Born to William Startup and Selina Morris in Widcombe, England, on September 8, 1846, William helped his father make candy as a child, beneath their retail store in the basement.[2] After William converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he alone out of his family immigrated to the United States. On November 14, 1869 William wed Hagar in Salt Lake City's Endowment House. Once married, William and Hagar settled in Salt Lake, hoping that William would be able to make a living as a teacher.