Biography of James R. McGraw

Captain of the Eleventh Pioneer Company to Utah in 1852
Great Leader of Men and Follower of Many Callings

Written by Delna Powell
April 22, 2002

James R. McGraw

James R. ^[1]He is listed as James M. McGaw in Nauvoo Seventies Record; James E. McGaw in the Church Emigration Card File; James R. McGaw 1856 Utah State Census and on Headstone. McGaw was born August 27, 1823 at Clisiliva, Clinton Township, Niagara District, Upper Canada. He is the son of Charles McGaw and Susannah Taylor. ^[2]Church Emigration Card File 302, 305 and 306.

In 1845 he wrote his Genealogy and Biography in the Nauvoo Seventies Record. ^[3]Nauvoo Seventies Record, 16th Qrm, 1844-45, LDS Arc, pg 3, 2nd list, 1850s, 16 Qrm, Genealogies, pg 110. He tells us he is the son of Charles who was the son of Patrick. He wrote the following.

“I was born Niagara District, township of Clinton, U. Canada, 27 Aug 1823. I left Canada in year 1841 and went to LaHarpe, Hancock County, Illinois where I heard the gospel of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was baptized by Elder Cary, 11 Oct 1841. From there I went to Wisconsin and was there ordained a Priest in the month of Mar 1842 and about the 18^th of Aug I was ordained an Elder and then went to Nauvoo. September 4^th took a mission to Indiana where I baptized some twelve. From thence I went to U. (Upper) Canada to see my father, stayed there six months and then returned to Nauvoo 1 Aug 1845. Oct 8^th I was ordained to be one of the seventies in the 16^th quorum under the hands of the council of that quorum.”

James left home in Canada and was Baptized when he was eighteen. He does not tell why he came to Hancock County, but there are McGaw families living there. No relationship has been proved. William Corey baptized James when he was nineteen years old. Since his Mother is not mentioned in his history she could be deceased at this time. He was probably on his mission to Indiana when the Prophet Joseph was martyred.

August 6, 1845 James was given a Patriarchal Blessing by Patriarch John Smith, who was the Uncle of Prophet Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo. ^[4]Patriarchal Blessing Record. Historical Department. Vol. 9 page 336. November, 1845 he was ordained to the 44^th Quorum of the Seventies. ^[5]Record 1C Seventies pg 257 (44th Quorum) Ordained Nov 1845.

February 2, 1846, He received his own Endowments in the Nauvoo Illinois Temple. He was twenty three years of age. ^[6]Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register- Fifth Company. In 1848, he was called to serve a mission for the church in Texas. ^[7]Chronological List of Missionaries 1850-1859 Book A.–James McGaw Set Apart 1848 #34 Missionary 1830-1859 Book A. (Journal History of Dec. 11, 1848)- FHL film #250, 236. After his service he returned only to be called again to Texas on October 17, 1851. This was his third mission.

After six months, May 20, 1851 the Frontier Guardian Newspaper reports James McGaw and William Howell in Kanesville Iowa helping the members from the ship “Olympus.”  ^[8]Frontier Guardian- May 30 1851; “Olympus” ship members on McGaw Wagon Train were: George Thomas Woodhead, William Bailey and James Toms and wife.

Those identified on the ship “Olympus” traveling with the James McGaw Pioneer Company to Utah are: George Thomas Woodhead, William Bailey and James Toms and his wife.

James McGaw married Mary Matilda Bassett, May 15, 1852, in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie, Iowa by County Judge, J. Burdick. ^[9]Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County Iowa, Court Record Marriage Records. Marriage Record Number 52. FHL 1476888 Note: whole film is not listed in beginning index. Marriage record was found by … Continue reading The marriage record listed James being twenty seven years old and Mary at sixteen years of age.

