Davis Clan of Madison-Buncomb County North Carolina
My Davis Clan of Knoxville-Late of Buncombe and Madison County, North Carolina
My Davis side begins with my mom, Bettye Jean Davis Mode. However, I have several Davis sides and my wife Patsy has a Davis side herself. My 4th great grandmother on my mom’s side, Martha Patsy Davis, came out of Claiborne County and married Jacob Shuff Walker. My 2nd great grandmother, also on my mom’s side, was Lottie Esther Davis who married Charles Henry Berney. Lottie was born in Blount County, Tennessee on 18 September 1874 and died in Knoxville on 5 February 1915. On 11 December 1896 Lucille Emma Berney, daughter of Henry and Lottie Berney, was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and married William Elbert Davis on 21 March 1914 in Knoxville. Many of our Davis, Berney, and Rochet kin are buried at Anderson-Guffon Cemetery.
In order to understand the origins of our Davis side we must first venture over to Buncombe County and the Big Pine area of Madison County, North Carolina, where our Davis side is from, before removing to Knoxville, Tennessee. Many from this Davis clan, besides Evan, Mary Ann, and William Elbert, moved to Knoxville. It is from North Carolina that I will start the documentation, beginning with Nathaniel and Dorothy (Dolly) Thomas Davis, my 5th great grandparents, and parents to John R. and Joseph Minzy Davis. They were brothers and both, oddly enough, are my 4th great grandparents. Here’s where things get a little silly. We are kin to ourselves due to the fact that John R. Davis had a son by the name of Evan Taylor Davis and Joseph Minzy Davis had a daughter by the name of Elizabeth (Eliza) Jane Davis. Well, they were first cousins and they married each other. So, their uncles also happen to be their father-in-laws and they have the same grandparents in Nathaniel and Dorothy Thomas Davis. The family tree branch doesn’t exactly continue to fork, but rather it comes back together again. I had tried in vain over the years to find Eliza Jane Davis’s maiden name. My last hope was death certificates for her sons, Jason and Joe, and it listed their mother’s name as “Eliza Jane ----,” and “Jane Davis.” Nuts, I thought, why can’t I get a break? Phyllis Noble informed me that she was in fact…… a Davis. And so it goes and explains why my boys act so goofy. Now, according to Evan Taylor Davis’s death certificate his mother was Sallie Sawyer, but his brother, Adolphus M. Davis, lists his mother as Sarah McPheters on his death certificate, brother Harrison’s mother is listed as Sally Davis, and brother Solomon C’s mother is listed as Sally McFeatures (McPheters) Did someone make a mistake on Evan’s death certificate? The 1850 and 1860 census both list “Sarah” as his wife. So is this Sarah “Sallie” Sawyer or Sarah McPheters?
So, our Davis line runs like this: Nathaniel and Dorothy “Dolly” Thomas Davis, John R. and Sarah C. Sawyer Davis, Evan T. Davis and Elizabeth “Eliza” Jane Davis, a Trammell or Tramble and Mary Ann Davis Weaver, William Elbert and Lucille Ester Berney Davis, William Kenneth Davis and Dora Katherine Bowers and on to mom, Bettye Jean Davis and William Franklin Mode. How’s that, clear as mud?
1. Nathaniel Davis and Dorothy "Dolly" Thomas: Nathaniel Davis was born circa 1784 and died circa May 1872.
Dorothy “Dolly” Thomas Davis was born circa 1794 and died circa November 1882.They were married circa 1810. Dolly Thomas Davis may have been born in Virginia but I have no verification of this.
Children were:
John R. Davis, Nathaniel Davis, Jr., Elizabeth Davis, James Davis, John Davis, Peter Davis, Rachel Davis, Joseph Minzy Davis, Daniel Berre Davis, Harrison Davis, Kizah Davis, Jane Davis, Rebecca Davis, and Polly Davis. (This according to Joy Philpott)
1820 Buncombe County, North Carolina Federal Census
Nathaniel Davis300010-20010-0100
This indicates that Nathan and Dolly’s household contained 3 boys between 0-10 years old, and Nathaniel between 26-45 years old. He would have been about 30-35 years old at this time. They have two daughters between 0-10 years old, and Dolly between 26-45 years old. She would have been about 30 years old. One person would have been engaged in agriculture.
WILL OF NATHANIEL DAVIS OF MADISON COUNTY, N.C.
