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davidsongenealogyresearch
Davidson Genealogies |
Notes
Matches 1 to 50 of 47,109
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| 1 | (1) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) s/o George DAVIDSON. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, William (I299)
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| 2 | Davidson, Jane Ann d 21 Apr 1833; 3y7m daughter of John & Eliza Davidson Section VI, beside Lot 352 (Sue Sollenberger) | Davidson, Jane Ann (I1218)
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| 3 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Amanda MORRBERRY Self W Female W 40 TN Keeping House TN TN Alice MORRBERRY Dau S Female W 20 TN Teaching School TN TN Leonard MORRBERRY Son S Male W 19 TN Clerk In Store TN TN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Tullahoma, Coffee, Tennessee NA Film Number T9-1248 Page Number 77D | O'Neal, Amanda C. (I14557)
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| 4 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Calvin JACOBS Self M Male W 56 TN Farmer NC NC Louisa JACOBS Wife M Female W 51 TN House Keeping TN TN Stokely JACOBS Son S Male W 21 TN Working On Farm TN TN Pinkey JACOBS Dau S Female W 18 TN TN TN Mollie JACOBS Dau S Female W 15 TN TN TN Donnie JACOBS Dau S Female W 13 TN TN TN John JACOBS Son S Male W 11 TN TN TN Lula JACOBS Dau S Female W 7 TN TN TN Mattie JACOBS Dau S Female W 4 TN TN TN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place District 2, Coffee, Tennessee NA Film Number T9-1248 Page Number 6D | Jacobs, Calvin (I17033)
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| 5 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace George W. BUTLER Self M Male W 41 NC Farmer NC NC Elizabeth BUTLER Wife M Female W 30 NC Keeping House NC NC Hattie BUTLER Dau S Female W 12 NC NC NC Doc P. BUTLER Son S Male W 10 NC NC NC Walter BUTLER Son S Male W 7 NC NC NC Maggie BUTLER Dau S Female W 5 NC NC NC Lena BUTLER Dau S Female W 3 NC NC NC Pinkney BUTLER Dau S Female W 1 NC NC NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Mills River, Henderson, North Carolina NA Film Number T9-0967 Page Number 332C | Butler, George W. (I18395)
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| 6 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace J. H. HOUSTON Self M Male W 53 NC Physician NC NC M. J. HOUSTON Wife M Female W 49 NC Keeps House NC NC Bell HOUSTON Dau S Female W 23 AL In House NC NC Robert HOUSTON Son S Male W 21 AL Deputy Post Master NC NC Alfred HUGGINS Other S Male B 54 NC Laborer NC NC Jane LOCKETT Mother W Female B 55 NC Wash And Iron NC NC Mariah LOCKETT Dau S Female B 22 AL Cook AL NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Uniontown, Perry, Alabama NA Film Number T9-0028 Page Number 309A | Houston, Dr. James Hiram Jr. (I17300)
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| 7 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace J. L. ORR1 Self W Male W 33 NC Carpenter NC NC R. E. ORR2 Wife W Female W 29 NC Keeps House NC NC L. E. ORR3 Dau S Female W 10 NC At School NC NC A. ORR4 Dau S Female W 8 NC At School NC NC Bessie ORR5 Dau S Female W 5 NC NC NC Allie ORR6 Dau S Female W 3 NC NC NC Notes 1ORIG DATA 2ORIG DATA 3ORIG DATA 4ORIG DATA 5ORIG DATA 6ORIG DATA -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Precinct 5, Fannin, Texas NA Film Number T9-1303 Page Number 460D | Orr, Joseph Leonidas (I9413)
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| 8 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace James H. CAGLE Self M Male W 44 NC Miller NC NC Rachel E. CAGLE Wife M Female W 42 NC Keeping House NC NC Mary L. CAGLE Dau S Female W 12 NC At School NC NC Beatrice J. CAGLE Dau S Female W 10 NC At School NC NC Strawbridge CAGLE Son S Male W 6 NC NC NC James H. CAGLE Son S Male W 4 NC NC NC Milton CAGLE Son S Male W 2 NC NC NC Alice E. CAGLE Dau S Female W 8 NC NC NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source Information: Census Place Davidson, Transylvania, North Carolina NA Film Number T9-0983 Page Number 227D | Cagle, James Henry (I18679)
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| 9 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace John H. ARNOLD Self M Male W 53 TN Farmer VA VA Nancy ARNOLD Wife M Female W 35 TN Keep House TN TN Robert A. ARNOLD Son Male W 16 TN Work On Farm TN TN Ella ARNOLD Dau S Female W 9 TN TN TN James ARNOLD Son S Male W 20 TN Work On Farm TN TN John ARNOLD Son S Male W 7 TN TN TN Greenville ARNOLD Son S Male W 4 TN TN TN Samuel ARNOLD Son S Male W 3 TN TN TN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Davis Shop, Gibson, Tennessee NA Film Number T9-1255 Page Number 395A | Arnold, John Harris (I1375)
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| 10 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace John J. ORR Self M Male W 29 NC Farming NC NC Rachel E. ORR Wife M Female W 20 NC Keeping H. NC NC Addie V. ORR Dau S Female W 11 NC NC NC James L. ORR Son S Male W 7 NC NC NC Gideon ORR Son S Male W 5 NC NC NC Ellen ORR Dau S Female W 9M NC NC NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Boyd, Transylvania, North Carolina NA Film Number T9-0983 Page Number 210D | Orr, John J. (I9171)
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| 11 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace M.H. GUYN Self M Male W 53 TN Farmer NC NC Martha GUYN Wife M Female W 43 NC Keeping House NC NC Mary GUYN Dau S Female W 22 TN House Keeper NC NC Charley GUYN Son S Male W 19 TN At School NC NC Fanny BROWN Other W Female B 50 TN TN TN George BROWN Other S Male B 12 TN TN TN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place District 8, Warren, Tennessee NA Film Number T9-1283 Page Number 363D | Gwyn, Milton H. (I16538)
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| 12 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Mathew A. HOLDEN Self M Male W 53 NC Farming NC NC Rebeccar HOLDEN Wife M Female W 47 NC Keeping H. NC NC Juliner G. HOLDEN Son S Male W 23 NC At School NC NC Jane H. HOLDEN Dau S Female W 22 NC At Home NC NC Collumbus A. HOLDEN Son S Male W 19 NC Farming NC NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source Information: Census Place Boyd, Transylvania, North Carolina NA Film Number T9-0983 Page Number 210C | Holden, Mathew (I14950)
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| 13 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Narman NORTEN Self M Male W 72 VA Farmer --- --- Lanora NORTEN Wife M Female W 68 TN House Keeping --- --- Thomas NORTEN Son S Male W 25 TN Working On Farm VA TN James GIBSON GSon S Male W 13 TN Working On Farm TN TN -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place District 2, Coffee, Tennessee NA Film Number T9-1248 Page Number 4D | Norton, Naamon G. (I16899)
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| 14 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Rob GLENN Self M Male W 23 NC Farmer NC NC Joana GLENN Wife M Female W 22 NC Keeping House NC NC Marion CARLAND Other S Male W 18 NC Farm Hand NC NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Limestone, Buncombe, North Carolina NA Film Number T9-0954 Page Number 81A | Glenn, Robert Bascomb (I8609)
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| 15 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace W. F. FOSTER Self M Male W 23 LA Farmer MS LA Mary A. FOSTER Wife M Female W 17 AR Housekeeping GA TN John A. FOSTER Son S Male W 6M AR LA TN Rachel BRITTON SisterL Female W 21 AR GA TN Henry HAYES Other Male B 22 AR Cropping On Shares --- --- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Little River And Burke, Little River, Arkansas NA Film Number T9-0049 Page Number 108A | Brittain, Rachel Abigail (I16727)
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| 16 | Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace William F. MERRELL Self M Male W 33 NC Farmer NC NC Martha A. MERRELL Wife M Female W 22 NC Keeping House NC NC Rachel I. MERRELL Dau S Female W 11 NC At Home NC NC William U. MERRELL Son S Male W 10 NC NC NC Charles E. MERRELL Son S Male W 6 NC NC NC -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place Little River, Transylvania, North Carolina NA Film Number T9-0983 Page Number 216A | Merrell, William Franklin "Billy" (I9364)
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| 17 | National Archives Film T9-0118 Page 143C Relation Sex Marr Race Age Birthplace Jacob WOODROW Self M M W 54 MD Occ: Moulder Fa: MD Mo: MD Mary WOODROW Wife F M W 49 MD Occ: Keeping House Fa: MD Mo: MD Elwood WOODROW Son M S W 20 MD Occ: Laborer Fa: MD Mo: MD Emma WOODROW Dau F S W 18 MD Occ: At Home Fa: MD Mo: MD Robert CAMEL Other M M W 35 CAN Occ: Moulder Fa: CAN Mo: CAN Elmer PRESTON Other M S W 11 MD Occ: At School Fa: MD Mo: MD | Woodrow, Jacob H. (I9142)
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| 18 | p. 673 10010-20100 -01 | Steele, Ninian (I14719)
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| 19 | tax list 1782 for Greenbrier Co., Virginia includes brothers of Mary Woods, George Davidson | Davidson, Lieut. George Sr. (I10502)