Mary Matilda is the daughter of Elias Bassett and Matilda Salter. ^[10]FamilySearch- International Genealogical Index- Individual Entry. She was born January 18, 1837, in Knowlesville, Orleans, New York. In 1846, Elias Bassett and family are in Nauvoo; 1847 they are in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County Iowa when her brother Hiram Davis Bassett died July 11, 1847 and in Pottawattamie County in 1851. ^[11]Iowa 1851 State Census. FamilySearch Ancestral File

James McGaw was called to be Captain of the Eleventh Pioneer Company to Utah. ^[12]Our Pioneer Heritage- Volume 6; Heart Throbs of the West – Volume 4- The Spirit of Emigration- L.D.S. Church Emigration; Heart Throbs of the West – Volume 12- They came in 1851- Pioneers … Continue reading The company was organized June 17, 1852 under the direction of Ezra T. Benson. James, only twenty-eight years old ^[13]Roster of James McGaw Camp Journal by David Candland., was one of the youngest Captains of Pioneer Companies.

In the Eleventh Company there were 75 men, 68 women, 96 children, 54 wagons, 248 oxen, 90 cows, 19 horses and 4 mules. Also 62 arms (guns) 275 ammunitions, 24,435 pounds of provisions and 40 spades. The company was divided into five companies of Ten families.

His brother-in-law Charles Henry Bassett, was Captain of the 4^th Ten in the Company. James & Mary, along with Mary Matilda’s parents ^[14]James McGaw Emigrating Company. David Candland and Robert Alexander Journal., were in this company of Ten. Elias was the Blacksmith of the entire Company.

The Company left the Missouri River, on June 23, and stopped one mile west of the ferry. They started on the westward journey June 24, 1852. Elder Crandall Dunn left the company and traveled on his own as an independent company and some company members were reassigned by Captain McGaw to other Tens. Many in the company died of the dreaded cholera. August 14, 1852 the Company held a dance, August 29 Captain McGaw divided the train because of lack of food. On September 15, 1852, Captain Potter called men together to wait for Captain McGaw’s company. By uniting they hoped to have more provisions and enter the Salt Lake Valley together as a complete Company. The James McGaw Eleventh Company arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah September 20, 1852. ^[15]Mormon Pioneers Companies Crossing the Plains (1847-1868); by Melvin L. Bashore and Linda L. Haslam. FHL 289.3 B291m page 86.

The report of the James McGaw Company in the Deseret News Volume 2, page 90, dated September 18, 1852, lists only members of the Crandall Dunn Company. No list of members had been found until the David Candland and Robert Alexander Journal of the James McGaw Company was extracted.

James McGaw, his wife and her parents settled in Fillmore, Millard County, Utah, ^[16]Hundred Year of History of Millard County Utah by Stella Day. FHL 979.245 H2d page 780. where a son James Riley McGaw was born March 9, 1853.

General Conference April 6, 1854, was held in Salt Lake. During the afternoon session on April 8^th, James McGaw, Charles Bassett, his brother-in-law, and others, were called on Missions to the Untied States. ^[17]Millennial Star April 6, 1854 Mission Call – Vol XIV page 462. FHL film 1,402,728; Journal of the Southern Indian Mission- Diary of Thomas D. Brown Edited by Juanita Brooks. FHL 921.73 B812b … Continue reading

James was called to be the Superintendent of Immigration for Pioneers Companies in New Orleans. He succeeded John Brown. ^[18]Encylopedic History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FHL 289.309 J453e Page 577. At the St. Louis Conference, Elder Milo Andrus gave a brief address followed by Elders McGaw, Case and Snow. (April 6, 1855) Present of the Twelve Apostles, was Erastus Snow. Presidents of the Seventies were Milo Andrus, Charles Basset and James McGaw. ^[19]Our Pioneer Heritage Volume 5- The Mormons in St. Louis Utah and the Civil War- No. 270 A Tribute. FHL 979.2H2c page 444.

While James served in this capacity, Albert Gregory, was stricken with cholera while returning home. He died one week later, May 13, 1855,in Atchison, Kansas. He committed the care of his carriage and other property to Elder James McGaw and requested that his body should be carried to the valley. This was done in a metallic coffin. ^[20]Heart Throbs of the West- Volume 5- Pioneer Letters of Historical Value- Orson Pratt writes to his wife.

