First Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War -- On Machias Bay, June 12, 1775

During this first battle of the Revolutionary War, Jeremiah O’Brien on the ship the Unity, along with a band of volunteers – local farmers, fishermen and patriots from Machias – defended themselves and their country by taking on and capturing the British warship, the H.M.S. Margaretta. One of my direct ancestors, Benajah Ackley Jr., fought in this historic battle. He was the great grandfather of Susan V. Ackley, mother of Linnie Maria McGuire, my grandmother, who married John Bird Day.

The Day Connection
It was in 1635 that the British ship, The Paul, landed in Gloucester, Massachusetts. As the ship docked, a young man by the name of Anthony Day, along with his wife, Susannah Ring Matchett, strolled onto New England soil and became the first Day of my family line in the new world. As one of his direct descendants (11th generation) I am also co-president of the Day Family Association in Maine. We have a reunion each July in Wesley, Maine and all related Day lines are invited to attend. To learn more about the Day Family in Maine, Please contact me.

Our Day Ancestry

1st Generation – Anthony Day x Susannah Matchett

2nd Generation – Thomas Day Sr. x Mary Langton

3rd Generation – Thomas Day Jr. x Mary Denning

4th Generation – Josiah Day Sr. x Mary Thomas

5th Generation – Jacob Day x Bethany Bliffith Blethen

6th Generation – Samuel Blethen Day x Mehitable (Betsy) Grover

7th Generation – Joel Day x Elizabeth Jones

8th Generation – Josiah Day x Mary Bird

9th Generation – John Bird Day x Linnie Maria McGuire

10th Generation – Linwood Day x Mildred Campbell

 

It’s been 367 years since they first stepped foot on
New England soil…..

Calling all descendants of Anthony Day and Susannah Ring Matchett….

Your presence is earnestly requested at the annual

Day Family Reunion!

hosted by the Day Family Association of Maine

Who: All descendants of Anthony and Susannah, particularly lines to Samuel Blethen Day (6th generation) and his offspring

When: Saturday, July 6, 2002 @10 a.m. until late afternoon;

Where: Wesley Church, top of Day Hill, Route 9, Wesley, Maine

What: Potluck Lunch, Camaraderie, Old Memories, New Friends, Family Auction, and Memorial Tributes to those who have passed on. Plus, Day family memorabilia to share and purchase (books, etc.) Also, information on self-guiding tours of area cemeteries known to have Day descendants

Dress: Please wear your DAY tee shirt. If you need one let us know so that it can be available for you at the reunion!! We need to know by 6/1 on tee shirts!!

RSVP: Requested! We need to know who is coming, to make up name tags in advance. If possible, let us know to which Day line you belong!! We also need to coordinate the potluck and auction items.


Please RSVP by June 30th!!

Contacts:
Overall Coordination, Name Tag, Potluck and Family Auction Info:
Beverly Day - Co-President - (207) 892-2623 (evenings until 10 p.m.) or Email: Artemea52@aol.com
Regular mail: Daybreak Farm, 287 Mosher Rd., Gorham, Maine 04038

Memorial Service, Potluck, and Directions:
Karen Walker - Secretary/Treasurer - (207) 947-0458 (evenings until 8 p.m.) or Email: klwvz@aol.com
Regular mail: 2 Mutton Lane, Veazie, Maine 04401-7003

Day Family Newsletter, Genealogical Updates, Association Dues and Membership:
Freeland Jones
Email: graystone_vz@yahoo.com
Regular mail: 1448 State Street, Veazie, Maine 04401-7003

Tentative Agenda

Day Family Reunion - July 6, 2002

10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Arrive, check in, get name tag, deliver potluck and auction items

10:30 - 10:40 a.m. Pledge and national anthem

10:40 - 11:15 a.m. Business Meeting and Door Prizes

11:15 - 11:30 a.m. Memorial Service

11:30 - 1:30 p.m. Potluck Lunch and recipe sharing
Genealogy facts and ancestral info
The 1st Annual Day Genealogy Competition!!!
Signing of Day Family Quilt Squares
Prizes (youngest, oldest, farthest traveler most clan members, as well as winners of the Day Genealogy Competition, etc.)

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Day Family Auction

2:30 pm - close Camaraderie, self guided tours, Day family stories

Day Family Reunion - July 6, 2002

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What’s New This Year?
We have two new and exciting things happening this year….

We will be hosting the first annual Day family genealogy competition, open to all attendees. Read up on your ancestors! Read the RED BOOK! Win prizes!

Second, we are asking ALL attendees to bring a quilt square with them. We would like to start a Day Family Quilt!! Please bring a quilt square with you - something that reminds you of an ancestor, or Day relative. This could be material from an ancestor’s clothing, etc. or just something you like. At the reunion, we will have special fabric pens available so that you and your direct family can sign YOUR square to add to the quilt!!

 

2. What do I bring to the potluck?
There are four areas you can participate in for the potluck - appetizers and beverages, casseroles, main meal or side salads, and desserts. We will provide plastic tableware, plates, cups, napkins. Please bring your own serving spoons, knives, etc. as well as slow cookers, hot plates, etc. Extension cords are helpful.

 

3. What if I am from away?
If you are coming from away and can not bring a casserole, dessert or covered dish, please bring something portable such as chips and dip, pretzels, soda, etc. - which can be purchased on your way to the reunion. If in doubt, call Beverly Day or Karen Walker.

 

4. Do I have to bring an auction item?
No, you do not have to bring an auction item, but many people do. It does not have to be expensive or fancy, and homemade things seem to be particularly desired by some Day relatives. Anything Day-related is particularly appreciated!

 

5. How can I get a copy of the “red book”?
Copies will be available for purchase at the reunion. However, you can also purchase books in advance by contacting Freeland Jones, Also, Freeland has printed updates to the material contained in the Red Book which he may make available. Please bring any of your own genealogy updates with you to share or send to Freeland in advance.


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