Individual Details
Thomas DAY
(8 Jul 1816 - 24 Aug 1875)
Helen Terry has his name as Thomas William Day
!Second marriage to Mary Chapman & sealed in E. H. 23 Nov. 1870.
The Census record in England in 1861 showed:
Address 7 Queen Square, Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Thomas Day, head, Married, age 44, Straw Bonnet Blocker, born Bughclere, Hants,
Elizabeth Day, wife, M, age 39, born Hertford
Henry Day, son, age 16, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Francis Day, son, age 14, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Elizabeth Day, daughter, age 12, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Mary Ann Day, daughter, age 10, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Jane Day, daughter, age 9, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Ellen Day, daughter, age 5, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Emily Day, daughter, age 3, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
John Day, son, age 7 months, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Census taken 8 April 1861
Ollie's group sheet: 1861 Census Luton England, Vital records England, Par. Reg. Burghclere, & Hertfort St. Andrews, and Temple records, Index Burear as well as Family records.
History
Thomas & Elizabeth left England June 4, 1868 on sailing ship "John Bright". Thomas and Elizabeth joined the church in England, came to Salt Lake but were not sealed to each other. He was subject to Epalepsi. They were divorced. Elizabeth married James Bird and was sealed to him in Endowment House. The children of Thomas and Elizabeth were sealed by proxy in the Salt Lake Temple to Elizabeth and James Bird on 6 Nov 1958.
Endowment House records pg 313, pg 114, 23 Nov 1870. Luton Branch records 1844-1849, 1855. Church Emigration records 1850-1869. Birth Certificates. Deseret News Daily Aug. 28, 1875. "Sudden Death".
Original family group sheet: 1861 Census Luton England, Vital Records - England, Par Reg. Burghelere, Hertfort St. Andrews, Temple records, Index Bureau and family records.
A Brief History of
Thomas and Elizabeth Merchant Day
Thomas Day and Elizabeth Merchant were married in a Baptist meeting according to the rights and ceremonies of the Baptist's, by Henry Burgess the Minister, on 15 November 1842 in Luton, Bedrod, England.
The 1861 census records of Luton show that Thomas Day was a strawbonnet blocker and it is believed that Elizabeth was in the wholesale millinery business having a large number of employees working for her. All hats were made by hand at that time.
Thomas was the son of John Day, an agricultural worker, and Elizabeth Talbot.
It is believed that Thomas Day was a Baptist Minister in England. He was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Pace of St. George, Utah who was on a mission in England. Thomas was baptized in September 1844. The membership records of the Luton Branch 1844 to 1849 show that Elizabeth Day was baptized 14 July 1845 at the age of 23, by Ed Davis. These records also show that Thomas Day was ordained an Elder 16 June 1847, age 29. They were both excommunicated 15 October 1847. Six years later the Luton Branch records show that Elizabeth was re-baptized by Elder J. Parsons 20 November 1852. No record has been found as yet of Thomas's re-baptism, of which he was.
Thomas and Elizabeth had 9 children all of which were born in Luton, Bedrod England.
William, their first-born arrived on 12 October 1843, then Henry born 13 March 1845. Francis followed on 31 August 1846. Their first daughter was born to this union 1 July 1848. Mary Ann, often called Polly, was born 22 May 1850. Jane, or Janie as she was called, joined the family 2 October 1851. Ellen, also called Nell, arrived 10 August 1855. Emily, nicknamed Emma, was born 14 February 1858. Their family was finally completed with John being born 20 August 1860.
No record has been found of William as to what happened to him. The census records do not show him with the family, perhaps married or off working.
Henry died July 1863 at the tender age of 18.
Francis was the first to leave England at the age of 14 (1860). He left because of a whipping from his father because he threw rocks at some ministers getting off of a ship. (See his history). He went to Liverpool where he became a stowaway on the ship "John J. Boyd" for America. In his history he tells of his mother, Elizabeth, while still in England helping Brigham Young and as a result he saw that she was well taken care of after coming to America.
The rest of the family left in the one hundred and forty four company on the Sailing Ship "John Bright" bound for New York, Thursday 4 June 1868. The ship roster shows there were 722 Saints in the company. It was intended that the emigrants that year should crossed the Atlantic by Steamers, but on account of the high price demanded for Steamer passage, the voyage had to be made by some in Sailing Vessels. The youngest son John related that while on the voyage he slipped on the wet deck and broke his leg.