June 11, 1855 James McGaw sent a note to Elder Seth M. Blair stating teams would be forthcoming in the morning to relocate them to Camp Grand up to the grove/farm. ^[21]Treasures of Pioneer History: Vol 4- They came in 1855- The Texas Company of Latter-day Saints. Another duty was to hold for Elder Blair or Edward Stevenson 94.55 Dollars to pay for supplies and extra freight weight. ^[22]Treasures of Pioneer History: Vol 4- They came in 1855- The Texas Company of Latter-day Saints page 39.

The Biography of John Ellis states, in early June their arrival in Florence, Nebraska, the outfitting point for crossing the plains at that time, James McGaw, Chief Agent for the Church, called a meeting to organize the camp and appointed John Ellis President of all the handcart companies. ^[23]Biography of John Ellis- written in a Letter to his son John Gregory Ellis written 1 March 1899.

Many were called to labor as missionaries among the Cherokee and Creek Nations in Indian Territory at the April 1855 Conference in Salt Lake City. President Young, August, of that year Commissioned Elder Orson Spencer and James McGaw to visit the Indian Territory. ^[24]History of Utah- by Orson F. Whitney- Volume 4- Editors and Educators – Samuel Whitney Richards. They stayed until the 5^th of September ^[25]Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia – Volume 1- Biographies- Christian Nielsen Lund., when Elder Spencer, being attacked with chills and fever, soon returned to St. Louis, Missouri, where he died shortly afterwards. ^[26]Encylopedic History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Indian Mission. FHL 289.309 J453e Page 360.

Orson F. Whitney stated on September 7, 1856 on the west of Loup Fork their company was joined by thirteen church members. All were returning missionaries except James McGaw. ^[27]History of Utah- by Orson F. Whitney -Volume 1, Chapter XXVII 1856. James McGaw is finally returning home.

The 1856 Utah State Census locates James McGaw living in Malad County and Millard County. In Millard County they are living next door to Mary’s parents; Also Brigham Young, Ezra Benson, Lorenzo Snow and David Candlin are living near them. ^[28]Utah State Census 1856 Millard County Utah. Page 758 FHL film 505913. Fillmore was Territorial Headquarters. Mary Matilda states “after leaving Fillmore, they lived a short time in Lehi before moving to Ogden, Utah.” ^[29]Obituary of Mary Mathilda Bassett McGaw.

Daughter Rosa Belle was born November 1, 1857 in Utah. ^[30]Patriarchal Blessing Record- Historical Department for Birth date Thursday, May 21, 1857 the 44^th quorum of Seventy was organized at American Fork, Utah County, Utah. James McGaw was one of the Presidents. ^[31]Church Chronology by Andrew Jenson. May 21, 1857 (Thursday) page 58 FHL 289.309 245 or 289.309 J543c; Our Pioneer Heritage – They came in 1857 page 4.

Census documents the family moved to Ogden, Utah before 1860. Mary’s parents are residing with them. ^[32]Utah State Census 1860 Weber County Ogden City page 109. Son, Charles Bassett McGaw was born February 4, 1861 in Ogden. ^[33]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp James McGaw baptized his son James McGaw September 29, 1861 in the Ogden 3^rd Ward. ^[34]Ogden LDS 3rd Ward Records. FHL Film 026298

James McGaw was active in Civic and Church Leadership. On the 20th of January 1862, the members elected to the State Convention assembled in the Salt Lake City County Court House. The Deseret News lists Weber County delegates as James McGaw, Crandall Dunn, ECT.” ^[35]History of Utah- by Orson F. Whitney- Volume 2 Chapter II 1861-1862.

1862 McGaw was a counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the County. President Chauncy W. West, was called on a mission to Europe and counselors James McGaw and F.A. Hammon were in charge in his absence. Upon his return, West retained counselors, McGaw and Hammond. ^[36]Tullidge’s Quarterly Magazine of Utah, Her Founders, Her Enterprises and Her Civilization. By Edward W. Tullidge. No. IV- July, 1883- Vol 11. Page 6 & 7. History of Weber County. FHL film … Continue reading

May 2, 1863 son William Augustus McGaw was born, in Ogden. ^[37]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp.

