Dates

• Existence: 1908 - 2000

Biographical History

William Riley Hurst (1908-2000) was a Latter-day Saint farmer, rancher, businessman and mayor of Blanding, Utah.

William Riley Hurst was born on September 5, 1908 to George Arthur Hurst and Mary Maria Terry in Colonia Dublan, Mexico. In 1910 the family moved to Blanding, Utah.

Beginning in 1930, Hurst served a 32-month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the central United States. He married Carol Bayles on April 5, 1933 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The couple had 6 children.

William served in the navy during World War II, then worked as a bookkeeper from Lyman garage for 10 years. During this period, Hurst struggled with depression and alcoholism. In 1951 Hurst bought the Westside Market, and the family owned and operated it for 25 years. In 1958 Hurst was elected mayor of Blanding, Utah, and served for 3 terms. He later served as a San Juan County Comissioner.

William Riley Hurst died on February 5, 2000.

Citation:

FamilySearch, February 6, 2017 (William Riley Hurst; born September 5, 1908 in Colonia Dublán, Mexico; parents George Arthur Hurst Sr. and Mary Maria Terry; married Carol Bayles on April 5, 1933; 6 children; farmer, sheepherder, bookkeeper, storekeeper, trucker, petroleum distributor, missionary, janitor, car salesman, blacksmith, carpenter, muleskinner, teamster, cowboy, gold miner, clerk, mayor, County Commissioner; navy service; WWII; died Feb. 5 2017 in Blanding, Utah)

San Juan record, January 7, 2009 (Hurst family moved to Blanding, Utah from Mexico in 1910; 32-month mission starting in 1930; mayor of Blanding; San Juan County comissioner)

Interview, 14 Sep 1971 (William Riley Hurst)

Reminiscences of life in Blanding, Utah, c1976: t.p. (William Riley Hurst)

Oral interview, 1976 (William Riley Hurst)

Found in 1 Collection or Record: