Thomas was born 1 April, 1815 to Robert Davenport and Ann Jarvis. He was born in the little Parish of Brampton, Derbyshire, England. He was Robert and Ann's 5th child.
Though nothing is written on the subject,I picture Thomas growing up in a humble home with many children and a love of music. I have traveled the countryside of England with its rolling hills and quaint villages and churches. Every village has a church. Although I never found the "Brampton Parish" where Thomas was born and Christened, I imagine not much has changed, except perhaps the name, because in every village, there are 200 year old homes and ancient churches.
Thomas grew to a man and at the age of 21, he married his sweetheart, Sarah Burrows, daughter of John Burrows and Charlotte Barber. She was born on 24 July 1811 in the Parish of Eckington, Derbyshire, England. They were married on 28 August 1836 at Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
Ah, York! In my travels through England in 2003, I was surprised at how much I loved York! The city is a walled city which protected its inhabitants for centuries from outside dangers. A walk down the narrow, cobblestone streets takes one back to earlier times ~ not much has changed.
Thomas and Sarah lived in the same little Brampton Parish he was born in and began their family there. Their firstborn was a son, William, who was born 28 May 1837 in the Parish of Brampton, in the County of Derby, England. Two years later, another son, Thomas, was born. His birthday was 7 April 1839, also in the Parish of Brampton. Poor little Thomas must have been a frail little one, or suffered some devastating illness, because he was taken from them on 16 February 1840, barely 10 months old. He is buried at St. Thomas Church in Brampton, Derbyshire.
Four years later, John Davenport (my Great Grandfather) was born. His birth date was 17 December 1844, also in the Parish of Brampton. Their next child, and the last to be born in England, was a daughter, Sarah Ann. She was born on Valentine's Day, 14 February 1847, also in the Parish of Brampton.
It was about this time that there was a great Missionary movement in England. Thomas must have come upon a Missionary street meeting or perhaps found his way to a church service or fireside chat. At any rate, he found great interest in the message, accepted the truths of the Gospel with his whole heart and was baptised 21 April 1847. Sarah took a few weeks longer to enter the waters of baptism, but she did consent and was baptised 8 June 1847. Thomas was ordained a Teacher initially, and in a few months time he was ordained a Priest. On the 7th of April, 1848, he was ordained an Elder and was appointed to preside over the little branch where they lived.
Oh what a burning testimony he must have had! In a short one year he went from baptism to Branch President! He must have surely been a chosen vessel through whom a special posterity has come. One morning on his way to Priesthood meeting, the inspiration came into his heart and mind to write the words of "Come, All Ye Sons Of God" (Hymn #322 in our Hymn Book). I have read these words many times and gained insight into the powerful testimony that this man had, of not only missionary work, but the Gospel, as well. Though Thomas didn't write the music, the arrangement is his.
Being a writer of prose and poetry, and having dabbled in writing music myself, I can appreciate his appeal to the sons (and I would add daughters today) of God to spread the Gospel; his appeal to the "scattered sheep" to listen to the voice of the shepherd; and the promise that "all who are faithful" shall enjoy heavenly bliss.
On 16 November 1848, Thomas was set apart as a traveling Elder to preach the Gospel. He continued in this calling until November of 1859 -- 11 years! That's a very long time to be a Missionary. But, Thomas was a man of "fervor and zeal" and took his calling seriously.
Thomas was a potter by trade, and worked 6 days a week. On Sunday, he did his Missionary work, traveling on foot throughout many counties in England. He was instrumental in bringing about the conversion of more than 50 persons into the Gospel and traveled some 1,849 miles, proselyting for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This has been just a brief history of the man and his faith and conversion. In my next entry, I will talk about the little family's travels that brought them to America.
How very grateful I am for the man who listened to the Missionary preaching in England. Because of him, the Davenport line has gained strength and numbers and have grown so much in the Gospel. I am so grateful for my Great Great Grandfather and his zeal and love of the Gospel. I am grateful for his poetic voice that speaks to me in my heart today. He is my example.
