Daniel Collett

Daniel Collett was born 12 December 1808, in Corse, Gloucestershire, England, the only son of William and Elizabeth Bromage Collett. Daniel’s childhood was spent in and around Pendock, where as a young man he was trained to be a wheelwright and blacksmith. He had a fine physique, which he developed through athletic activities. He was especially adept at the art of boxing. Later he made use of his prowess in protecting his religious friends and himself against certain enemies of the newly formed United Brethren. At one of the United Brethren meetings, Daniel met his future wife, Esther Jones. In 1840 Daniel and Esther, together with Daniel's parents Elizabeth and William, and Daniel's sisters Ann and Elizabeth, were baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On 10 May 1841, Daniel and his family set sail on the ship “Harmony” bound for Quebec, Canada. From Quebec, they journeyed on to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they lived for five years. When the saints were driven from Nauvoo, the Collett family went to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, where Daniel, being a first-class wheelwright, was asked to stay and build wagons and carts for the saints crossing the plains. It was in 1849 that the Colletts began their journey to Salt Lake City, arriving 27 October 1849. In 1851, they moved to Lehi, Utah. Esther Jones Collett died 4 June 1857. 9 children were born to them.  Daniel married Mary Foulk Empey, a widow with three small children, later in 1857.

In 1858, the family moved to Plain City, Utah, After the death of his wife, Mary, in 1859, Daniel married Elizabeth Gordon. Daniel moved to Smithfield, Utah in 1860. After Elizabeth died in 1869, he spent the rest of his life in the home of his daughter, Julia Ann Cantwell. He was active in the civic and religious affairs of the community. He was appointed water master of the district. He held this position for many years, during which time a canal was built to bring water from nearby canyons. He was a High Priest, endowed with great faith and healing power. It was said that just his presence in a sick room brought a calm and healing influence. He was very fond of horses and always kept good ones. Daniel Collett was a humble man, subservient to authority, kindly and honest with his neighbours and friends, and possessing great faith. He was a man of strong will and determination, carrying any enterprise he started to a successful completion, especially if he felt that it was for the common good of his family or community. His large posterity honours him for his life of service and devotion to his church and his fellowmen.

Daniel died 8 June 1894 in Smithfield, Utah - Age 86.