The company arrived safely in New York 13 July 1868 and on the following day, 14 July, they got aboard a train and started their journey westward. They traveled via Chicago and Omaha and then on the Union Pacific railroad to Laramie City, Wyoming. The fare from New York to Omaha was $14.00 and from Omaha to Laramie, which was the terminus of the railraod was $21.00. Those who would stop to work on the Union Pacific were conveyed all the way for $14.00.
This faithful Company of Saints arrived in Laramie on 23 July 1868. They were met by the Church wagon trains and it is believed that Thomas Day and family left there in the John B. Murdock company **See note at bottom), arriving in Salt Lake City 17 Aug 1868. Most of the Saints on the ship "John Bright" left Laramie on 27 July in the Horton B. Haight's company and arriving in Salt Lake City 24 Aug. 1868.
It is not known exactly where they lived or what they did after arriving in Salt Lake. They lived somewhere on the east side of town.
Thomas was subject to epilepsy and must have had some hard seizers. Thomas and Elizabeth were divorced on 13 November 1869, one year and three months after arriving in Salt Lake. It is believed that Thomas sickness lead to this separation. Each married again, Elizabeth married James Bird and was sealed to him in the Endowment House on 8 February 1870. (The children of Thomas and Elizabeth were sealed by proxy to Elizabeth and James Bird on 6 November 1958 in Salt Lake City Temple). Thomas was sealed to Mary Chapman by proxy, (his daughter Elizabeth Day Hawkins acting as proxy for her) in the Endowment House on 31 October 1870.
*****Note: Uncle Pres 2008 said that he never married Mary Chapman in life. That she never came to America. She was a spinster in England, a family friend.
Thomas's death was found recorded in the Deseret News Daily, August 25, 1875 as follows ----
"Sudden Death" Last evening 24th half past 5 o'clock, Thomas Day was found lying dead in a lot opposite the M. E. Church, third south street. He had been subject to very severe Epileptic fits for a long time and the reasonable presumption is that he expired while under an attack of that malady, such being the verdict of the jury at the inquest subsequently held over the body. Deceased was a native of England and about 45 years old." (His actual age was 59). He is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery in a lot that was purchased by his son Francis. Also buried there are, his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Richard Hawkins, his daughter Emily or Emma and a son of Mary Ann's named John Francis Showell.
It is believed that because of Thomas's illness of epilepsy that this might have been the cause of family problems that existed such as the divorce and the two sons leaving home at an early age. (Francis and John).
Francis married Caroline Emett, later married Mary Ann Norton, and lived most of their lives and raised their family in Arizona. He died and was buried in Eager, Arizona.
Elizabeth married Richard Hawkins and they lived in Salt Lake City. No record has been found if they had any children.
Mary Ann married George Showell and they lived in Salt Lake and had a family of four children. After his death she married Samual Charles Hull.
Jane married Edmund Bird, who was a son of James Bird who married and was sealed to her mother Elizabeth. They lived in Beaver, Utah and also in Salt Lake City. She raised her family in Beaver and Millard Counties. She died and was buried in Kanosh, Utah.
Ellen married George Henry Smith. She was a mother of three children and a widow at age 21. She then married Arthur Croxford and they had no family. Her life was spent in Salt Lake City.
Emily died a year after they came to Salt Lake City.
John left home as a young man and went to Southern Utah herding sheep. On 5 November he married Lucy Philena Canfield (Emett). She having been married to Thomas Carlos Emett previously. They lived in Hamblin or also known as Mountain Meadows. They also lived at the old Castle Ranch, up the canyon from New Castle. Their next move was to Enterprise. He married again to Sarah Bell Tait on 16 June 1904. (see his history). John and Lucy were sealed by proxy 24 Nov 1989 and their 3 children were sealed to them in the St. George Temple.
Written by Preston Hunt.
Proxy Individual
Elwin Hunt ---------------------- Thomas Day, husband
Gene Hunt ----------------------- Elizabeth Merchant, wife
Cordon Hunt --------------------- William Day, child
Elwin G. Hunt-------------------- Henry Day, child
Dean Wood------------------------Francis Day, child
Darlene Hunt--------------------- Elizabeth Day, child
Peggy Hunt----------------------- Mary Ann Day, child
Lynnette Hunt-------------------- Jane Day, child
Candace Fackrell----------------- Ellen Day, child
Allyson H. Wood------------------ Emily Day, child
Preston Hunt--------------------- John Day, child
Sealing in Jordon River Temple - 3/19/93
John G. Holman Company (1868)
Departure: 1 September 1868 Arrival in Salt Lake Valley: 25 September 1868 Company Information: About 650 individuals and 62 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Benton, Wyoming. FIELD NAME Page VALUE New York 1851-1891 _INFO P FIELD NAME Page VALUE Deseret News Daily, August 25, 1875 _INFO P
!Second marriage to Mary Chapman & sealed in E. H. 23 Nov. 1870.