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| 20 | The Lattas James Latta was a Scot who came to America from Ireland in 1785 to settle his father's estate. Having a good head for business and seeing a ripe opportunity in this burgeoning republic, he became a merchant. He traveled to Philadelphia and Charleston to buy his wares, then sold sold them from the back of his Conestoga wagon to Piedmont Carolina farmers and villagers. Imagine the excitement of local folks to see Latta's peddler wagon coming down the road with his muffin tins, muslin, needles, salt and sugar, toothbrushes, tea, bridle bits and curry combs, tinware, cast iron pots - even English china and fine silks! James Latta was first married to Elizabeth Houston in Ireland. She died, leaving her husband and two sons, William and Robert. By 1796, James Latta had married Jane Knox of nearby Lincoln County and purchased land that would eventually total 742 acres. He then started construction of his white, two-story Federal style house, assumed to be based on homes he had admired in Philadelphia. Latta's entrepreneurial spirit and advancing age soon led him into cotton farming. By 1825, he hired an overseer to manage the plantation and his slaves. Being a prudent Scot, in later years he had no urge to build a more grandiose house; he simply invested or banked his money. He died a wealthy man in 1837. Latta's oldest son William never lived at the plantation, since he was already on his own by the time the first land was purchased. Latta's second son Robert did live on the plantation for about five years and then moved to Yorkville, SC, and assumed responsibility for the mercantile business. He eventually bought out his father's interests. By the time of Robert's death, he was the wealthiest man in South Carolina and his obituary referred to him as "the Merchant Prince of South Carolina." James and Jane had four children. Rich, attractive, cultured and naturally quite popular, daughters Betsy, Polly and Nancy were often called "the Belles of the Catawba." Their father intended that they marry well: perhaps he had the inside window cut from the parlor to the hall so he could keep an eye on gentlemen callers. Educated at Salem Academy, a girls' boarding school run by the Moravians in Salem, North Carolina, the daughters did, indeed, marry prominent local landholders from the Davidson, Reid, and Torrance families. The youngest child, Ezekial, was sickly all his life and died at the age of ten. James, Jane, and their children are buried in the family gravesite just down the road at Hopewell Presbyterian Church, the center of their social and community life. The work of some 30 slaves, such as Suky, the cook, and Peter, a field hand, made the plantation an economic success. Living in families and strengthened by religion, they maintained their humanity and sense of worth despite the effects of slavery. A replica of the kitchen house, where Suky lived and worked, is a highlight of the tour. Plans are in place to use an additional log cabin currently on the site, along with others to be added, to more fully represent slave life. James Latta Perhaps the principal difference between James Latta and most of the thousands of other immigrants who left Ireland for America in the 18th century was that James brought with him a bag of gold. At least, there is a persistent family tradition to that effect. It ties in with another tradition, to wit, that the first Latta did not come primarily for religious or political freedom but for material gain. James Latta was a citizen of Londonderry, North Ireland. Shortly after the upheaval of the American Revolutionary War had settled, James converted a large portion of his worldly goods into money and embarked to America with the gold pieces in a bag. He also brought along his small son Robert who weighed about the same as the gold. A terrific storm arose at sea. The captain ordered all cargo not essential to survival jettisoned..... James clutched his gold. He also clutched his son. He was torn between his loves. They weighed the same. But at this point a ray of sunshine pierced the clouds. James was not forced to a decision and he arrived safely in America with both his sack and his scion for posterity. No one believes the heartless myth, of course, but it is frequently retold whenever his descendants recount his rise to fortune. There is one other incident associated with the storm. The immigrant later discovered that on the very night of his ordeal in the Atlantic his wife had departed this life in Ireland. The few authenticated dates do not entirely invalidate the legend of the crossing. In his naturalization statement in 1812, James Latta stated that he "came into the United States of our Lord in 1785 and has continued therein ever since." One story has it that he came to America to settle the estate of his brother William and his father Robert in Lincoln County, NC, who had returned to Ireland and died there. However, if the storm at sea coincided with the death of Elizabeth Houston, his first wife, it occurred in 1792, so James must have returned to bring over his son Robert and his money. There was also a son William, older than Robert, and he also was eventually fetched, or found his way, to America. Both sons left descendants now widely scattered. Gentlemen's styles of early 19th century James Latta amassed a fortune as a traveling merchant. He and two other Scotch Irishmen, James Patton and Daniel McMahon of the Carolina back country usually traveled to Philadelphia, the mart at which they obtained their stock, together as the money bags they carried were attractive to robbers of which many waylaid the road. In unity they found strength. For mutual benefit, they divided up the territory for trade. Patton had the Spartanburg area on through the mountainous region of Buncombe County, NC. He became a very rich man. McMahon's rounds lay in the Union, Newberry, and Fairfield districts of South Carolina. Latta had York, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, and Rowan. For years," relates Maurice Moore's Reminiscences of York, "court week invariably found Mr. Latta at Yorkville. On some planks laid across benches in the public square, his varieties were spread open for inspection of the crowd, among whom, of course, he found many purchasers. If the weather was inclement, a room at McCall's tavern furnished a shelter and convenient spot for his counter...." In time, James built a store in Yorkville. This he turned over to his son Robert when he reached a man's estate and, like father like son, Robert made money. Eventually he became one of the "merchant princes" of South Carolina, with a home in Columbia, and was said to have possessed more actual money (the planters owned land and slaves) than anyone else in that state. Robert, who resembled James James Latta's best day's work in establishing himself in America was his marriage in 1796 (the bond is dated April 12) to Jane Knox, the daughter of Robert and Mary Ewart Knox of Lincoln County, NC. Jane associated the Lattas with the winning side in the American Revolution, a not unimportant distinction in the 18th century. As early as March of 1799, James Latta was buying land on the east bank of the Catawba west of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. About this time or shortly thereafter, he built "Latta Place," a frame house with many interesting architectural features. Here he raised his second family, three daughters: Betsy, Nancy, and Polly. The girls were not only rich but also cultured, and quite naturally extremely popular. James had no intention of letting them marry poor men and tradition says the inside window at "Latta Place" from the hall into the parlor was cut so that he could keep an eye on gentlemen callers. There are interesting anecdotes of James' vigilance told in Dr. John B. Alexander's Early Settlers of Hopewell Section. To put it mildly, James was "cranky" on the subject of watching the boys who came to see his girls..... Speight McLean and his cousin Joe McKnitt Alexander were boon companions and frequently went "courting" together. Late one rainy evening they drove up to Mr. Latta's and asked to spend the night. Mr. Latta conjured up the idea that the two gay Lotharios were preparing to run away with his girls, and not fancying either of them for a son-in-law, chained their carriage's wheels to a tree, and to be doubly sure, locked his guests in the garret. Benjamin Wilson Davidson who built the handsome house on "Oak Lawn" plantation for her. Polly married James G. Torrance of "Cedar Grove." And Nancy, the youngest, married Major Rufus Reid who, after her death, married her sister Betsy, then the widow Davidson, and built the present "Mount Mourne" mansion, in the town of the same name, with his second wife. All three of the girls had families, although Polly Torrance's line is now extinct. Their brother Ezekiel died when only 10 years old. If he had lived, he would have inherited the plantation, as stipulated in James Latta's will. James Latta died on October 29, 1837, aged 82 years, 2 months, and 9 days, He had not been easy to live with but he left his widow wealthy. In addition to the 329 acres and servants at "Latta Place," he also left another plantation of 320 acres called the Moore Place, and an interest in a valuable fishery known as "Penny's." His wife erected a handsome memorial to him in Hopewell Presbyterian churchyard. "Latta Place" was sold shortly after his death and Jane Knox Latta moved to Mount Mourne. Latta family plot; James' crypt on far right, Jane's grave to its immediate left. The first of the Lattas represents the determination, the ambition, and the acquisitiveness that were essential to the success of free enterprise in Mecklenburg's and the nation's beginnings. Excerpted from articles by Dr. Chalmers G. Davidson, Davidson College | Latta, James (I2183)
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| 21 | "Born Williamsburg Dist., S.C.; War of 1812." (Son James & Mary Frierson Fleming.) | Fleming, Major John Dickey (I28151)
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| 22 | "Buried on his plantation near Ashville, N.C." - Erected 1980 by Those That Care. | Harris, Abel (I16108)
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| 23 | "Christian County Kentucky Prensioners - Abstracts of Pensioners of the Revolutionary War, of 1812, and Indian Wars" by Lucy Kate McGhee, Box 7213, Apex Station, Washington 4, D.C., estimated copyright is 1957 based on the barcode stamp: Page 22 - Affidavit of Gillam Ezell, Christian County Kentucky Feb. 28, 1852, Widow's pension application of Margaret Franklin which was to go to the children after her death "states that the Bible records hereto attached are the records of Absolom Franklin are drafted and genuine that the family Bible in which said record was kept fell into his possession at the death of Margaret Franklin which took place on the 14th day of September 1847 at which time Margaret Franklin, widow of Absolom moved to and made her home at my house until her death, that is she made her principal home with me after her husband death, for the past six or eight years." "Christian County Kenrucky 1852 - Affidavit of Dr. J. W. Frazer, says that he was acquainted with Margaret Franklin, widow of Absolom Franklin, deceased, that he attended on her in her last illness and upon inspection of his books, he finds that she died September 14, 1847, at Gillum Ezell's, Christian County, Kentucky." Page 23 - Affidavit of one James McGee (grandson of Absalom and Margaret, s/o Sarah Franklin McGee), administrator of the estate of Margaret Franklin, deceased and who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain for the children of Margaret Franklin, the pension to which she was entitled under the act of Congress 1836 and 1838. That said Absoleom Franklin and Margaret were married May 26, 1787 that Margaret Franklin died 1847, September 8, left the following named children. Sarah McGee, Elizabeth Ezell, Absolom Franklin Jr, Milly Blakey, Philadelphia Elliott and Pheraby Parham and no others. | Gullick, Margaret (I27089)
