My Genealogy Hound

Springfield, Massachusetts, Captain William Day, tombstone and grave, photos

The grave and tombstone of Captain William Day, Springfield, Massachusetts. The monument features a naval battle in 1760 during which Captain Day of the British Navy (this is before the American Revolution) with a single ship encountered, defeated and captured five French ships. Day was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on October 23rd, 1715. At the age of 82, Captain Day died on March 22nd, 1797, at Sheffield, Massachusetts. He was originally buried in Sheffield but his remains were later removed to Springfield, Massachusetts and buried beneath this monument. He was a patriot during the American Revolution. See the additional photos below.

A closeup view of the naval battle pictured on the Captain Day monument. His single ship pictured at the right defeated and captured the five French ships at the left. The inscription reads: "In memory of Capt. Wllliam Day Born in Springfield Oct. 26, 1715. died In Sheffield March 22, 1797 aged 82 years. The action
represented here was fought during the French War about the
year 1760 by Capt. William Day."

"Through various climes and tempests tossed,
From sea to sea and coast to coast,
Through dangers of the deep profound,
Each scene kind Heaven with safety crowned,
The storms and trials of life now o'er,
In death I reach a peaceful shore;
And when that sleeping dust shall rise
To meet my Saviour in the Skies,
May I appear in bright array,
And with him spend an endless day."

See the additional photos below.

The Captain William Day monument viewed at an angle gives some idea of the size of the monument. Each corner of the four sides features a cannon in relief. See the photo below.

The inscription on the back side of the monument reads: "Capt. Wm. Day sailed In command of a frigate with a picked crew, encountering a fleet of five French ships In the Bay of Biscay. The Admirals Ship larger than his own was considerably in advance of the others. He engaged and captured her before the others came up, and neither vessel being much injured he divided his force with the captured ship and the others coming he attacked them with such spirit that they all surrendered and he brought them all safe into Plymouth."

"The scene on the other side of this monument is taken from a portrait painted at the time, now In possession of his family. Capt. William Day soon after the war retired from the sea and settled In Sheffield, Mass. where he died. He was an active patriot In the revolution. He lived and enjoyed the esteem and respect of his friends and neighbors. His remains with those of his wife were removed from Sheffield and placed under this monument. This Monument is placed here by his Grandson Thomas D. Day of St. Louis."