James McGaw was called to go to England on a mission at the April 1865 Conference. The missionaries were set apart May 22, 1865 at President Young’s school House. ^[38]Missionary Card Index- Church Historical Department They were organized and James McGaw was called to be Captain of the 2^nd Ten. In the Company were 51 men and two women under Captain William B. Preston. July 14^th they traveled by train to Providence (New Hampshire). They purchased tickets for Liverpool (July 28, 1865), sailing August 2, at the price of $35.00. ^[39]Treasures of Pioneer History Volume 3- Journal and Diary of Albert King Thurber- A Mission To England.

While sailing to England, son Frank McGaw was born August 17, 1865 in Utah. ^[40]Patriarchal Blessing Record. Historical Department.

Three years later, (June 4, 1868) the packet ship “John Bright” sailed from Liverpool, England to America, with 722 Saints (176 from Scandinavia), under the direction of James McGaw. McGaw was appointed President of the Company, with C.O. Folkman and F. C. Anderson as his Counselors. ^[41]Our Pioneer Heritage- The Year of 1868- Volume 6, 12, – From Deseret News.While sailing William Henry Bradfield gave the following account of the trip under Captain McGaw; “We were on the water six weeks, nearly all the time the sea was wild and stormy. One night Captain McGaw told the saints they had to give up the ship; so, if they believed there was a God, they had better ask for help. We children were clinging to Mother’s dress and crying. If ever there were prayers offered up, it was that night, and they were answered! Next day was a beautiful day and we children went on deck where we could see the rigging all torn away and the masts cracked.” ^[42]Treasures of Pioneer History- Volume 3- Our Living Pioneers- William Henry Bradfield-1868.

Mary Ann William Jenkins stated they were only allowed a certain amount of provisions each day. We would fix it the best we could and take it up on the deck to be cooked. We had oatmeal, split peas, bacon out of brine, hard tack, which is great big, flat biscuits as big as saucers and as hard as iron, very few potatoes, brown sugar and a very small portion of flour. The water was in large wooden kegs which got very stale before the end of the journey.” They landed in what is now Ellis Island. They were examined by doctors and then put on a steamer and taken to New York harbor. ^[43]BIB: Jenkins, Mary Ann Williams, [Autobiographical Sketch]. Annie Batt Bird Caffall recalled, the boat was unfit for travel and sank on the return to England. ^[44]BIB: Caffall, Annie Batt Bird, [Reminiscences] Heart Throbs of the West, comp. By Kate B. Carter, vol. 9 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1948) pp. 35-36. (HDL).

The company arrived in New York, July 13^th. The following day proceeded by railroad westward. The Union Pacific Rail fare from New York to Omaha was $14.00. From Omaha to Laramie, the end of the Railroad, was $35.00 but if you worked for the Railroad it was only $14.00. Here the emigrants met the Church teams. The fare by the Church teams from the railroad to Salt Lake City was $29.00 which the emigrants paid later. ^[45]History of the Scandianian Mission by Andrew Jenson FHL 896,938 item 2 page 200. Mormons and their Neighbors FHL 978.D32w page 829- lists above source; Church Chronology by Andrew Jenson. June 4, … Continue reading

When James McGaw returned to Ogden, he resumed his Civic and Church duties. On February 11, 1869, the city election was held. Lorin Farr, Mayor, was reelected and James McGaw was among the councilors elected by the city. ^[46]Tullidge’s Quarterly Magazine of Utah, Her Founders, Her Enterprises and Her Civilization By Edward W. Tullidge. No. IV- July, 1883- Vol 11. Page 9. History of Weber County.

Monday, March 8, 1869 when the iron horse arrived in Ogden the whole town was alive with excitement. When the train reached Ogden “Junction City” , they held a large celebration. A stand was erected along side the tract to seat such dignitaries as James McGaw and others.^[47]Tullidge’s Quarterly Magazine of Utah, Her Founders, Her Enterprises and Her Civilization By Edward W. Tullidge. No. IV- July, 1883- Vol 11. Page 10. History of Weber County.

