A Shepherd of Land and People: Remembering John C. MacKay

John C. MacKay (1857–1943): Pioneer Stockman, Peacemaker, and Civic Leader

Grandfather & Early Pioneer Roots
John C. MacKay was born in 1857, a grandson of Thomas MacKay—one of the earliest pioneers to cross “over Jordan” and settle what would become the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. Carrying forward that pioneering spirit, John dedicated his long life to building both his family and his community.

Family & Farm Life
In 1907, John married Catherine Moses. 2 months after John and Catherine were married they had a local builder (Archie Frame from Taylorsville) build them a new 2 bedroom home at 3840 Redwood Road, and together they raised twelve children . As the family grew so did the home with additions. He was a devoted husband and father, remembered by his children for his steady work on the family farm—milking cows, making butter. grain, beets, vegetables of all types, chickens, cows, pigs, ducks & turkeys.

Stockman & Peacemaker
John’s principal occupation was as a stock raiser and sheepman. Widely known across Utah and Wyoming, he built a reputation for his prize-winning flocks—one of his ewe lambs took first prize at the Utah State Fair in 1889, and a prized Merino won again in 1892. He served as president of the Utah Wool Growers Association and organized the Western Wyoming Loan and Livestock Company, helping fellow ranchers strengthen their industry. Grazing feuds were common in his day, but John was known as a calm peacemaker, often settling disputes before they turned violent.

Civic Service & Leadership
John’s civic contributions were equally significant. He was a member of Utah’s first State Legislature and one of the signers of the Utah State Constitution. From 1904 to 1912, he served as a Salt Lake County Commissioner, overseeing modern improvements like electric lights in the Salt Lake Valley, better roads surfaced with slag instead of mud, and the relocation of smelters whose smoke once ruined farmland. He also served as president of the North Jordan Canal Company and was a trusted supporter of Utah’s first governor, Heber M. Wells. John often walked miles as a surveyor for the Mountain States Telephone Company and Utah Power & Light. He also served four years as the Salt Lake County Surveyor

Education & Professional Work
As a child he taught the younger students while still attending school himself. . Known for his skill in math, mapmaking, and fine lettering, John earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah) in 1877, majoring in math and science. He paid his way by keeping books for local businesses and later served as president of the University’s Alumni Association. He was famous for walking all the way from Redwood Road to the University—proof of his unwavering determination. A dedicated and educated man,

Religious Devotion & Legacy
John C. MacKay was active and influential in both church and community life. He counted the family of Brigham Young among his friends—a testament to the respect he earned as a fair-minded, fearless man who embodied the pioneer spirit in every sense.

Through his years of service, stewardship of the land, and commitment to faith, family, and community, John C. MacKay left an enduring legacy that still echoes in the Hunter–Granger area today.

The home began as a 2 bedroom home. As the family grew so did the home.