Henry John Davis was the 11th child of Titus and Mary Gwellian Bowen Davis, born the 7th of August 1859, in Llandilo, Cardiganshire Wales. He was four years old when his father and five sons and one daughter came to Utah in 1863. Leaving his Mother and one son, Jenkin in Wales. The Mother refused to go to “Zion” as was the desire of all those joining the Mormon Church and which the Church itself encouraged converts to do. 

Henry’s sister Gwennie was a real little mother to him during the long voyage and journey across the plains. His brothers remember him as a quiet little child, with a sweet and mild disposition, never complaining, regardless of the scant food and hardships to endure along the way. Gwennie would sleep with him in the wagon at night to keep him warm and to comfort him and see to his every need. They made their home in Willard, Utah, where many Welsh people had settled. 

As with most of the children of that day, schooling was simple and work was hard and long hours. As Henry grew older, he came to Salt Lake and worked for his older brother, David L. who was 20 years older and who owned a drygoods and grocery store. Located at about 140 West South Temple. Later with this store experience, he worked for the ZCMI wholesale Men’s department as a traveling salesman. He traveled all over Utah in a horse and buggy and special “driver” selling everything from the high-button shoes, to shirts with unattached collars. The collars were separate and were celluloid (similar to plastic) or stiff starched ones, which were held to the shirt front and back with “collar buttons”. Wide “cravats” were always very much in demand to be well-dressed in that day. A “store-bought” suit was the mark of a gentleman and especially if he sported a “bowler” hat. However, work clothes were more in demand due to the industry of the people in this area and were a necessary part of Henry’s samples. 

Henry worked for 28 years in this same position, until he retired. The true character and love of home and family is surely made evident by Henry for every day he wrote a letter home and each one began, “Dear Alice”. Through 28 years, many letters were delivered home and all filled with love and happenings of his day. 

He married Sarah Alice Stephens the 25th of November 1855, in the Logan Temple. They first lived in a small home on the Stephen’s farm at 256 West 5th South, Salt Lake City, Utah which Alice’s parents, Thomas Davis and Mary Ann Webb Stephens had moved from when they built a new brick home on the same property. Later Alice inherited a home at 45 East North Temple from her father. They lived here for several years until Henry retired. When he became ill, he wanted to move back into the home on 5th South-their first home which was filled with wonderful memories, and where all the children had been born. Henry died the 25th of April, 1925. 

They had 8 children: Harry Stephens, Thomas Stephens, Mary Alice Stephens, William John, Harold Stephens, Helen Lorena, Norma Louise and Rula Merle. 

(Next page is a Birth registration of Henry Davies.)