Daughter Mary Matilda (Tillie) McGaw was born June 27, 1869 in Utah. ^[48]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

Newspaper, Ogden Junction, issued its first number on January 1, 1870. James McGaw was the business manager. ^[49]Heart Throbs of the West – Volume 5 – Journalism in Pioneer Days- Notes and Comments of the Life of Joseph W. Carpenter. July 1870 James lives in Ogden with his family as a Printer in the Printing Office. Children listed in the census are: James A., Rosa B, Charles, William A., Frank, and Mary M.. Living with them are two boarders born in England. ^[50]Utah 1870 Federal Census. Ogden, Weber, Utah page 485. FHL film 553, 112.

Daughter May was born February 23, 1871 in Utah. ^[51]California Death Records. Rootsweb.com

January 15, 1872 (Monday) Elder James McGaw, at 48 years, 4 months and 19 days old, died of heart disease and inflammation of the lungs in Ogden. ^[52]Our Pioneer Heritage – Volume 16 – The Year of 1872 and Church Chronology by Andrew Jenson 1872. FHL 289.309. J453c page 87 – Weber County. His obituary was listed in the Utah News Section in the Latter-day Saints’ Millennial Star in England. His heirs were a wife and seven children. ^[53]Millennial Star Volume 34 page 127. FHL film 1402735.

Son William Agustus, said “When in 1872 his father died, his Mother took in boarders as their house was at the time, the largest in town. There were as many as twenty boarders staying there at one time.” ^[54]Biography of WILLIAM A. McGaw by Virginia P. Howell August 2, 1938 , recorded in Utah Pioneer Biographies- 979.2 D 3u Volume 19 page 115.

Son Harry McGaw was born October 21, 1873, after his father’s death. ^[55]Utah 1870 Federal Census. Ogden, Weber, Utah page 485. FHL film 553,112; Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

James McGaw served seven missions for the Church and with his wife Mary Matilda parented nine children. ^[56]Utah 1900 Federal Census list Mary had 9 children, 7 living. Eight have been identified.

The 1880 census lists Mary McGaw in the 3^rd Ward, Ogden, Weber, Utah with her children Charles age 19, Willie age 17, Frank age 14, May age 9 and Harry age 7 and borders. ^[57]Utah 1880 Federal Census. 3rd Ward, Ogden Weber, Utah page 450C.

Mary McGaw and her son Charles in 1900 are living in Ogden. Next door is Joseph Thomas, May McGaw and two children. ^[58]Utah 1900 Federal Census. Ogden, Weber, Utah

February 16, 1906, Mary Matilda Bassett McGaw died at the home of her daughter, Mrs J.M Thomas, 2549 Madison. Died of pneumonia, only ill a short time. Of her family: Mrs. E.T. Hulaniski, Mrs H.H. Thomas, W. A. McGaw, Charles McGaw are living in Ogden. Frank and Riley McGaw are in Texas and San Francisco respectively. Born in New York in 1837. Converted to Mormon church in early life. Settled with her husband in Fillmore, then Lehi, then Ogden. Lived in Ogden nearly 50 years. ^[59]Ogden Newspaper Obituary

Pictures of James McGaw and other family members Headstones in the Ogden City Cemetery are posted on the Web. ^[60]Picture of Headstone taken by Lori Laird

CHILDREN:

JAMES RILEY MCGAW: born March 9, 1853 in Utah

1883- James McGaw, Business Manager of the new journal. Ogden City, Weber County Directory. He is listed as the Business Manager of the new journal; (newspaper). ^[61]1883 Ogden City and Weber County Directory.

Patriarchal Blessing February 17, 1869,lists name James Riley McGaw born March 9, 1853. ^[62]Patriarchal Blessing. Historical Department. Vol 44 page 19.

Mother’s Obituary states he is in San Francisco in 1906.

ROSA BELLE: born November 1, 1858 in Utah.

Baptized: October 1, 1868 Ogden 3^rd Ward

Patriarchal Blessing lists name and birth date.

Married February 28, 1877 in Ogden, Weber County Utah to Edmund Tuttle Hulaniski.

