Thomas Ashment

Thomas Ashment Sr. was born Nov 15, 1827 in Crewkerne, England to James and Mary Foane Aishment. Thomas is a pioneer of Richmond.

History

When Thomas was 8, his father died, making him and his family have to take on many responsibilities. Thomas was able to receive an education at a young age. At that young age, Thomas learned the trade of saddle making.2

In 1848, the Ashment family was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The following year, Thomas married Anne Higgins on Aug 6. To support his family, Thomas worked in a factory as it's head weaver, giving him the opportunity to bring a loom home for Anne and the other children to use.2

The Ashment family continued to live in Crewkerne until 1869 when they decided to leave England and live amongst the Saints in Utah. They sailed on the Minnesota from Liverpool on Oct 6 and arrived in New York City, New York on Oct 18.1 The Ashment family traveled on the Transcontinental Railroad and arrived in Ogden, Utah on Oct 28. They are the only family in Richmond to travel via the Transcontinental Railroad.

The Ashment family originally moved to Ogden, Utah to find work and live, but was not very successful. It wasn't until Thomas met with Simon Webb and invited Thomas and his family to move to Richmond where they could find work.

"I could not get work in the city, so I accepted the invitation. So I left my family in the city with the intention of returning in about 8 or 9 days, but I did not wish to remain idle, so I embraced the privilege and taught school for the winter.

"I left Richmond March 21, 1870, and arrived in Salt Lake City Saturday the 25th of the same month and was much pleased to find my family well.

"I left the city and arrived in Richmond July 28th, 1870."3

After the death of Anne in 1873, Thomas married Mary Elizabeth Wright in 1880.

Epilogue