by lla Mathews, daughter

William Riley Thompson, son of Daniel and Lorenda Bronson Thompson, was born in Fillmore, Utah, Feb. 26, 1863, the fifth member of the family. When William was four years old his father, Daniel Thompson was called by Brigham Young to help settle Scipio, and become the first bishop of Scipio.

Daniel and Lorinda together with their children William Donrel, Henry, Lorenda Delcena, (one baby, Daniel Edwin was buried in the Fillmore Cemetery), left Fillmore for Scipio, in the fall of 1867.

While Daniel was bishop of Scipio seven more children were born to his wife: Leamon, Rosabelle, Emily, Martha Ann, Francis Marion, Raymond, and Elizabeth.

William attended school in a one roomed school house. After graduation he attended the Brigham Young Academy for one year, but that year taught him how to study and he became a well educated man.

William Riley was very fond of sports but he was especially fond of riding horses, broncos in particular. He also got a great deal of pleasure from playing ball and dancing, he was a very graceful dancer. At 21 years of age he married Rosetta Johnson. After being married a short time, William was called on a twenty seven month mission for the Mormon Church; the mission was to the Southern States.

He fulfilled a very successful mission and returned to Scipio and engaged in farming and stock raising. He was very active in both Church and Civic affairs. He was president of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, Superintendent of the Sunday School, Superintendent of the Slake MIA ordained by President Heber J. Grant as Bishop of the Scipio Ward, where he served for eleven years. He also served on the High Council of the LDS Church for five years.

He served as the First President of the Scipio Irrigation Company he was a school trustee for twelve years, and President of the School Board for four years. He was Justice of the Peace and served as a County Commissioner of Millard County for six years.

William Riley and Rosette were the parents of eleven children; Leslie born Oct. 23, 1885; Eldora, born March 29, 1887; Leaman, born September 3, 1889; Marion Glen born March 9, 1892; Clara, born Dec. 3, 1893; Fern born December 17, 1895; Myrtle. born July 1(), 1898; Riley Silas, born April 28. 1900; lla and Iona, twin girls, born January 24, 1903; Mary Lorenda, born November 29. 1906.

Rosetta. wife of William Riley died November 18. 1919 and is buried in the Scipio Cemelery.

On October 31, 1923. William Riley married Carrie Hatch. William lived until March 9, 1931. He is buried beside his wife Rosetta, in the Scipio Cemetery.

Source: Builders of Early Millard