1880 Census at Beaver Head River, Beaver Head, Montana. With husband and daughter Rosa and sister Tilla (Mary Matilda). ^[63]Montana 1880 Federal Census. Beaver Head River, Beaverhead, Montana page 11B.

1883 Edward T. Hulaniski is an agent of Union Pacific. Lived at 6^th between Main and Spring. ^[64]1883 Ogden City and Weber County Directory.

From brother William’s obituary (1937), she is living in Stockton California.

She died December 6, 1940 at Sacramento, Sacramento, California. ^[65]California Death Records

Obit: Belle McGaw Hulaniski age 83 died Friday December 6, 1940. ^[66]Salt Lake Tribune 1940 Dec 10 page 19. FHL film 0821663

Her husband Edmund Tuttle Hulaniski, son of Julian Hulaniski and Marcia Tuttle, was born June 19, 1848 in Dowagiac, Cass, Michigan. He died on April 15, 1928 in Ogden, Weber, Utah and was buried in Ogden.

They had the following known Children:

1. Adah Hulaniski born 1877 and died December 31, 1879 in Ogden Utah. She is buried there.
2. Rosa Hulaniski born January 26, 1878 in Utah and died on November 14, 1956 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California. ^[67]California Death Records
3. Eva Hulaniski died on May 1, 1884 in Ogden and was buried there.

CHARLES BASSETT: born February 4, 1861 in Ogden, Weber, Utah- age 9 1870 Census, age 19 in 1880 Census. Patriarchal Blessing lists birth February 4, 1861.

1900 Federal Census born Feb. 1865 Ut, Father born in Canada, Mother born in NY . occupation- Day Labor. He is living with his Mother.

Born Feb 4, 1861 Ogden, Weber, Utah. Died December 16, 1922 Ogden Utah. ^[68]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

WILLIAM AGUSTUS MCGAW: born May 2, 1863 in Ogden, Weber, Utah.

Patriarchal Blessing lists name and birth date.

William Agustus McGaw Baptism November 6, 1873 in Ogden 3^rd Ward. ^[69]Ogden LDS Ward Records. FHL film 026298 page 88 item 1

William married 1) Lottie Jones daughter of Edward L. Jones and Eliza P. Warner. Lottie was born on April 13, 1872 in Iowa. She died on February 20, 1915 in Ogden, Weber, Utah. She is buried in Ogden. She was originally buried in the Mountain View Cemetery according to her obituary.

1883 William McGaw is listed as a printer Pilot (Newspaper). ^[70]1883 Ogden City and Weber County Directory.

William married 2) Cordelia Fife daughter of Joseph Fife and Martha Ann Bingham on April 17, 1917. Cordelia was born on March 18. 1881 in Riverdale, Utah. She died on February 19, 1957 in Ogden, Utah and is buried there. Her Obituary is in the Salt lake Tribune February 21, 1957 page 41 and Deseret News February 21, 1957 page B-9.

1920- Ogden City Census with wife Cordelia and step-son’s Louis and Clifford Fretwell.

1933- OGDEN– William A. McGaw, joint freight agent in Ogden of the Oregon Short Line, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific and Ogden Union Railway & Depot company, will be retired June 1 after nearly 50 years of railroad service M. McGaw was 70 years old May 2.

Mr. McGaw was born here in 1863 and entered the service of the Union Pacific Railway company in September, 1883, as car clerk. He has served in the capacity of cashier, assistant agent, agent chief clerk and joint freight agent. He took his present position two and one-half years ago, at the time of the retirement of F.E. Nichols.

Mr. McGaw is married and lives with his family at 1252 Twenty-fifth street.

1937- Obituary Scrapbook- Daughters of Utah Pioneers Obituary Scrapbook

Retired Rail Employ Succumbs at Home

OGDEN: William A. McGaw, 74, former agent at the local union freight office, and a lifetime resident of Ogden, died early Tuesday at his home, 1252 Twenty-fifth street, of heart disease.