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| 24 | "Dau. Gen. S.H. & Ruth Williams; Wife of Col. Matt Martin; b. Maury Co.; d. Smithland, Ky." | Williams, Sarah Quincy (I2923)
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| 25 | "Flip" Danny Wilson Johnson, 51, of Hiddenite, passed away Friday, December 12, 2008, in Nassawadox, Virginia. He was born in Alexander County October 17, 1957, the son of Roger Wilson Johnson and the late Opal Blanche Hubbard Johnson. He was a member of Rocky Hill Baptist Church and had been employed with BVR Trucking and was well known for "truckin up." In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by an infant brother. Survivors, in addition to his father, include his wife, Susan Kral Johnson of the home; one step-son, Robert Travis Clontz and fiance` Sheba Adkins of Lenoir; one step-granddaughter, Susan Nicole Clontz of Lenoir; nine brothers and sisters, Dwain Johnson and wife Barbara, Jerry Hubbard and wife Joyce, and Dale Johnson and wife Fay, all of Taylorsville, Ann Walker and special friend Dennis Hall of Granite Falls, Douglas Johnson and wife Lori of Hiddenite, and Carol Bingham and husband Bruce, and Kathy Shoemaker and husband Ronnie, all of Statesville, and Steve and Sam Johnson of the home; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, December 14, 2008, at the Alexander Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Marcus Benfield and Rev. Henry Cook officiating. Condolences to the Johnson Family may be emailed, alexfuneralsvc@bellsouth.net. Alexander Funeral & Cremation Service of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements. | Johnson, Danny Wilson "Flip" (I31190)
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| 26 | "John Bost, second son of Johannes and Susannah Catharina Bast, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 23 August 1743 and baptized October 1743 in Williams Township Congregation Lutheran Church. In the fall of 1754 the Bast family migrated to now Cabarrus County, North Carolina settling on Adams Creek in a community of other Germans. Later the name Bast was Anglicized to Bost. Research proves that this is the only Bost family in North Carolina, and all who trace their Bost lineage to North Carolina are descendants of Pioneer Johannes Bast." "John married Catreena Shuford who was the daughter of John Shuford of Catawba County. He (John Bost) was a soldier in the American Revolution. His four brothers William, Elias, Jacob and George also had service in the Revolution, and their graves have been so marked." "In May 1778, John attended the sale to settle his father's estate and he is listed as an heir. He obtained two land grants. The first was on Adams Creek just south of the Rowan County line, which was later deeded to his son, Conrad. In 1790, he was living on the second grant, not far from his brother William in Catawba County. He and Catreena had ties in both Catawba and Cabarrus counties. Cabarrus Court records establish 1793 as the year of his death, when only fifty years of age. Catreena likely died about 1797/8. Their graves have not been found. Organ Lutheran is the only church with extant records indicating John was a member. Because of the early deaths of John and Catreena,their children were scattered while young." | Bost, John "Johannis" (I31290)
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| 27 | "Member of the Baptist Church 30 yrs" | Orr, James (I8580)
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| 28 | "New Mexico Deaths, 1889-1945," , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLYY-F6T : 10 March 2018), Horace James Davidson, 20 Mar 1939; citing Hobbs, Lea, New Mexico, reference 803, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, Santa Fe; FHL microfilm 1,913,308. Name Horace James Davidson Event Date 20 Mar 1939 Event Place Hobbs, Lea, New Mexico Gender Male Age 24y 8m 19d Married - Pauline Powell Davidson Birth Date: 1 July 1914 Father's Name R. A. Franklin Davidson, b. Unknown Mother's Name Lillie May Rogillio, b. Texas? Cause: Crushed Chest - Internal Injuries (Automobile Accident) Informant: Ralph Thomas Gillia, Odessa, Texas | Davidson, Horace James (I28541)
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| 29 | "On the W NC RR", p. 180 Peter Parker 60 M Farmer $300 $200 NC Eliza " 54 F Wife " Mary J " 25 F " school Louvina " 23 F " school Frances " 19 F " school Rebecca " 10 F " school Jacob " 9 M " school Eliza " 6 F " school Wm E. Bost 20 M Farmer ---- $50 NC Ruanna " 27 F Wife " Albertine " 1 F " | Bost, William Elijah (I4431)
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| 30 | "One Eyed" John Davidson, eighth and youngest child of John Davison/Davidson and his wife Jane, was baptized at Tinkling Spring in Augusta/Rockbridge Co., VA on 24 Nov 1744 by the Rev. John Craig. On 7 May 1770, John married Ruth Clement who bore him seven children and who died in 1792 in Burke Co., NC. The year after Ruth died, John married Frances Bateman, who bore him one child. In 1777 Burke County was split off from Rowan, and its western boundary extended to the Appalachian mountains. John and Ruth were living there in 1778. At the close of the Revolutionary War, John received a grant of 5000 acres in Tennessee for his work in surveying lands for revolutionary soldiers. He had been a member of Ephraim McLean's surveying party. Tennessee became a state in 1796. John sold his lands in Burke County and went, with friends and relatives, to Maury County, Tennessee, where he registered his cattle mark 21 Dec 1807. Both he and Ephraim McLean were called for Jury duty in Maury County in March 1808. John died on 25 Apr 1825 at Columbia on Maury County, TN. He is buried in Ebenezer Churchyard (later called "Reeses") Churchyard. This is a transcription of the will of John Davidson: I John Davidson of the County of Maury and state of Tennessee being advanced of aged and infirm but sound of mind and disposing memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and following first I wish my body to be buried at the discretion of my Executor, hereafter appointed. my worldly estate to be divided as follows, to wit, My Negro man Comdon I give and bequeath to him and his heirs forever to Ruth C. [Clements] Davidson daughter of my son Ephraim E. Davidson. I give a negro boy named Albert to her and her heirs forever. to Richard Whiteside son of my daughter Ruth Whiteside [Ruth Malinda Davidson, wife of Abram Whiteside] I give my Negro boy William to him and his heirs and assigns forever. to my beloved wife Francis [Frances Bateman] I Give and bequeath my Negroes Chilsy, a woman, Randall, a Negro boy, and a girl named Gady, which three Negroes I will to her and her heirs forever as her right and to be at her disposal. to John G. Davidson, son of my son Thomas Davidson [Thomas Irwin Davidson], Dec'd I give and bequeath a horse worth 80 dollars. to B. C. Davidson son of my son Thomas Davidson I give and bequeath a sorrel colt now claimed by him. all the ballance of my property I wish sold by my Executors and one third part of which I give and bequeath to my wife to her proper use and behoof forever. I further wish my Executors to pay over a legacy by me bequeathed to my Children, Grandchildren, and other legal heirs if any not named in this one dollar as a full distributive share of my Estate. I do further nominate and appoint my son John O. Davidson [John Osimus Davidson] and my son-in-law Paris F. Dooley [husband of Cynthia Eliza Davidson] Executors to this my last will and testament. And having full confidence in their integrity and honesty no Security is required of them as such, and lest a misunderstanding should take place as to the ballance of my Estate in the hands of my Executors, my will is that after the legacies named in this will is paid the ballance after paying all my just debts are paid I wish divided equally between the heirs of Thomas Davidson in right of their father, Andrew Neely and Jane [Jane (Jennie) Davidson] his wife, Ephraim E. Davidson, John O. Davidson, Paris F. Dooley and Cynthia his wife share and share alike. I do by this my last will and testament disannul and make void all former wills by me declaring this alone to be my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 15th day of June, 1824. Signed, sealed and disclosed in presence of Joseph B. Porter, Jurat It has been noted that John had previously given land to his children as follows: 466 acres to Abram Whitesides when he married Ruth Malinda Davidson; 900 acres to Ephraim Edward Davidson; 800 acres to John Osimus Davidson, plus 200 more to be administered for his step-mother; 400 to Paris Dooley, plus slaves for Cynthia; 120 acres to John Martin, son of his daughter Mary, who was probably dead, since she is not named in the will. | Davidson, John "One-Eye" (I3165)
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| 31 | "p. 159. 16 Oct. 1852.. I, Thomas L. Gaston, being in declining state of health, but of sound & disposing mind & memory. I will to my beloved wife Margaret E. Gaston my silver watch, bed and necessary furniture thereof, my buggy & harness, the umbrella belonging to it and the mule which I usually drive called "Sugar" one bureau her choice, a traveling trunk her choice of what I have. I will & direct that all the balance of my property both real & personal to be sold by my executor on a credit of two or three years from the date of the sale. I desire that my beloved wife Margaret E. Gaston to be paid by my executor within one month of my decease the sum of $37.50 if that much is on hand, if not when collected, during her natural life or widowhood. The remainder of my property or money I may have to pay my just debts and divided among my two sons Josiah P. & Parley C. Gaston. Parley C. to receive the most being $225, I having advanced that sum to Josiah P. when he started to California & wish him charged with that sum & interest. I appoint Joshua Roberts Esq. sole executor. Wit: William Williams & J.R.S. Gillam.. Signed Thomas L. Gaston..." | Gaston, Thomas Logan (I304)