The Census record in England in 1861 showed:
Address 7 Queen Square, Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Thomas Day, head, Married, age 44, Straw Bonnet Blocker, born Bughclere, Hants,
Elizabeth Day, wife, M, age 39, born Hertford
Henry Day, son, age 16, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Francis Day, son, age 14, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Elizabeth Day, daughter, age 12, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Mary Ann Day, daughter, age 10, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Jane Day, daughter, age 9, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Ellen Day, daughter, age 5, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Emily Day, daughter, age 3, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
John Day, son, age 7 months, born Luton, Bedfordshire, England
Census taken 8 April 1861
Ollie's group sheet: 1861 Census Luton England, Vital records England, Par. Reg. Burghclere, & Hertfort St. Andrews, and Temple records, Index Burear as well as Family records.
History
Thomas & Elizabeth left England June 4, 1868 on sailing ship "John Bright". Thomas and Elizabeth joined the church in England, came to Salt Lake but were not sealed to each other. He was subject to Epalepsi. They were divorced. Elizabeth married James Bird and was sealed to him in Endowment House. The children of Thomas and Elizabeth were sealed by proxy in the Salt Lake Temple to Elizabeth and James Bird on 6 Nov 1958.
Endowment House records pg 313, pg 114, 23 Nov 1870. Luton Branch records 1844-1849, 1855. Church Emigration records 1850-1869. Birth Certificates. Deseret News Daily Aug. 28, 1875. "Sudden Death".
Original family group sheet: 1861 Census Luton England, Vital Records - England, Par Reg. Burghelere, Hertfort St. Andrews, Temple records, Index Bureau and family records.
A Brief History of
Thomas and Elizabeth Merchant Day
Thomas Day and Elizabeth Merchant were married in a Baptist meeting according to the rights and ceremonies of the Baptist's, by Henry Burgess the Minister, on 15 November 1842 in Luton, Bedrod, England.
The 1861 census records of Luton show that Thomas Day was a strawbonnet blocker and it is believed that Elizabeth was in the wholesale millinery business having a large number of employees working for her. All hats were made by hand at that time.
Thomas was the son of John Day, an agricultural worker, and Elizabeth Talbot.
It is believed that Thomas Day was a Baptist Minister in England. He was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Pace of St. George, Utah who was on a mission in England. Thomas was baptized in September 1844. The membership records of the Luton Branch 1844 to 1849 show that Elizabeth Day was baptized 14 July 1845 at the age of 23, by Ed Davis. These records also show that Thomas Day was ordained an Elder 16 June 1847, age 29. They were both excommunicated 15 October 1847. Six years later the Luton Branch records show that Elizabeth was re-baptized by Elder J. Parsons 20 November 1852. No record has been found as yet of Thomas's re-baptism, of which he was.
Thomas and Elizabeth had 9 children all of which were born in Luton, Bedrod England.
William, their first-born arrived on 12 October 1843, then Henry born 13 March 1845. Francis followed on 31 August 1846. Their first daughter was born to this union 1 July 1848. Mary Ann, often called Polly, was born 22 May 1850. Jane, or Janie as she was called, joined the family 2 October 1851. Ellen, also called Nell, arrived 10 August 1855. Emily, nicknamed Emma, was born 14 February 1858. Their family was finally completed with John being born 20 August 1860.
No record has been found of William as to what happened to him. The census records do not show him with the family, perhaps married or off working.
Henry died July 1863 at the tender age of 18.
Francis was the first to leave England at the age of 14 (1860). He left because of a whipping from his father because he threw rocks at some ministers getting off of a ship. (See his history). He went to Liverpool where he became a stowaway on the ship "John J. Boyd" for America. In his history he tells of his mother, Elizabeth, while still in England helping Brigham Young and as a result he saw that she was well taken care of after coming to America.
The rest of the family left in the one hundred and forty four company on the Sailing Ship "John Bright" bound for New York, Thursday 4 June 1868. The ship roster shows there were 722 Saints in the company. It was intended that the emigrants that year should crossed the Atlantic by Steamers, but on account of the high price demanded for Steamer passage, the voyage had to be made by some in Sailing Vessels. The youngest son John related that while on the voyage he slipped on the wet deck and broke his leg.
