William Tait

William Tait, his personal and family background, and his involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

William Tait

1818-1896

Biographical Sketch

Early Life in Ireland

William Tait was born in Downpatrick, County Down in Ulster Ireland. His parents were Ulster Irish or Scots-Irish. His father and wife (named Mary McGuire) was also from Ulster Ireland. Evidently Tait married Mary Pridley/Pridey (1822-?), also an Ulster Irish but she died.

In 1850, Tait married Elizabeth Xavier (1833-1914) (in Bombay, India??). In spring 1856, they (she?) left India for Liverpool, England (where a newborn of theirs died).

Immigration to America and onto Utah

They (she?) immigrated to the United States. (Is this the woman from British India who was on the Willie or Martin handcart companies??)

In the Iron Military District: ___________

According to John D. Lee, Tait arrived at Mountain Meadows with a militia company from Cedar City. Little else is known about Tait's role in the massacre.

References

FamilySearch.org; Lee, Mormonism Unveiled, ; the Lee Trial transcripts; Walker, et al, Massacre at Mountain Meadows, Appendix C.

 

Further information and confirmation needed.  Please comment below or contact editor@1857ironcountymilitia.com.