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| 32 | "Second Census" of Kentucky, p. 94 Name County Tax List Date Ewing, Finis Logan 1800 | Ewing, Rev. Finis (I697)
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| 33 | "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V8WM-FXN : 1 January 2015), Horace James Davidson in entry for Robert Lynn Davidson, 19 Jun 1938; from "Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2005); citing Texas Department of State Health Services. Name Robert Lynn Davidson Sex Male Father's Name Horace James Davidson Mother's Name Pauline Powell Event Type Birth Event Date 19 Jun 1938 Event Place Ector, Texas | Davidson, Robert Lynn (I28543)
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| 34 | "The Ewing Genealogy with Cognate Branches" by Presley Kitteridge Ewing and Mary Ellen (Williams) Ewing, located in South Carolina State Library. "The Ewing family and name are very old. The first mention in history is a poem in which Ewing was the second son of Fergus Erc, the first King of Argoilshire, a part of Scotland. This poem celebrated an event that happened in 483 A.D. which was the bringing of the Stone of Destiny from the Hill Terah in Ireland to the convent of Columba. This historical stone was captured by Edward the First in 1236 A.D. and was taken by him to London, and is now under the Coronation Chair in Westminister Abbey. Tradition and history both say that the Prophet Jeremiah brought this stone from Jerusalem to the Hill of Terah in the year 580 B.C. with Zedekiah's Daughters, Tamar and Mahala, to Echoid, and the Ard Righ, or high king of Ireland, and who was of the tribe of Judah and the family or Zarah. Echoid and Tamar Tephi were married and were crowned sitting on that Stone of Destiny, and that Stone remained on the Hill of Terah for over a thousand years. The Ewings are descendants of these two, and a collateral branch of the Clan of McLachlan. The clan seat is Kilmore in Schotland. King James gave to John 2000 acres of the fat lands of Baily Bun in Donegal County, Ireland, in 1614, and these lands are still in possession of the Ewing family. Ewing is one of the oldest Scotch Clans. The clan breaks into light from prehistoric times. Names used mostly by the Ewings from the beginning are: John, Samuel and William." "Charles and Robert Ewing, who were brothers, were born in County Londonderry, Ireland, probably at or near Coleraine, about 1715 and emigrated to America around 1730. They were cousins of the emigrant Nathaniel Ewing, and on their arrival, they went to his home in Cecil Co., Maryland and shortly after accompanied their cousin, the emigrant James Ewing, Nathaniel's half-brother, to what became Prince Edward Co., Virginia, and later they joined a new adventurous colony and settled near the Peaks of Otter, in Bedford Co., Virginia, where they remained until they died. In the family of the authors, there has been from the earliest a tradition, that Captain Charles Ewing, the gallant soldier rewarded by William of Orange for valor in the battle of the Boyne, was of their family; he was the father of the emigrants, Thomas and Finley Ewing, and hence the tradition could be true only on the theory of these emigrants being cousins of the emigrants, Robert and Charles Ewing, or otherwise related." "Ewing is historically stated to be the Anglified form of Ewen or Ewin, derived from Evan or Evghan, which was in Latin Eugenius, and several of the ancient "Kings of Scots" bore the name Ewen or Eugenius, one of them having been a distinguised leader of his race in the great wars against the Romans. "Another of the name (Devonaldus filius Ewyn) was witness to a charter granted by Walter Steward of Scotland, in 1177, and in the middle of the Sixteenth Century the Ewings acquired the lands, in County Dumbarton, which were an ancient possession of the Earls of Lennox and they also possessed valuable estates in County Argyll. "The Ewings are of Scottish extraction, and were long settled in the West of Scotland, but the branches of the family in America, to which this record particularly relates, were of Schotch-Irish descent. The clan with which these Ewings were identified was allied with the Campbells, as opposed to the Gordons. The above is quoted from "The Ewing Genealogy With Cognate Branches" by Presley Kittredge Ewing and Mary Ellen (Williams) Ewing and much of the information on the Ewings was found in this book located in the South Carolina State Library. "Members of the Ewing family took part in the revolt of the Irish Presbyterians in Coleraine, County Londonderry of Ulster, to the North of Ireland, in 1689 when the siege of Londonderry by King James II of England proved unsuccessful. In the Battle of Boyne, fought on the river in that name in Eastern Ireland, July 12 (N.S.), 1690, in which King James II opposed William of Orange, Captain Charles Ewing took part on the side of the Irish Protestants under William of Orange, and was awarded by the latter for his valor a silver-handled sword. This sword was brought to America by a descendant of Captain Charles Ewing, but was later stolen." | Ewing, Charles (I20614)
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| 35 | "Theophilus Simonton is the earliest Simonton that we can link to so far. Others say that his father was a William Simonton of Massachusetts." Rhomer Johnson http://www.angelfire.com/nv/rhomerjohnson/simonton.html | Simonton, Theophilus (I17086)
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| 36 | "Went south" according to the Tracy Genealogy, however Mark found their burial location in the Orr family cemetery. He was commissioned a Colonel of the Militia, and also served in the North Carolina House of Commons [House of Representatives] in the 1829-30 and 1830-31 sessions. He died from injuries received by the running away of a team of horses he was driving while on his way to market in South Carolina. | Orr, William F. (I18254)
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| 37 | "Wife of Hugh Lawson White; she died on the 25th of March, 1831, in Natural Bridge Tavern, Virginia, 320 miles distance from Knoxville. Her remains were brought home to Knoxville and buried." Tennessee Records: Tombstone Inscriptions and Manuscripts (1933) | Carrick, Elizabeth Moore (I11976)
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| 38 | NA Film Number T9-0954 Page Number 230B Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Jane FORTUNE Self W Female W 76 NC Keeping House NC NC Mary FORTUNE Dau S Female W 43 NC At Home NC NC | Allison, Virginia Jane "Jenny" (I2959)
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| 39 | CEMETERY RECORDS COLLECTED BY JEREMIAH ZEAMER circa 1905 CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA BIG SPRING PRESBYTERIAN GRAVEYARD, NEWVILLE BOROUGH Leckey, Daniel d. 3-3-1854, age 70y 6m Leckey, Ann d. 9-25-1843, age 65y 5m 19d, w/o Daniel Leckey Leckey, Daniel A. d. 9-13-1824, age 7y 2m 20d Leckey, Serabella d. 10-6-1823, b. 9-1-1789 Leckey, William Alexander d. d. 12-3-1894, age 84y 5m 19d Leckey, Matthew D. d. 1886, b. 1814 Leckey, Sarah d. 1887, b. 1815 Leckey, James B. d. 4-10-1875, age 55y 4m 22d Leckey, Mary E. d. 10-22-1881, age 59y 10m 8d | Leckey, Daniel (I333)
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| 40 | CEMETERY RECORDS COLLECTED BY JEREMIAH ZEAMER circa 1905 CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA PLAINFIELD LUTHERAN CHURCH GRAVEYARD [St. Matthew's] WEST PENNSBORO DAVIDSON, Mary P. d 1876, b 1794 | [--?--], Mary P. (I862)
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| 41 | (1) Corinne Hanna Diller, Houston, TX (1996). Cites: (a) PA Archives, 3rd Series, Vol. 20. (2) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) s/o George DAVIDSON/Prudence, 1752, Cumberland Co., PA. (1a) 1778: Two John DAVISONs taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA; John DAVISON, sadler, taxed for 46 acres, 4 horses, 4 cows; John DAVISON taxed for 1 horse, 3 cows. (NOTE: See also John who m. Agnes GRAHAM.) (1) 1779: Two John DAVISON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA; One for 160 acres, 5 horses, 5 cows. Also John? DAVISON taxed for 70 acres adjoining Wm. GETTIS. The GETTYS family lived in Adams Co., PA. (1) 1780: Three John DAVISONs taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA; John DAVISON for 185 acres, 7 horses, 6 cows, 1 slave; John DAVISON, Jersey, for 114 acres; and John DAVISON, freeman. (1) 1781: John DAVIDSON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 186 acres, 8 horses, 7 cows, 1 slave; and John DAVIS, Jersey, taxed for 70 acres. (1) 1782: John DAVISON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 186 acres, 7 horses, 6 cows, 1 slave. (NOTE: Must be another John, since that m. before 1785.) (1) 1785: John DAVIDSON, dec'd, taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 184 acres, 4 horses, 6 cows, 1 slave. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, John (I1001)
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| 42 | (1) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) 20 Apr 1762, West Pennsboro Twp., Cumberland Co., PA, d/o George DAVIDSON/Prudence. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, Elizabeth (I1008)
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| 43 | (1) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) d/o George DAVIDSON. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, Ann (I305)
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| 44 | (1) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) s/o George DAVIDSON. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, Samuel (I304)
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| 45 | (1) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) s/o George DAVIDSON. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, George (I309)
