We are lucky to have had grandparents who cared about our family history. The following is a recap of Thomas’ life as written by his daughter (and our grandma) Ann Amelia Chamberlain Esplin.
Born at Tooele, Utah July 14, 1854.
Ordained Patriarch by Francis M. Lyman September 8, 1895. (He was also imprisoned with Lyman in 1889).
Married to Elinor A. Hoyt and Laura Fackerell November 3, 1873 in the Endowment House, Salt Lake City.
Married to Ann Carling February 1, 1875 in St. George Temple.
Married to Ellen Alvira Carling (Annie’s mother) November 13, 1878 in St. George Temple.
Married to Chastie Ellen Covington October 25, 1883, in St. George Temple.
Married to Mary E. Woolley August 6, 1900.
Missions: Muddy Mission 1868. Indian Mission with Jacob Hamblin.
Characteristics: Height 5 ft. 10 in. weight 225 lbs. Eyes, brown, hair, dark brown, Health: Excellent until fifty-five years of age.
Special Interests: Thomas Chamberlain was especially interested in all public works, and all civic work. His eyesight was very good. At the age of fifty he had a film removed from one eye, and first began to wear glasses. His dark brown hair, always wavy, started to turn grey at age forty-six, and was white at his death. His hearing was good throughout life. He was broad shouldered, straight, full chested rather corpulent. By reason of applying himself to night classes, and taking courses while in the penitentiary, he gained a good practical education and was able to hold many important positions in later life as County Treasurer, Stake Tithing Clerk, Stake Clerk, Manager and bookkeeper of a general merchandise business in Kanab, known as Bowman & Co.