JAMES BOYACK RIRIE
James Boyack Ririe
James B Ririe was born in Springville, Utah in 1858, a son of Scottish converts to the church. He married Elizabeth Ann Morgan on April 28th, 1881, and established a farm in West Weber, Utah. Elizabeth was born in 1862 in Kaysville, Utah. In 1899, he was asked by the Prophet of the Mormon church to come to Canada to assess the possibilities to settlements there. Because he had 6 sons, he was called by their church to move to Magrath to help settle the area. This involved leaving a new home and considerable farming and ranching interests in Utah. The family took the train to Stirling which included nine box cars for their belongings. They arrived in Magrath in August of 1899, and began building a large 15 room home on the east end of town. They pitched tents on the Pothole to live in while they were building their house. In October, a blizzard occurred dumping 4 feet of snow over them. They finished their house and moved in on Christmas day. James, financially well off, was not required to work on canal construction, and was free to pursue his own business interests. In 1904, Elizabeth passed away after giving birth to her 2nd set of twins. On October 16th, 1908, James married Julia Hawkes who was a schoolteacher from Utah.
FAMILY
James and Elizabeth had 14 children and with Julia he had 4 daughters. Elizabeth's children were Ann Louise, James Alfred, Joseph William, David Leroy, Hannah Laura, Ephraim Lawrence, Harriet Olive, Morris Elmer, Edward Melvin, George Leonard, Hazel Viola, Horace, Baby Ririe (baby boy who passed away shortly after birth), and Lloyd. Julia's daughters were Velma, Margaret, Prudence, and Juliadean.
Elizabeth Ann Morgan Ririe
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Photo (back row L-R): Juliadean, Hannah Laura,
(Middle row): Margaret, Hazel Viola, Prudence,
(Front row): Ann Louise, Velma, Harriet Olive.
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Photo: (Back row L-R): Edward Melvin, James Alfred, Morris Elmer, Joseph William, Ephraim Lawrence, (Front row): Horace, James Boyack, Lloyd.
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OCCUPATION AND SKILLS
James had a large farming operation in Utah which included cattle, sheep, and horses. He purchased a large farm south of Magrath for his livestock. When the Taylor Stake was created he served on the high council for 30 years until his death. He was the 4th mayor of Magrath and held several positions in various business and agricultural organizations.
Elizabeth was the 1st doctor and dentist in Magrath. She had a large garden which she established from seeds brought from Utah. She also decorated her home with wall paper and put rag carpets on the floors. Her beautiful flower garden with a peacock strolling therein is referred to by many early residents of Magrath.
Elizabeth was the 1st doctor and dentist in Magrath. She had a large garden which she established from seeds brought from Utah. She also decorated her home with wall paper and put rag carpets on the floors. Her beautiful flower garden with a peacock strolling therein is referred to by many early residents of Magrath.
INTERESTING
Because of the size of their house, it was used for church meetings, government, and church leader visits. The Prophet Joseph F. Smith stayed their when Magrath held church Conference.
James was a well-read man and had many books and was very knowledgeable and insisted that his children study the gospel. He forgave many who had business dealings with him who could not pay their debts.
James was a well-read man and had many books and was very knowledgeable and insisted that his children study the gospel. He forgave many who had business dealings with him who could not pay their debts.
DETAILED HISTORY
A more detailed history of James and Elizabeth can be found in, "The Descendant Families of James Boyack Ririe and Elizabeth Ann Morgan and Julia Hawkes."