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| 46 | (1) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) s/o George DAVIDSON. (1) 1797, 28 Dec: Named in will of George DAVIDSON, Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, Benjamin (I1003)
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| 47 | (1) Linus A. Davidson, Oklahoma City, OH (1983). FGS, Everton Publishers Family File. (2) Corinne Hanna Diller, Houston, TX (1996). Cites: (a) PA Archives, 3rd Series, Vol. 20. (3) IGI, FHL (1988). Birth: (1) ca. 1726, s/o Patrick Davidson/Anne. Marriage to Prudence __?: (2) John DAVIDSON, s/o George & Prudence, b. 1752, Cumberland Co., PA. (NOTE: This George?) Burial: (1) Near Carlisle, Cumberland Co., PA with father Patrick and brother William. (2a) 1778: George DAVISON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 46 acres, 4 horses, 5 cows. (2) 1779: George DAVISON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA for 200 acres, 3 horses, 5 cows. (2) 1780: George DAVISON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 231 acres, 4 horses, 6 cows. (2) 1781: George DAVIDSON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 328 acres, 4 horses, 6 cows. (2) 1782: George DAVISON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 328 acres, 3 horses, 7 cows. (2) 1785: George DAVIDSON taxed, West Pennsboro, Cumberland Co., PA, for 328 acres, 3 horses, 4 cows. Also taxed was David DAVIDSON, sadler, for 1 horse & 1 cow. (3) 1797, 28 Dec: Will of George DAVIDSON (proved?), Cumberland Co., PA. | Davidson, George (I5564)
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| 48 | (Continued from Edward A. FREEMAN) Name Relation Marital Status Gender Race Age Birthplace Occupation Father's Birthplace Mother's Birthplace Thomas M. EWING Other S Male W 30 MO Attendant VA VA William MC GRADE Other S Male W 63 IRE Laborer IRE IRE James M. PHILLIPS Other S Male W 30 MO Attendant TN MO Patrick SMITH Other S Male W 36 IRE Laundry Man IRE IRE William A. MCDONALD Other S Male W 27 NOVA SCOTIA Attendant SCOT NOVA SCOTIA Edward LAMBERT Other S Male W 47 NY Engineer NY NY Michael DALEY Other M Male W 49 IRE Attendant IRE IRE Thomas AHERN Other M Male W 36 IRE Carpenter IRE IRE Thomas CONLAN Other M Male W 41 IRE Baker IRE IRE Anna CONLAN Other M Female W 34 IRE Attendant IRE IRE William MEARES Other S Male W 38 IRE Baker IRE IRE Raymond L. RIVERS Other S Male W 25 AT SEA Attendant N. S. N. S. Thomas DWYER Other M Male W 33 IRE Engineer IRE IRE Augus BUTTERS Other S Male W 30 NY Milkman SCOT SCOT John J. FLANNAGAN Other S Male W 32 IRE Attendant IRE IRE Margaret E. DANIELS Other W Female W 45 SCOT Attendant SCOT SCOT Rosa M. JAMES Other S Female W 23 NY Attendant NY NY Angie CRARY Other S Female W 32 WI Attendant NY NY Gilbert G. WILLIAMS Other S Male W 28 OH Attendant VA OH Joseph F. JAMES Other S Male W 33 OH Attendant PA PA (Continued) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Source Information: Census Place State Insane Asylum, Napa, Napa, California NA Film Number T9-0069 Page Number 356A | Ewing, Thompson McGready (I20796)
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| 49 | (continued from Husband) And what kind of graduates did such places produce? "An occasional scholar is sent out from their walls, whilst thousands of conceited ignoramuses are spawned forth with not enough Algebra to equate their minds with zero," Hill proclaimed in his official inaugural address to the Board of Trustees on February 28, 1855. 73 " . . . ninnies take degrees," the acerbic major continued, "and blockheads bear away the title of Bachelor of Arts; though the only art they acquired in College was the art of yelling, ringing of bells, and blowing horns in nocturnal rows."74 D. H. Hill believed that human beings were by nature wretched and sinful creatures. "Self-abasement and self-abhorrence must lie at the very foundation of the Christian character," Hill wrote in 1858.75 Regardless of its origins, this predilection to emphasize the negative aspects of human deportment brought a certain harshness to Hill's rhetoric. Indeed, his inaugural address at Davidson was full of vituperative language. Without rewards for good behavior, the majority of students would "speedily acquire idle habits, and learn to drone away their time between lounging, cards, cigars, and whiskey punch," Hill maintained.76 And as for those miscreants who had no desire to improve their behavior, they would "congregate together around their filthy whiskey bottle, like ill-omened vultures around a rotten carcass."77 It was this tendency toward invective and pointing out the faults in others that caused many people to dislike Daniel Harvey Hill. But Hal Bridges, his biographer, reminds us that Hill was a man of many facets. "At every stage of his career, the attractive qualities . . . were liberally intermingled with his prickly traits of character," says Bridges.78 Davidson College derived enormous benefits from having "Harvey" Hill on its faculty. In addition to leading the effort to restore discipline, he labored tirelessly to strengthen the academic program. He persuaded the Board of Trustees to purchase new equipment for the Mathematics Department. He brought C. D. Fishburne to Davidson and agreed to pay Fishburne's salary for two years if the money could not be raised to meet this obligation -- no small commitment when his own annual salary was just $1705. It was during Hill's tenure at Davidson that Salisbury, North Carolina merchant Maxwell Chambers bequeathed $300,000 to the college. Ratchford insisted that this gift was a direct result of the improvements that Hill had championed. "This I presume is the largest Legacy ever left to one College in the Southern States," said Robert Hall Morrison, D. H. Hill's father-in-law. 79 Anyone doubting the importance of his contributions to the overall improvement of Davidson College need only read what the Board of Trustees said about D. H. Hill when he resigned from the faculty on July 11, 1859. That whilst we, as a Board of Trustees, accede to the wishes of Major D. H. Hill, we accept his resignation with very great reluctance, much regretting to lose from our Institution such a pure and high minded Christian gentleman, diligent and untiring student; thorough and ripe scholar, and able faithful, and successful Instructor -- especially in his Department -- as Major Hill as ever proved himself to be since he came amongst us. 80 In 1859, no doubt at D. H. Hill's urging, the General Assembly of North Carolina enacted legislation which assured that his impact upon campus life at Davidson College would endure. The law stipulated that no person could "erect, keep, maintain or have at Davidson College, or within three miles thereof, any tippling house, establishment or place for the sale of wines, cordials, spirituous or malt liquors."81 It prohibited "any billiard table, or other public table of any kind, at which games of chance or skill (by whatever name called) may be played."82 The punishments for violating these prohibitions were severe, especially for slaves. They were "to receive thirty-nine lashes on his or her bare back."83 The departure of Daniel Harvey Hill from Davidson College came as no surprise. It was widely known that he was about to become the Superintendent of the North Carolina Military Institute in Charlotte. As early as June 29, 1858, the Western Democrat, a Charlotte newspaper, had announced that the "services of a distinguished gentleman, a graduate of West Point," had been secured for the position. 84 On September 28, 1858, the newspaper reported that Daniel Harvey Hill would indeed be the Superintendent. "The mere mention of this fact we think will insure confidence in the success of the undertaking," the Western Democrat proclaimed. 85 The impetus for establishing the North Carolina Military Institute was provided by a group of Charlotte businessmen and professionals headed by Dr. Charles J. Fox. 86 "Those gentlemen who originated and pushed forward the scheme are entitled to much credit for energy and zeal," said the Western Democrat. 87 They raised $15,000 by selling stock to individuals and received $10,000 from the City of Charlotte, also to purchase stock. The voters had approved this financial outlay in a special referendum held on March 27, 1858. 88 Dr. Fox and his associates bought a tract of land about one-half mile south of Charlotte beside the tracks of the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad and hired Sydney Reading, a contractor, to oversee the construction of Steward's Hall, a massive, castle-like, three and four-story brick edifice designed to look like the buildings at West Point. 89 A festive ceremony was held on the grounds on Saturday, July 31, 1858, when the cornerstone was laid. William A. Graham, the Governor of North Carolina, spoke to a "large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen."90 Classes began at the North Carolina Military Institute on October 1, 1859.91 The institute had two departments. A Primary Department for boys from 12 to 15 and a Scientific Department for young men from 15 to 21. Chartered by the North Carolina Legislature to award degrees, the Scientific Department, which had 60 cadets enrolled during the first year, patterned its curriculum after the courses taught at West Point, which meant that it emphasized such technical and scientific skills as engineering, surveying, mathematics and chemistry, plus the art of warfare. The influence of D. H. Hill over the educational philosophy of the North Carolina Military Institute was paramount. In keeping with his gloomy appraisal of human nature, Hill insisted that discipline must be rigorously enforced. Just as at Davidson College, he held firmly to the belief that young men, unless closely supervised, would inevitably go astray. "The great sin of the age," he told the Education Committee of the North Carolina Legislature in January, 1861, "is resistance to established authority."92 The Superintendent wrote a lengthy description of the school's mission shortly before the institute opened in 1859. The organization of this Institution and the principles upon which it is based entitle it to the patronage of the State. The instruction imparted is peculiarly suited to our Southern agricultural population; the discipline is of the kind most popular with