Presiding Elder 1859-1863

William McFarland Sr., was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Village of Sinclair in the Parish of Dysart, Fifeshire, Scotland. He joined the Church on June 4, 1842, The family emigrated to Utah, arriving in Salt Lake City, September 25, 1855.

He knew all the hardships and problems of the early pioneers in trying to settle the west. After living in American Fork for a few years he and his family came and settled in West Weber. That winter his youngest daughter, Janet died from exposure and illness.

During the winter of 1859-60, there was no regular church organization in the settlement, but meetings were held occasionally in the homes of John I. Hart, John E. Bitton and others, under the presidency of William McFarland Sr.; this continued until October 25, 1863. He and Brother Hart made visits to the families under this arrangement.

Brother McFarland was a High Priest, Patriarch and Justice of the Peace in the West Weber Precinct.

He died in West Weber, January 27, 1890.

In the winter of 1859-60, twelve families spent the winter in West Weber, all living in cabins.

The first child born in the new settlement was James Rankin McFarland, son of Archibald, born December 20, 1859.

Source:

In The Bend Of The River

History Of West Weber 1859-1976