Son of Robert Taylor Burton and Maria Susan Haven

Married Julia Marie Horne, 6 March 1872, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

Married Eloise Crismon, 11 June 1879, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah

History - William Shipley Burton, eldest son of Robert Taylor Burton and his wife, Maria Susan Haven, was born September 27, 1850 in Great Salt Lake City in the two-room house built by his father on the corner of what is now 1st South and 3rd West. His father was in the North and did not know that he had a son until some weeks later.

As the oldest son, William was given much responsibility early in life especially in the breaking and training of horses and driving teams in difficult situations. His 15th birthday as spent at Cove Fort, accompanying his father to St. George with President Young's company. He drove the principal baggage wagon. In the summer of 1868, he drove a four-mule team East on a mission, William attended the Deseret University (now the University of Utah) studying engineering and soon gained a name as a mathematician. The President of BYU offered him a fellowship to teach mathematics and the opportunity to take whatever subjects he chose; however, he was unable to accept as his father needed him to help attend to his business.

In March, 1872, he married Julia Horne. The following November, she died in childbirth, and their infant daughter died a few months later. In 1877 William was called to England on a mission. On September 16, 1878 he was called to preside over the Birmingham Conference (Mission). Four months later, President Wm. Budge, then in charge of the European Mission, Complimented him for more than doubling both the tithing and attendance and for the many converts he had baptized. In his quiet, winning way, he had the knack of making friends wherever he went. In April, 1879, came a special cable calling him home for special work before the completion of his mission.

On June 11, 1879, he married Eloise Crismon, daughter of George Crismon and Mary Louise Tanner. They had nine children: Evadna (Mrs. James Burt), Leone (Mrs. Jacob Jensen), Theresa (Mrs. Charles Brown), Eloise (Mrs. John Scoville), Vernixe (Mrs. Edwin Hatch), Florence (Mrs John Reeve), her twin, Ralph (Cloma Taylor), Helen (Mrs. Lynn Rabould), and George Crismon Burton.

William was often called upon to help his father with his civic duties. This encouraged him to pursue similar jobs; these included being appointed a deputy sheriff in January 1873, a constable in 1874 and a deputy sheriff again in January 1877. He was twice elected Assessor in 1883 and 1884 and served as a special policeman in 1885. Later he was involved in building and construction work. He was a contractor for the Deseret News Building, The First Congregational Church and other well-known city structures. He was also active in mining and mill construction.

In October 1904 his beloved wife Eloise died. His deep affection for his children was shown in loving care and devotion he gave them after their mother's death, keeping them a closely knit family. Helen recalls how he used to build a fire in the big fireplace and read to the younger children. Always kind and thoughtful, with a quiet sense of humor, his personality was a wonderful example to all his children and grandchildren.

William was one of the early organizers of YMMIA. Active in the LDS Church all his life, he was ordained a High Priest of Salt Lake Stake on April 29, 1906, and he served as a missionary in Ensign Stake in 1921. He lived an exemplary life with a deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He died at age 81 on November, 1931. His descendants, besides the 7 daughters and 2 sons, number 21 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 95 great-great grandchildren.

Written by Helen Raybould, daughter of William Shipley Burton.