The company arrived safely in New York 13 July 1868 and on the following day, 14 July, they got aboard a train and started their journey westward. They traveled via Chicago and Omaha and then on the Union Pacific railroad to Laramie City, Wyoming. The fare from New York to Omaha was $14.00 and from Omaha to Laramie, which was the terminus of the railraod was $21.00. Those who would stop to work on the Union Pacific were conveyed all the way for $14.00.
This faithful Company of Saints arrived in Laramie on 23 July 1868. They were met by the Church wagon trains and it is believed that Thomas Day and family left there in the John B. Murdock company **See note at bottom), arriving in Salt Lake City 17 Aug 1868. Most of the Saints on the ship "John Bright" left Laramie on 27 July in the Horton B. Haight's company and arriving in Salt Lake City 24 Aug. 1868.
It is not known exactly where they lived or what they did after arriving in Salt Lake. They lived somewhere on the east side of town.
Thomas was subject to epilepsy and must have had some hard seizers. Thomas and Elizabeth were divorced on 13 November 1869, one year and three months after arriving in Salt Lake. It is believed that Thomas sickness lead to this separation. Each married again, Elizabeth married James Bird and was sealed to him in the Endowment House on 8 February 1870. (The children of Thomas and Elizabeth were sealed by proxy to Elizabeth and James Bird on 6 November 1958 in Salt Lake City Temple). Thomas was sealed to Mary Chapman by proxy, (his daughter Elizabeth Day Hawkins acting as proxy for her) in the Endowment House on 31 October 1870.
*****Note: Uncle Pres 2008 said that he never married Mary Chapman in life. That she never came to America. She was a spinster in England, a family friend.
Thomas's death was found recorded in the Deseret News Daily, August 25, 1875 as follows ----
"Sudden Death" Last evening 24th half past 5 o'clock, Thomas Day was found lying dead in a lot opposite the M. E. Church, third south street. He had been subject to very severe Epileptic fits for a long time and the reasonable presumption is that he expired while under an attack of that malady, such being the verdict of the jury at the inquest subsequently held over the body. Deceased was a native of England and about 45 years old." (His actual age was 59). He is buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery in a lot that was purchased by his son Francis. Also buried there are, his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Richard Hawkins, his daughter Emily or Emma and a son of Mary Ann's named John Francis Showell.
It is believed that because of Thomas's illness of epilepsy that this might have been the cause of family problems that existed such as the divorce and the two sons leaving home at an early age. (Francis and John).
Francis married Caroline Emett, later married Mary Ann Norton, and lived most of their lives and raised their family in Arizona. He died and was buried in Eager, Arizona.
Elizabeth married Richard Hawkins and they lived in Salt Lake City. No record has been found if they had any children.
Mary Ann married George Showell and they lived in Salt Lake and had a family of four children. After his death she married Samual Charles Hull.
Jane married Edmund Bird, who was a son of James Bird who married and was sealed to her mother Elizabeth. They lived in Beaver, Utah and also in Salt Lake City. She raised her family in Beaver and Millard Counties. She died and was buried in Kanosh, Utah.
Ellen married George Henry Smith. She was a mother of three children and a widow at age 21. She then married Arthur Croxford and they had no family. Her life was spent in Salt Lake City.
Emily died a year after they came to Salt Lake City.
John left home as a young man and went to Southern Utah herding sheep. On 5 November he married Lucy Philena Canfield (Emett). She having been married to Thomas Carlos Emett previously. They lived in Hamblin or also known as Mountain Meadows. They also lived at the old Castle Ranch, up the canyon from New Castle. Their next move was to Enterprise. He married again to Sarah Bell Tait on 16 June 1904. (see his history). John and Lucy were sealed by proxy 24 Nov 1989 and their 3 children were sealed to them in the St. George Temple.
Written by Preston Hunt.
