Luke Day

Luke Day Jr. (July 21, 1743 – June 1, 1801) was an American soldier, revolutionary, and farmer, most well known for his leadership role in Shays' Rebellion. As a lieutenant, and then a captain, he served for eight years and participated in many key battles of the American Revolutionary War, including the Siege of Boston, Quebec Expedition, Battles of Saratoga, Cherry Valley massacre, Sullivan Expedition and Siege of Yorktown.

Early life
Luke Day Jr. was born July 21, 1743, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, the son of Luke Day, Sr. and Jerusha (Skinner) Day. Luke was the third of seven siblings, and the oldest son. On August 21, 1762, he married Lydia Kelsey of Killingworth Township, Connecticut, daughter of Stephen Kelsey Jr. and Lydia (Noble) Kelsey.

The Days were a prominent family in West Springfield, holding many positions in the local government. Luke's cousin Josiah owned a home, which still stands today as the oldest known brick saltbox-style house in the country, serving as a family museum. Luke's brother-in-law (and first cousin) was Justin Morgan, who developed the Morgan horse breed and composed music, which survives today.