Southern youth; the prohibition of pocket-money and the dressing of all alike in one common uniform prevent extravagance and the indulgence in crime, and cut off the pride and ostentation engendered by fine clothes; the exercise required in drilling, parading and in guard duty, preserves the health, and occupies that time which might otherwise be spent in vice.93 As expected, Christianity, although non-sectarian, occupied a central place in the instructional program of the North Carolina Military Institute. "Will not Christians, especially, furnish the youthful cadets with that sound, healthful and pure literature which the young so much need?", Hill asked.94 Cadets had to attend chapel twice daily -- in the morning to listen to a sermon and in the afternoon to hear Biblical instruction -- as well as go to church on Sunday. Henry E. Shepherd, a cadet at the Institute, remembered Superintendent Hill's lectures in the chapel with fondness. "I listened eagerly to the comments of the 'Major' as he read the Scriptures in chapel and at times revealed their infinite stylistic power," he wrote many years later.95 J. W. Ratchford, who had left Davidson College and had followed D. H. Hill to the North Carolina Military Institute, also remembered attending chapel and listening to his mentor speak. Hill spoke about politics too. When word arrived that South Carolina had seceded on December 20, 1860, many of the cadets from South Carolina, including Ratchford, considered withdrawing from school and going home to support their native state. "Gen. Hill made us a talk . . . one morning, telling us that if we did have a war he expected to go, and advised us to stay at school until it was certain," Ratchford reported. 96 One comes away from examining those fateful weeks in the first half of 1861 with the distinct feeling that Hill, in keeping with his long-held convictions, was willing to fight to protect the Southern way of life but that he sincerely hoped that war would not occur. D. H. Hill had no illusions about the horrible realities of military combat. "Recruiting sergeants, with their drums and fifes, try to allure by 'the pride, pomp, and circumstance of war;' they never allude to the hot, weary marches, the dreary night-watches, the mangled limbs, and crushed carcasses of the battle-field (sic.)," he proclaimed. 97 Hill was proud of the South's military tradition. "The armies of the Revolution were commanded by Washington, a Southern General," he told an audience in Wilmington, N.C. 98 But he knew that a struggle with the North would be long and arduous. After Confederate troops opened fire on the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter in the harbor at Charleston, S. C. on April 12, 1861, Hill summoned the young cadets to the chapel in Steward's Hall on the outskirts of Charlotte and told them what to expect in the weeks, months and years ahead. His words were tragically prophetic. Ratchford recalled what the Superintendent said: He warned us that it would be no child's play, and the chances were that it would last as long as the Revolutionary war, and we would all get enough of it. He mentioned the contrast between the resources of the North and the South, both in men and means. . . .99 The second half of April, 1861, witnessed a flurry of activity at the North Carolina Military Institute. A particularly dramatic scene occurred when the cadets raised a secession flag, made by the ladies of Charlotte, over Steward's Hall so the passengers on the trains moving north out of South Carolina could see it. James H. Lane, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and a member of Hill's faculty, described what happened when the next locomotive passed by the campus. ". . . the artillery thundered its greetings to South Carolina as the train passed slowly by: the male passengers yelled themselves hoarse; the ladies waved their handkerchiefs and threw kisses to these brave boys."100 North Carolina Governor John W. Ellis summoned D. H. Hill to Raleigh to organize the State's first military instruction camp. The cadets followed soon thereafter. They marched as a body into Charlotte and boarded trains headed for the State capital on April 26th. Crowds lined the platform as the locomotive pulled away from the station. It was Friday night. Steward Hall was turned over to the State as a place for volunteers to rendezvous. The halls were silent. The classrooms were empty. The chapel was still. The Old South was entering its death agony. Two members of the faculty of the North Carolina Military Institute would perish in the Peninsula Campaign, and James H. Lane would be wounded twice. D. H. Hill would bring to the Civil War those same attributes which had served him so well during the 1840's and 1850's. Persistence. Integrity. Bravery. But he would also display the irascible side of his makeup. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ Notes 1 Hal Bridges, Lee's Maverick: General Daniel Harvey Hill (McGraw Hill, 1961), p. vii. 2 Bridges, p. 17. 3 Douglas Southall Freeman, Lee's Lieutenants. A Study In Command (Charles Scribner's Sons, 1942) Vol. I., p. 21. 4 John Cleves Haskell, The Haskell Memoirs (G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1960), p. 40. 5 J. W. Ratchford to D. H. Hill, Jr., Paint Rock, Texas, n.d., p. 4, Daniel Harvey Hill, Jr. Papers, North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Raleigh, N.C. Hereafter cited as Ratchford. 6 Major D. H. Hill, A Consideration Of The Sermon On The Mount (William S. & Alfred Martien, 1858), p. 8. 7 D. H. Hill to his wife, April 22, 1862, Daniel Harvey Hill Papers, North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Raleigh, N.C. 8 Wilmington Messenger, September 27, 1889. 9 Charlotte Chronicle, September 25, 1889. 10 Three other children survived their mother and father. Mrs. T. J. Arnold of San Diego, California, Dr. R. Hill, Superintendent of the Marine Hospital in San Pedro, California, and James M. Hill, a lawyer in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 11 Mary D. Beaty, Davidson A History of the Town from 1835 until 1937 (Briarpatch Press, 1979), p. 108. This book contains two photographs of the building. 12 Charlotte Chronicle, September 26, 1889. 13 Ibid., September 26, 1889. 14 Charlotte Chronicle, September 25, 1889. 15 C. D. Fishburne to D. H. Hill, Jr., Chancellorsville, Va., February 8, 1890, p. 1, Daniel Harvey Hill, Jr. Papers, North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Raleigh, N. C. Hereafter cited as Fishburne. His name is sometimes spelled 'Fishburn.' However, his signature on this letter clearly contains a final 'e.' Consequently, that spelling shall be used throughout this book. 16 Wilmington Messenger, September 27, 1889. 17 Ratchford, p. 2. 18 Jeffrey D. Wert, General James Longstreet. The Confederacy's Most Controversial Soldier. A Biography (Simon and Schuster, 1993) p. 93. 19 Haskell, p. 45. 20 Ratchford, pp. 2-3. 21 Fishburne, pp. 2-3. 22 Daniel Harvey Hill Papers (Davidson College Archives, Davidson, N.C.). 23 Paul D. Casdorph, Lee and Jackson Confederate Chieftains (Dell Publishing, 1992), p. 319. 24 Ratchford, p. 5. 25 The Davidson College Cemetery contains the graves of three sons of Daniel and Isabella Hill who died as children. Willie Morrison Hill (born November 17, 1855, died April 2, 1856); Robert Hall Morrison Hill (born July 29, 1850, died April 5, 1857); James Irwin Hill (February 8, 1861, died November 10, 1866). 26 Fishburne, p. 11. 27 D. H. Hill to his wife, May 10, 1862. D. H. Hill Papers. North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Raleigh, N.C. 28 D. H. Hill to his wife, June 7, 1862. D. H. Hill Papers. North Carolina Division of Archives and History, Raleigh, N.C. 29 Ratchford, p. 77. 30 Fishburne, p. 12. 31 D. H. Hill, College Discipline. An Inaugural Address Delivered at Davidson College, N.C. On the 28th February, 1855 (The Watchman Office, 1855), p. 4. Hereafter cited as Discipline. 32 Major D. H. Hill, Elements Of Hill's Algebra (J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1857), p. 124. 33 Ibid., p. 151. 34 Ibid., p. 318. 35 Fishburne, p. 12. 36 Ibid., p. 4. John Caldwell Calhoun (1782-1850) was born near Abbeville, S.C. He served in the House of Representatives from 1811 until 1817, as Secretary of War from 1817 until 1825, as Vice President under John Quincy Adams from 1825 until 1832, as Secretary of State under John Tyler from 1844 until 1845, and in the Senate from 1832 until 1843 and from 1845 until his death in 1850. Calhoun was an ardent defender of the South and of slavery and of the right of States to secede from the United States of America. 37 Western Democrat, March 13, 1860. 38 Fishburne, pp. 12-13. 39 For a description of the early life of Daniel Harvey Hill, see Bridges, pp. 16-36. 40 Ibid., p. 17. Nancy Hill and her children attended Bethel Presbyterian Church, near present-day Clover, South Carolina. D. H. Hill's locally famous paternal grandfather, William Hill, is buried in the Cemetery at Bethel Presbyterian Church. 41 Bridges, p. 18. 42 Ibid. 43 Kenneth S. Greenberg, Masters and Statesmen. The Political Culture of American Slavery (The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1985), p. 108. 44 Ibid., pp. 120-121. 45 Western Democrat, January 15, 1861. These remarks were made in a speech to the Committee on Education of the North Carolina Legislature. 46 A. C. Avery, Memorial Address on Life and Character of Lieutenant General D. H. Hill (Edwards & Broughton), p. 7. 47 Wilmington Messenger, September 27, 1889. 48 D. H. Hill to Kinstrung (October 30, 1858), College Archives, Davidson College Library, Davidson, N.C. 49 Fishburne, p. 1. 50 Ibid. 51 Ibid., p. 3. 52 Minutes of the Board of Trustees of Davidson College (August 10, 1853), College Archives, Davidson College Library, Davidson, N.C. Hereafter cited as Davidson College Board of Trustees. 53 Discipline, p.4. 54 Major D. H. Hill, College Discipline. An Inaugural Address Delivered At Davidson College, N.C., On the 28th February, 1855 (Watchman Office, 1855), p. 3. Hereafter cited as Address. Davidson College Board of Trustees October 15, 1853). 55 Fishburne, p. 8. 56 Fishburne, p. 7. 57 Davidson College Board of Trustees (August 8, 1854). The report of the Faculty stated that there had been 90 students at Davidson College during the previous term. 58 Davidson College Board of Trustees (February 21, 1854). 