Thomas Davis Giles journals
Scope and Contents
Materials include a holograph journal and photocopies of two holograph journals. The original holograph item is in Welsh and dates from 1852-1856. This journal has been photocopied. Also includes a photocopy of a journal in English that dates from 1850-1856. Giles was an 1844 convert to the Mormon church and served as a local official in that organization in Great Britain. He was blind and his diary is believed to have been penned by William Lewis and others. Giles recounts many instances of his preaching and meeting with other Mormon Church leaders in Great Britain. Dated 1850-1856.
Dates
- 1850-1856
Creator
- Giles, Thomas Davis, 1820-1895 (Person)
Language of Materials
Materials are in Welsh and English.
Conditions Governing Access
Open for public research.
Conditions Governing Use
It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Thomas Davis Giles journals must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.
Biographical History
Thomas Davis Giles (1820-1895) was an early convert to Mormonism in Wales and became well-known as "Utah's blind harpist."
Thomas Davis Giles was born November 28, 1820, in Blan, Avon, South Wales, to Thomas Giles and Maria Davis. He married Margaret Thomas in 1843, and they had two sons. Giles was converted to Mormonism in 1844, and presided over the Monmouthshire (Wales) conference from 1848-1856. While working in a coal mine in 1852, he was injured and became blinded for life. In 1856 Giles and his family emigrated to Utah, but his wife and two sons died along the way. He married Hannah Evans in 1857 in Ogden, Utah, and they had one son. Giles had learned to play the harp prior to emigrating to Utah, and while in Utah he was well-known as "The Blind Harpist," and would travel to different settlements in Utah and perform in concerts. Giles died November 2, 1895, in Provo, Utah.
Extent
3 folders (0.3 linear ft.)
Custodial History
Original Welsh diary donated by Helen Sharp Mandsen in 1977. Copy of English diary donated by LDS Church Archives in 1978.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated; LDS Church Archives; 1978.
Donated; Helen Sharp Mandsen; 1977.
Appraisal
Mormon diarists (The Archives of the Mormon Experience).
Existence and Location of Originals
The originals of one photocopied diary are in the LDS Church Archives in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Existence and Location of Copies
Photocopied in 1978. Photocopy of Welsh journal is in Folder 2. Photocopy of English journal (original in LDS Church Archives) is in Folder 3.
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Wales
- Diaries
- Giles, Thomas Davis, 1820-1895 -- Diaries
- Latter Day Saint churches -- Wales -- History
- Latter Day Saints -- Great Britain -- Diaries
- Latter Day Saints -- Wales
- Missions and Missionaries
- Photocopies
- Title
- Register of Thomas Davis Giles journals
- Status
- In Progress
- Author
- Benjamin Sipes
- Date
- 2010 July 17
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English in Latin script.
Repository Details
Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States