William Spackman, a son of John Spackman and Susannah Orchard, was born 15 Sep 1823 in Poulshot or North Newton, Wiltshire, England.

He was privileged to live his youth and early manhood in the beautiful, green farming land which is Wiltshire, where he grew and developed as a scientific gardener and was noted as a lover of fine horses.

He was an honored and trustworthy citizen of his native community.

On 8 Sep 1845, William was married in Poulshot to Sarah Ward. Sarah was born 1 May 1814 at Pewsey, Wiltshire, England, a daughter of William Ward and Ann Brown. At the time of their marriage Sarah had a son, James Spanswick, born 12 Jun 1840 in Pewsey. James' father died when James was two years old.

Five children were born to this couple. They were Ellen, John, Annie (Ann), Georgianna and Jane.

William and Sarah embraced the Gospel of "Mormonism" at the hands of Elder Nathan Griffen and both were baptized 11 Dec 1852. They were the only members of their families to join the church. The Mormon missionaries were always welcome and made comfortable in their home.

Earnestly desiring to join the main body of the church, the family decided to emigrate to Utah. They sailed 25 Aug 1869 from Liverpool, England on the ship "Minnesota" in a company of 443 saints under the direction of Elder Maurius Ensign.

They arrived in New York City on 6 Sep and in Ogden 16 Sep, just ten days later. What a difference from the ox team and handcart. They came on the first train that pulled into Ogden on the Union Pacific, the train being compelled to stop overnight at Taylor's Mill, near Riverdale, while the last spikes were being driven. They were met by a number of their friends in Ogden who had preceded them from the Old World and partook with them of a most elegant lunch provided for the occasion this happy event took place on the spot where Scowcroft Warehouse was built. They proceded with them on to North Ogden traveling up Washington Ave., then very primitive with chuck and dust holes in abundance, and a forest of sunflowers on the side.

After their arrival in North Ogden, William resumed his favorite occupation of gardening, with farming and dairying added in a limited degree, though with marked success, and still showing his love of good horses.

The home he built for his family in 1870 is still standing (1983). The present address is Rear 548 East 2650 North, North Ogden. The original was one room, all rock construction. The walls were two feet thick. It is said to be part of the old fort wall. The other rooms are adobe brick and were added later.

He and his good wife raised their five children and three of their grandchildren in this home.

The grandchildren they helped raise were their son John's children, John William from the age of two (he was the child from John's first marriage), Sarah who was lame after she had polio and Joseph Parley who was eight years old when he went to help his grandparents with the chores and on the farm after John William married.

William was ordained an Elder on 10 Apr 1872 and was a member of the 3rd Quorum for 30 years. "He was one of the most substantial and trustworthy citizens of the ward and did considerable temple work."

He was a man of sterling integrity, a kind father, and affectionate husband and a highly respected citizen.

William and Sarah were sealed in the temple 10 Apr 1872 and their children were sealed to them 29 Oct 1890.

They lived to see their children grown and married in good families before their death in North Ogden, Utah. Sarah died 5 Dec 1900 and William 10 Apr 1902. The were both buried in the North Ogden Cemetery.

North Ogden has lost another of its pioneers and respected citizens in the death of William Spackman, who died this morning at 2 o'clock, at the residence of his daughter. Mrs Thomas Norras. The deceased was born in the county of Wilkshire, England, on September 15, 1823 and came to Utah in 1868 and settled in North Ogden. He leaves four living children, his wife died a little over a year ago.

Last Christmas Mr. Spackman went to visit his daughter, but contracted a sickness, from which he never recovered. Mr. Spackman is the step-father of Bishop Ward of North Ogden. The funeral will be announced later.

Mrs. Sarah Spackman, wife of Wm. Spackman, of North Ogden, died at her home, yesterday, at the age of 86 years, of old age. Mrs. Spackman was one of the pioneers of this county, and has for many years lived at North Ogden, where she has a host of warm friends who will regret her demise, as only the passing away of a good and true woman is regretted. She was a kind and loving wife and mother, and her children and grand-children will mourn the death of one who was uniformly kind, and whose presence among them was a blessing never to be forgotten. Mrs. Spackman was born in County Wilshire, England, in 1814, and she came to Ogden on the first passenger train which ever stopped here, when the depot was at the old Taylor Mill near Riverdale: she was baptized into the church some time before she left England, and was a devout and consistent member, strong in the faith all through her live. Among her children is Bishop Wards of North Ogden, in whom she took a great pride.

The funeral services will be held at the North Ogden meeting house Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Friends invited.

The funeral of "Grandma" Sarah Spackman will be held in the North Ogden