He was born in Ogden May 2, 1863, a son of James and Mary McGaw, pioneer settlers. At the age of 14 he was employed by the Ogden Freeman, a semiweekly paper. He later worked as a pressman and compositor on the Dispatch, the Rustler, The Herald and the Pilot, early Ogden papers.

Mr. McGaw began working for the Union Pacific Railroad company as car clerk on September 13, 1883, and served them for 50 years. At various times he was cashier, chief clerk of the joint freight office of the Union Pacific, Southern Pacific and Ogden Short Lines, and finally, freight agent at the office. He was promoted to the latter position in 1931, and was retired June 1, 1933.

His first wife Lottie Jones McGaw, died February 1, 1914. On April 17, 1917, he married Cordelia Fife Fretwell, who survives him.

He was a charter member of the Ogden B.P.O. Elks, and attended a lodge meeting the evening before his death. He was also a member of the L. D. S. Church.

Surviving besides his widow are two stepsons, Lewis Fretwell and Clifford Fretwell, two sisters, Mrs. E.T. Hulaniski, Stockton, Cal., and Mrs. Mary Thomas, Marvista, Cal.

Funeral Announcement will be made by Larkin & Sons mortuary.

Obituary Desert News January 6, 1937- page 14
Salt Lake Tribune January 8, 1937- page 22

Cemetery Record list birth May 2, 1862 and death May 5, 1937. ^[71]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

His Biography to follow information on Children

FRANK MCGAW: BORN August 17, 1865 in Ogden Utah.

Patriarchal Blessing lists name and birth date.

He is five in the 1870 Federal Census and age 14 in the 1880 Federal Census. He died August 26, 1926 in San Francisco, San Mateo, California.

Obituary in Desert News 1926–28/26.6- Obituary Index.

MARY M. (MATILDA) MCGAW born in Utah June 27, 1869. ^[72]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

She is age 1 in 1870; listed at Tilla age 11 in 1880 living with sister Rosabella Hulaniski in Beaver Head River, Beaver Head, Montana.

She married Arthur H. Drake on April 30, 1890 in Ogden, Utah. ^[73]Utah Marriage Records.

She died May 23, 1890 in Ogden, Utah. She is listed as Tillie Drake. ^[74]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

MAY MCGAW born February 23, 1871 in Utah. ^[75]California Death Index – lists birth date and death date.

She was age 9 in 1880 census.

1900 Federal Census she is married and living next to Mother. She is born Feb. 1871. Husband Joseph Thomas, children Marjorie and Dorothy born both Dec. 1897. The census lists she had 5 children and two are living.

Mrs. McGaw age 24 married 2) Joseph H. Thomas June 24, 1895 in Ogden, Weber County, Utah by E. T. Hulaniski. ^[76]Weber County Marriages, Weber Book S page 175.

Listed in brother William A. McGaw obituary as sister Mrs. Mary Thomas, Marvista, California.

Joseph Hyrum Thomas is the son of Robert T. Thomas and Anne Catherine Erickson. He died February 9, 1918 in Ogden, Utah and is buried there. ^[77]Ogden City Cemetery Records http://www.ogdencity.com/ims/cemetery/default.asp

She died December 25, 1947 in Los Angles, California.

They had five children. Marjorie Thomas was born on Dec 4, 1897 in Utah and died December 19, 1893 in Orange County, California and Dorothy Mary Thomas born December 4, 1897 in Ogden, Utah. She died October 14, 1975 in Orange County, California and was buried in Ogden, Utah.

HARRY MCGAW born October 21, 1873 in Utah.

He was age 7 in 1880 census.

The Cemetery Record lists him born October 21, 1875 in Ogden, Utah.

Harry McGaw of Ogden married Daisy Wykes of Ogden- County of Record- Box Elder Co., Utah married in Brigham City June 5, 1897. Marriage record Volume 1 page 252.

He died June 4, 1898 in Ogden, Utah and is buried there.

His obituary say he died suddenly of heart failure, age 23, born in Ogden. Five years as a U.P. Freight Clerk. Three brother, two sisters and a mother survive. Funeral at Mother’s home 2549 Madison.

