William Alma Young

William was born 28 Aug 1805 near Springfield, Robertson County, Tennessee, son of Jacob & Mary Boren Young. His mother divorced her husband and moved away from Tennessee. But later she would remarry and move back to Tennessee (Gibson County). There William would marry Leah Holland Smith on 11 Nov 1826. In 1841, while several members of the family were gathered together, they were taught by Elder John McIntosh and Elder Timmons. William and others his family joined the Mormon Church.

William and his brother Alfred "were so excited about their new religion that they traveled back to middle Tennessee to find their natural father Jacob Young and his family, with the intention of converting them also. In connection with others, they were involved in preaching the gospel of the Mormon church to relatives, friends and other people in Tennessee until about 60 had joined. During this time, they were impressed with the power of the new priesthood they possessed, and became more convinced than ever that the principles of the church were true."

In Utah, William was a private in Company I in John D. Lee's 4th battalion in the Iron Military District; As such he has been identified as one of the shooters at the Massacre at Mountain Meadows. He ultimately testified at Lee's trial.

He died 2 Sep 1875 in Washington City, Washington Co Utah and buried in the old section of the Washington City cemetery 3 Sep 1875. He was one of the first settlers in Washington City, Utah.