and butter and cheese) which bad bread buttered on the loaf , then sliced off. Cheese was on a large cheese board with cutter and covered with cheese cloth (usually 21 cake or 10 lb. about 5″ thick) and they learned to love the sharp cheddar cheese that was staple item for the William Price family.
When the flu epidemic of World War 1 hit, he had 21 family members down with the flu at one time, and he was always mindful to take care of each of the married family members and their family. He cautioned his children to never go into debt, and his daughter-in-law, Nydia, recalls him telling her to never let George mortgage their house. ,,Sometimes men do foolish things, my girl. George has a pretty level head, but don’t ever let him take the roof from over your head”, was his advice to her.
He seemed to have a never-ending supply of candy. He always bad a bag of peppermints in his pocket, and they made their appearance at just the right time to please a grandchild. This characteristic was also true of his son, George, and as children–including great-great grandchildren came into the home they knew exactly where Grandpa Price had his candy and would have been disappointed without this special treat.
During about the last twenty years of his life, he remained at home and busied himself about his garden and surroundings. It was during this time on December 30, 1930 that he was called upon to mourn the passing of his wife. He grieved for her greatly.
William was truly a family man. He loved his family and their interests have been his interests. He was an independent man – always wanting to pay his own way and never be in dept to anyone. He took great pride in his grandchildren, always having their welfare at heart. He loved them and was happy when they were near him. All lived within blocks of him when they were growing up and were constantly under foot.
He had a strong testimony of the L. D. 5. church, and maintained it to the end of his life. He died Dec. 2, 1938 at 8 o’clock p.m. He was buried in the Lehi Cemetery beside his wife and the four infant children.
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