59 Minutes of the Faculty of Davidson College (April 24, 1854), College Archives, Davidson College Library, Davidson, N.C. Hereafter cited as Davidson College Faculty. 60 For a detailed history of Davidson College, see Mary D. Beaty, A History of Davidson College (Briarpatch Press, 1988). 61 Discipline, p. 6. 62 Discipline, p. 10. 63 Davidson College Board of Trustees (April 8, 1854). 64 Davidson College Faculty, (June 12, July 10, 1854). 65 Ibid. (April 24, 1855). 66 Ibid (February 8, 1858). 67 Ibid (February 19, 1858). 68 Ibid. (May 5, 1855). 69 Ibid. (January 2, 1855). 70 Ibid. 71 Discipline, p. 14. 72 Ibid. p. 11. 73 Ibid. 74 D. H. Hill, A Consideration Of The Sermon On The Mount (William S. & Alfred Martien, 1858), p. 7. 75 Discipline, p. 12. 76 Address. 77 Bridges, p. 151. 78 Quoted in Beaty, p. 60. 79 Davidson College Board of Trustees (July 11, 1859). 80 Public Laws Of The State Of North Carolina, Passed By The General Assembly At Its Session Of 1858-9: Together With The Comptroller's Statement Of Public Revenue And Expenditure (Holden and Wilson, 1859), p. 72. Hereafter cited as Public Laws. 81 Ibid., p. 73. 82 Ibid. 83 Western Democrat, June 29, 1853. 84 Ibid., September 28, 1853. 85 The General Statutes list the following individuals as the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Military Institute: Charles J. Fox, James H. Carson, H. Laff Alexander, T. H. Brim, James P. Invire, S. M. Blair, David Parks, James H. Davis, Moses Heart, John A. Young, J. M. Davidson, and J. H. Wayte (Public Laws, p. 384). This writer believes that 'James P. Invire' was James P. Irwin, Hill's brother-in-law, and 'T. H. Brim' was T. H. Brem. 86 Ibid., June 29, 1853. 87 The only other military institute in North Carolina, also a private school, was in Hillsborough. 88 Stweard's Hall was 270 feet long (Western Democrat, June 29, 1853). This writer believes it was the largest building in Charlotte when it was erected. 89 Ibid., August 3, 1858. 90 The campus was located about where the Charlotte Central Y.M.C.A. now stands on East Morehead Street. Steward's Hall faced west, and the front door was somewhere in the present right-of-way of South Boulevard. The parade ground, where cadets practiced infantry tactics and fired artillery pieces daily, extended from the front of Steward's Hall down the hill to the edge of the railroad tracks that still run parallel to South Boulevard and South Tryon Street. 91 Ibid., January 15, 1861. 92 Ibid., September 6, 1858. 93 Ibid. 94 Henry E. Shepherd, Gen. D. H. Hill -- A Character Sketch (College Archives, Davidson College Library, Davidson, N.C.). According to Shepherd, some of the weapons that were taken when John Brown was captured in Harper's Ferry, Va. in 1859 were brought and stored in the arsenal of the North Carolina Military Institute. 95 Ratchford, p. 5. 96 Major D. H. Hill, A Consideration Of The Sermon On The Mount (William S. & Alfred Martien, 1858), p. 20. 97 Western Democrat, April 2, 1861. 98 Ratchford, pp. 5-6. 99 Speech delivered at Auburn, Alabama by General Lane. College Archives, Davidson College Library, Davidson, N.C. | Morrison, Isabella Sophia (I2021)
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| 50 | (Continued) The following is from the Memphis Bulletin of October 20: "The religious community were profoundly impressed yesterday by the announcement of the death of Rev. Dr. C. A. Davis, the beloved and regretted pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. At twenty minutes past four o'clock yesterday afternoon, full of faith, and with a hope of a glorious resurrection, his spotless spirit passed away from earth. Only a few days ago he was laid on a bed of sickness which ultimately proved a bed of death. His death-bed was, however, one of triumph, and made one ready to exclaim, 'O that I might die like the righteous, and that my last end might be like his!' During his last illness Dr. Davis had full possession of his mental faculties, and had for each one who approached his bedside a kind and cheering word. He frequently talked of all that the Saviour had done for him, and few that visited him in his last sickness will ever forget the angelic words which he uttered. Each day he lay languishing on the bed from which he was never to rise produced its series of sermons, so to speak; for he was ever full of good counsel, and spoke to his clerical and lay brethren almost like one inspired. He was perfectly calm and of tranquil mind on the morning of his death. He felt that his end was approaching; that he had fought the good fight; that he had completed his Master's work on earth, and was about to be called to receive his reward in those bright realms beyond the grave, and to hear the Master he had served so faithfully on earth say to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!' Death had no terrors for him, for he frequently expressed himself satisfied with the will of God in thus taking him away so early from the field of labor, and in the fervency of his joy he exclaimed, just before his spirit passed away, 'O, is it possible that in a short time I will be with Christ and his apostles?' He then called his beloved wife and children around his bedside and delivered to them a brief parting address, in which he told them to be of good cheer; that although he was about to be taken from them, the separation would soon come to an end, and that in a short time they would all be reunited in heaven, where there was no sin or sorrow, and where they would meet to part no more. As these heaven-like words passed from his lips, he gently closed his eyes and fell asleep in Jesus. Thus died a truly Christian minister, one who was not only honored and respected by the clergy and laity of his own denomination, but also by many Christian virtues had endeared himself to many of the citizens of Memphis. He leaves a widow and family to lament the loss of him who was the kindest of husbands and tenderest of fathers. "During his last illness the deceased was daily attended by Rev. Dr. Steadman, Rev. Mr. Graves, Rev. Mr. McPherson, Rev. Mr. Johnson, Rev. T. D. Witherspoon, and other clergymen, with many of the members of his congregation, both male and female. "The attending physicians were Drs. Snyder, Avent, Chandler, and Mallory, all of whom did everything in their power, or which medical skill could suggest, but it was unhappily of no avail." I quote also from the Memphis Bulletin of October 21, in relation to the funeral-services: "Few deaths have occurred in Memphis for a lengthened period which have caused so profound sorrow as that of Rev. Dr C. A. Davis, whose demise, after a short illness, on Saturday afternoon, was referred to in the Bulletin of yesterday. The funeral-services took place yesterday forenoon at eleven o'clock, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and were largely attended, the sacred edifice being crowded to its utmost capacity. Eleven o'clock was announced as the hour at which the funeral-services would commence, but long before that hour the pews were occupied by the sorrowing members of the congregation who had come to pay the last mark of respect to the remains of him whom they had so much loved and respected, and under whose ministrations they had sat with so much profit while he preached to them the glad tidings of salvation. At the hour above mentioned the coffin, containing all that was mortal of the esteemed divine, was borne into the church and placed in front of the altar. As the coffin, on which were several wreaths of beautiful flowers, was borne up the aisle, audible sobs could be heard arising on every side, while many strong men were observed to shed tears at the great loss all have sustained. The church was appropriately draped in habiliments of mourning. Behind the pulpit festoons of black cloth were pendant from the pilasters. The pulpit, reading-desk, altar, chairs, and gasaliers, were all covered with the same material, while wreaths were pendant from the chandeliers, and from the front of the chair-gallery. On the pulpit platform were the following clergymen: Rev. Dr. Steadman, Rev. Dr. Ford, Rev. Dr. Guilford Jones, Rev. Mr. Graves, Rev. Mr. Sample, and Rev. Mr. McPherson." The funeral-services were conducted by Rev. Mr. McPherson, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Drs. Steadman, of the Presbyterian, and Ford, of the Baptist Church. The two latter made appropriate and impressive addresses. I quote a passage from the address of Dr. Ford. It is an account of the exercises of Dr. Davis the last day, and a few of the last hours of his life: "On Saturday morning," said Dr. Ford, "his physician called upon him. He asked him: 'Is there any hope for me? Do you think I am going to die?' The answer was silence, accompanied with tears. Rev. Dr. Steadman, Rev. Mr. Witherspoon, and Rev. Mr. Graves, had now arrived. He told them he was going to die, and repeated aloud the whole of the twenty-third Psalm. Prayer was then offered, and he joined in it with a calm resignation. This was about ten A.M. Through the lingering hours of the day he frequently asked the time, and to each one who entered addressed himself with calmness, recommending the religion he had preached to them, and exhorting them to meet him in heaven. 'Tell your people,' said he to Rev. Mr. Graves and myself, 'that I die in this faith-faith in Jesus.' 