Proxy Individual
Elwin Hunt ---------------------- Thomas Day, husband
Gene Hunt ----------------------- Elizabeth Merchant, wife
Cordon Hunt --------------------- William Day, child
Elwin G. Hunt-------------------- Henry Day, child
Dean Wood------------------------Francis Day, child
Darlene Hunt--------------------- Elizabeth Day, child
Peggy Hunt----------------------- Mary Ann Day, child
Lynnette Hunt-------------------- Jane Day, child
Candace Fackrell----------------- Ellen Day, child
Allyson H. Wood------------------ Emily Day, child
Preston Hunt--------------------- John Day, child
Sealing in Jordon River Temple - 3/19/93
John G. Holman Company (1868)
Departure: 1 September 1868 Arrival in Salt Lake Valley: 25 September 1868 Company Information: About 650 individuals and 62 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Benton, Wyoming. FIELD NAME Page VALUE New York 1851-1891 _INFO P FIELD NAME Page VALUE Deseret News Daily, August 25, 1875 _INFO P
Events
| Birth | 8 Jul 1816 | Burghclere, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom |  | ||
| Christen | 9 Jul 1816 | Burghclere, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom | |||
| Marriage | 15 Nov 1842 | Luton, Bedfordshire, England - Elizabeth MERCHANT | |||
| Emigration | 1868 | John G. Holman Company To Utah | |||
| Marriage | 23 Nov 1870 | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States - Living |  | ||
| Burial | Aug 1875 | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States | |||
| Death | 24 Aug 1875 | Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States | | ||
| Divorce | Elizabeth MERCHANT | ||||
| Divorce | Elizabeth MERCHANT | ||||
| Divorced | Divorced - Elizabeth MERCHANT | ||||
| Divorced | Divorced - Elizabeth MERCHANT | ||||
| Divorced | Divorced - Elizabeth MERCHANT | ||||
| Occupation | Straw Bonnet Blocker - Burghclere, Hampshire, England, United Kingdom | |
Families
| Spouse | Living |
| Spouse | Elizabeth MERCHANT (1821 - 1893) |
| Child | William DAY (1843 - ) |
| Child | Henry DAY (1845 - 1863) |
| Child | Francis DAY (1846 - 1938) |
| Child | Elizabeth DAY (1848 - 1891) |
| Child | Mary Ann DAY (1850 - 1910) |
| Child | Jane DAY (1851 - 1902) |
| Child | Ellen DAY (1855 - 1929) |
| Child | Emily DAY (1858 - 1869) |
| Child | John DAY SR. (1860 - 1930) |
| Father | John DAY (1779 - 1855) |
| Mother | Elizabeth TALBOT (1779 - 1861) |
| Sibling | William DAY (1807 - ) |
| Sibling | Mary Ann DAY (1809 - 1828) |
| Sibling | Eliza DAY (1811 - ) |
| Sibling | John DAY (1812 - ) |
| Sibling | Harriet DAY ( - 1828) |
| Sibling | Emily DAY (1818 - ) |
Notes
Marriage
He never actually married Mary Chapman, but rather was sealed to her after his death by his children. Mary had been a family friend in England. I do not believe she ever immigrated to the United States.Occupation
Occupation Notes The Straw Hat industry was a very important home industry in the St Albans and Luton area (which is why the Luton Football team is called the Hatters).Straw was split along its length and plaited into long strips by women and children at home and sold on to dealers, with others using the plait to make straw hats. Very large numbers of people were involved and the 1881 census for St Albans Abbey Parish includes some 500 people who are clearly linked to the industry. Occupations mentioned include Bleacher of Straw Plait, Blocker, Bonnet Sewer, Brazilian Hat Manufacturer, Clerk In Straw Factory, Commercial Traveller Straw Hats, Felt And Straw Hat Manufacturer, Hat & Bonnet Sewer, Hat Blocker, Hat Sewer, Hat Stiffener, Hat Trimmer, Plait Basket Maker, Plait Maker, Plait Miller, Plait Sewer, Straw Basket Maker, Straw Finisher, Straw Hat Blocker, Straw Hat Finisher, Straw Hat Machinist, Straw Hat Maker, Straw Hat Manufacturer, Straw Hat Packer, Straw Hat Sewer, Straw Hat Stiffener, Straw Hat Trimmer, Straw Plaiter, Straw Sewer, Straw Tailor.
Initially it was impossible to dye straw but I believe one of the first successful dyes was a red dye made from Brazil wood. While I have not seen a formal definition I am pretty sure that a Brazilian Hat Manufacturer made straw hats incorporating coloured straw.
From "Hertfordshire - Little Guide -1903": The wages earned by peasant girls and women in this employment were formerly high; 100 years ago a woman, if dexterous, might earn as much as £1 per week, but the increase in machinery and the competition from foreign plait has almost destroyed this cottage industry in some districts. During the last twenty years several large straw hat manufactories have been erected in St. Albans, and the trade enlarged, although the conditions of production are altered
Endnotes
1. Passenger Lists, New York 1851-1891.
2. Newspaper Clippings, Deseret News Daily, August 25, 1875.