WILLIAM A. MCGAW 

(Son of James R. McGaw and Mary Matilda Bassett McGaw) ^[78]Utah Pioneer Biographies. Vol 29 page 115-137

Virginia P. Howell
August 2, 1938

William A. McGaw was born May 2, 1863, in the McGaw home on Washington Ave., where the George H. Lowe establishment now stands. His father and mother, James and Mary M. McGaw, came to Utah in 1853, settling first in Fillmore and later moving to Ogden.

In 1872 his father died, leaving his widowed mother with seven children to care for. She took in boarders as their house was at the time, the largest in town. There were as many as twenty boarders staying there at one time. She was forced to give up the strenuous work and when Billy was 14 years of age, he went to work.

Billy had a meager schooling. He attended school under Professor L. R. Moench, who taught in the county court house building (the same as still stand at 24^th Street between Adams and Washington Avenues.

His first job was on the Ogden Freeman, a semi weekly paper run by Leigh Freeman and devoted principally to the abuse of the Mormons. His duty was to run off the paper on an old hand press. He was so small a platform had to be built for him to stand upon to reach the lever. His younger brother Frank was known as the “devil” a term used to designate the one who inked the type. Billy agt $3.00 and Frank $2.00 a week, and this was the family income for some time.

February 1879 he went to work on the Dispatch, a newspaper published by Frank A. Cook, afterwards called the Rustler, and was employed as compositor on the Herald, under the management of E. A. Anderson and the Pilot, under E. A. Littlefied, until Sept. 12, 1883, when the Pilot suspended operation. Compositors were paid by the 1000 Ms and did not make much as it was all hand set type. They were often obliged to take produce for pay as money was scare.

Contemporary printers were: Alma D. Chambers, Thomas E. Browning, W.W. Browning, Ruben Eggleston, H.M. Bond.

September 13, 1883 he went to work for the Souther Pacific and Oregon Short Line Rail Road Company, Freight Department, under E. T. Hilaniski. The freight house was located in the old warehouse at 27^th Street and Pacific Avenue that had been used by Seebree, Ferris and Holt, dealers in wagons and agricultural implements. The Union Pacific freight office had burned down in 1881.

The railroad north from Ogden to Pocatello, a narrow guage, was called the Utah and Northern. From Ogden south to Salt Lake City was called the Utah Central, from Salt Lake City to Provo, the Utah Southern and west the Central Pacific. The Denver and Rio Grande Western had just reached Ogden and was a narrow guage. It came over the Souther Pacific a third rail was placed on their road bed for this purpose. The Oregon Short Line was later organized and the lines south and north of Ogden all consolidated under that name.

Mr. McGaw attributed his ability to handle the job of chief clerk for the Union Pacific, Souther Pacific and Oregon Short Line, to the work and experience he had in the newpaper offices.

On May 31, 1933, he was retired on a pension after having served continuously for 50 years. His first wife, Lottie Jones, died Feb. 14, 1914. He then married Cordelia Fife who survived him.

January 6, 1937 at the age of 74, Mr. McGaw died, he had seen the beginning of the newspapers in Ogden, worked as a pressman, and compositor in the days of pioneer journalism in this city. He was a fine type of citizen, mild mannered and generous in his prompting. His death brought back the story of the days when the foundations of this city were being established.

201-24th St.		MAURICE L. HOWE
Ogden, Utah		Virginia P. Howell
August 2, 1938		W. A. McGaw

Dear Mr. Howe:

The enclosed story of Mr. McGaw was written by Wells R. McBride, and published in the Standard in Sept. 1929 as nearly as I can figure the dates. I got it from Janet this morning, but there didn’t happen to be a date stamped on the clipping nor the copy. It was written when he had worked 46 years and that would make it 1929. While it didn’t mention anything about the plant being destroyed it did contain some interesting data, so I took the story down as a reference. I haven’t completed all of the research work on the Ogden papers as the Standard’s file’s have been out, at least the one I want. I may find it at the Library, and I’m going there now, and find out.

Source: Utah Pioneer Biographies- 979. 2 D 3u Vol 19 page 115.