'It may seem singular,' said he, 'to some people, that a professor religion and a minister of the gospel, dying, should express himself as I feel, that I am a poor sinner deserving nothing; but this is a part of religion. Religion may be said to have two halves to it: one half to know and feel yourself a sinner, the other half to know that Christ is your Saviour.' He repeated with touching emphasis the fifty-first Psalm: 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy loving kindness;' and when his memory failed in repeating it, he called on me to read the remainder, while he made remarks most striking and affecting on almost every verse. I then turned to the twenty-seventh Psalm, and read down to the words, 'Wait upon the Lord and be of good courage,' when he interrupted me, saying, 'Now let us wait-wait upon the Lord. Lord, I wait for thee; I shall soon be in glory.' He requested, naming the page in a hymn-book from memory, that a favorite song with him should be sung. I asked him what tune. He answered, 'Mear;' and said, ' I will start it.' He did so, with a calm and steady voice, and we joined with him in singing it. In the course of the evening Rev. Mr. Graves read to him the eighth chapter of Romans. He anticipated the reading, repeating much of it himself. When the fifteenth verse was reached, 'For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again unto fear, but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father,' he exclaimed, 'I would not give that glorious doctrine for worlds!' He soon after complained of darkness; his sight and hearing began to fail; but he retained his memory and general consciousness clear until four o'clock P.M. At fifteen minutes after four he turned himself, and seemed to be in great agony. We all prayed in deep anguish that he might be relieved from the agony, and might be permitted to die without a struggle. Our prayer was answered; he breathed calmly, and evidently without pain, and in entire silence for about ten minutes, and then, without a struggle, and apparently without a pang, he sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.'" At the risk of seeming tedious, I must be allowed to make two more extracts. In the Memphis Avalanche of October 22 we have the following, so truthful that it must not be overlooked: "Death discloses the human estimate of character. The weeping crowd at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sunday last, the festoons of mourning, the sad pageant which wended its way through our streets, clad in the habiliments of grief, with the learned, the noble, and the good mingling in the train, were but the honest tribute of hearts that loved and respected the Rev. Dr. C. A. Davis. We have already announced in these columns the death of this eminent divine-a death which has spread a general gloom over the public mind. We join in the universal grief which pervades the community, and feel unwilling to let this good and talented citizen pass away without a brief but heart-felt expression of our appreciation and admiration of his character. The death of a private citizen, endowed largely with all the attributes which adorn life, and possessed of a pure and lofty nature, is regarded as a great loss; but when these qualities are united with useful talents, with experience in Christian labors, with a temper suited to successful execution, and an ardor of industry in promoting the welfare and happiness of the people, their possessor becomes a public property, and his death is a public as well as a private calamity. These were some of the elements of the character of Rev. C. A. Davis, and hence his funeral was one of the largest that has ever taken place in this city, and hence the general grief to which we have alluded. . . . It is almost useless for us to speak of the character of Mr. Davis. He was certainly an eloquent, learned, and upright Christian. He was beloved by all who knew him. His grave and stern dignity of character, his want of deceit and palaver, and his detestation of hypocrisy and humbuggery, did not make him a favorite on a casual acquaintance. But he had the nobility of character, the solid worth, the steadfastness of mind, which fixed the admiration and bound his friends to him with hooks of steel. The characteristic of his great mind was solidity. He cared nothing for the meteoric flashes of oratory, and there was more of strength and energy in his style of speaking than of eloquence. He had that energy which always indicated honest sincerity, and hence he forced the assent of his hearers, instead of stealing their admiration. There was no subject beyond the grasp of his powerful intellect, and no theme, however complicated, that he could not unravel by his analytical powers. He possessed the reasoning faculty, in its practical application, in an eminent degree. As he thundered great and eternal truths in the ears of sinners, his stern and solemn accents seemed tolling the knell of immortal souls. He talked plainly, like a fearless man, confident of the truth of what he was saying, and ready to stake his life on the issue. . . . In the moral qualities which constitute firmness and decision of character, he had no superior among all his contemporaries. He never sacrificed the true to the expedient, right to policy. . . . His name ought to be inscribed in the magnificent church which was erected through his energy and piety in letters as imperishable as his greatness is fadeless. Like a true soldier, Mr. Davis died at his post. His nodding plume never led a column into victorious battle, but he blazed out a hero in the vanguard of the world's grand march to eternity. If not mighty in arms, if not invincible in battle, he girded himself for a far nobler struggle, and won upon the vast field of religion and humanity the proudest triumphs. How appropriate to the sublime heroism of his glorious life the truthful language of Milton: 'Peace hath its victories, No less renowned than war.'" From the Memphis Christian Advocate: "His dying hours were full of trust, peace, joy, and victory, and while with others we stood by his bed listening to his eloquent expressions of faith and hope, we felt the truth of what Dr. Steadman then said to the dying servant of God: 'You are to-day preaching the greatest sermon of your life.' That sermon will stir the souls of the preachers who heard it to their latest day. The funeral-services were held Sabbath-morning, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church-Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists suspending services, and joining a sister Church in a sincere tribute of esteem, love, and tears, for a beloved pastor and able minister of Christ. The services were conducted chiefly by Dr. Steadman, of the Presbyterian Church, and Dr. Ford, of the Baptist Church, and the occasion was exceedingly impressive and mournful-a season of deep grief for the loss of a prince in Israel. As we write lying on a sick-bed, we cannot say all we would, and will only add, that in the death of Dr. Davis our city has lost a representative man, and the Church of Christ, a strong, noble, useful, and faithful preacher." I have chosen to let others speak thus far of Dr. Davis rather than to speak myself. I add, however, a few words to what has preceded. My acquaintance with him was limited. Our fields of labor were distant from each other, and our ages were different by something more than a quarter of a century. The first time I ever saw him was at the General Assembly of 1850, at Clarksville, Tennessee. He was a member of that Assembly from Platte Presbytery. Nothing unusual occurred to attract attention to him on that occasion. He had a youthful appearance; his bearing was rather lofty than otherwise-not, however, by means, offensively so. He was spoken of as a young man of promise. I met him at the Assembly of 1852, at Nashville. On that occasion he preached, perhaps more than once. In the course of the proceedings of the Assembly he made a short but appropriate speech in favor of the establishment of the Theological School which now exists at Lebanon. I saw him at the Assembly at Huntsville, Alabama, in 1858. His preaching there attracted unusual attention, and most probably led to his being called in the course of the following summer or fall both to Lebanon and Memphis, and to his settlement in Memphis in the fall or early winter of that year. He was a member of the Assembly of 1860, and had come to be considered one of the most prominent preachers in the denomination. On that occasion he preached on Sabbath in the First Presbyterian Church a strong, earnest sermon on the "witness of the Spirit." In the meantime he had assisted the pastor of the Lebanon Congregation in a protracted-meeting of several days' continuance. I was surprised at his pulpit performances. They were strong, spiritual, and powerful. His preaching was greatly admired. The war came up, and men from the Southern section of the Church were practically excluded from attendance upon the General Assembly. In 1866, I met Mr. Davis for the first time after the meeting in 1860. The meeting at Owensboro was a memorable meeting. I have always since regarded it as the crisis of the Church. It was so regarded at the time by all serious men. Mr. Davis was one of the leading actors in the trying scenes of that occasion. There were honest and very decided differences of opinion upon one or two important questions, not only of ecclesiastical polity, but of moral principle. All those then present who may have survived, and may read this, will recollect his great speech upon these vexed questions. I have called it "his great speech." I so denominate it thoughtfully. It was one of the finest efforts of the kind that I ever witnessed in a deliberative assembly. The ability displayed would have been creditable to any man in any of the high places of the country. I should have so said, and felt, in relation to the merits of the production on whatever side of the troublesome questions under discussion I may have stood. It was afterward published, but the printed copy fell far short of the interest and power of the original. I never saw Dr. Davis after that meeting. In a year and a few short months a mysterious Providence removed him under such circumstances as have been described from his post of great usefulness. He was great by nature, and greater by grace. In the prime of life; in the vigor of strong manhood; in the midst of a people regarding him with a feeling kindred to idolatry, the earnest pastor, the husband, the father, is cut down. Resolutions of condolence came up from all sides, but these, however well meant and proper in their place, were but a feeble and unsuccessful effort at filling up the terrible space which had been made vacant by his death. Our last and only true consolation in all such cases is, a trustful conviction that God reigns. [Source: Brief Biographical Sketches of Some of the Early Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Second Series. By Richard Beard. Nashville, Tenn.: Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1874. Pages 380-408] | Family F7365
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