In the name of God amen; I, Nathaniel Davis, of the county of Madison and State of North Carolina of sound memory and mind do make and ordain this my last will and Testament considering the frailty of my mortal life, and knowing that I must soon die, and leave the temporal blessing of earth. My soul I recommend to God who gave it and my body to the grave to be buried in decent burial at the action of my Executors, doubting not that they will be resurrected and united at the general judgment day.
As t------ by worldly Estate wherewith God hath blessed me. First of all I desire all my just debts to be paid, and then in the second place I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Dolly Davis all the remainder of my worldly Estate that I am possessed of at my death or demise consisting of Lands and tenement house hold and kitchen furniture of every description and stock of every kind and grain of every kind on hand growing or otherwise together with all possessions on hand, together with debts due, if necessary for her support and comfort during her natural life. And at her death I give and bequeath unto my son John Davis the sum of two dollars, and I give unto Alfred Marler & Elizabeth (Betsy Davis) Marler my daughter the sum of two dollars. Also I give unto Nathaniel Davis --- and Seviller Davis my niece the representative of my deceased daughter the sum of two dollars. I also give unto John Anderson & Polly (Davis) Anderson my Daughter the sum of two dollars. And in remembrance of all the balance of my lawful heirs, vis-a-vis Lucretia (Roberts McPheters) Davis Sawyer & children heirs at law of Minzy Davis Deceased & heirs at law of James Davis Deceased & Peter Davis & Harrison Davis and Nathaniel Davis, Jr. & Daniel Davis & Kizziah (Davis) Kimbo (wife of John Kimbo?) and Rebecca (Davis) Sawyers (May have married John J. Sawyer) & Jane (Davis) Worley (May have married Robert “Robeson” Worley on 10 November 1853 in Madison County, NC) and heirs at law of Rachael (Davis) Sawyers (Married Thomas Sawyer according to Madison Co. Heritage book) an equal share of the balance of my effects after paying out the above sums as herein described to be collected and paid over to the above named heirs by my Executor according to the -------- made and provided in such cases after deducting such fees and commissions as the law allows. And I now revoke and di------ all former wills and Testaments heretofore made by me or purporting to be made by and in my name. I now ordain and confirm this, my last will & Testament to all intents and purposes. I now -------- and appoint my beloved son Harrison Davis my -------- Executor of my last will & Testament to wind up and manage the affairs of my Estate according to the provisions of the foregoing Will.
In testimony I hereunto set my hand & seal this thirty first day of August Eighteen hundred and sixty six (31 August 1866) in presence of witnesses.
P.S. interlined before assigned
Attest G.C. Askew and P. Morganhis
Nathaniel Davis
Mark
State of North Carolina
Madison County
In the Probate Court a paper purporting to be the last will & Testament of Nathaniel Davis Deceased.
The 1850 Buncombe County, North Carolina census, page 604, family #1445 shows a Peter Davis 30, Cythia 32, John E. 12, George N. 10, Miles E. 6, Dan F. 4, Sarah J. 1 and Mary Davis 8 (Don’t know if this is the son of Nathaniel)
The 1850 Buncombe County, North Carolina census, family #1291 lists Alfred Marler 32, Betsy 32, Martha I. 10, Mary 8, Dolly 8, Kiziah 7, Margaret 5, and Temperance 4 (They are living next to John and Dolly Davis)
The 1850 Buncombe County census also has a listing for a John Anderson 40 and Mary 30, as well as listings for a John Sawyer 20 and Rebecca 18, Jack Sawyer 21 and Rebecca 17.
Robeson Worley and Jane Davis posted a bond for marriage on 8 November 1853 in Madison County and were married on 10 November 1853. The bondsman was Harrison Davis, witness J. Nichols, clerk, and they were married by S.A.J. Lusk, J.P (#01-006) A death certificate (#48) lists a Jane Worely being born circa 1830 and dying at the age of 92 from “Old Age” on 20 December 1922 in Alexander, Madison County North Carolina. She was a widow, housewife and was buried at Big Pine Creek. Her father was listed as Daniel Davis and mother “unknown” by informant, H.F. Browning of Alexander, NC.
The 1880 Madison County, North Carolina census, page 37, family #186, Warm Springs lists Robeson Worley 48, Jane 45, Eliza Jane 20, Louisa 18, John 11, and Sina A. 2.
A death certificate (#56) lists a Rebecca Sawyer who was born circa 1833 in Madison County and died on 14 March 1915 at Leicester Country Home in Buncombe County, NC. She was a widow, died of “Senile Debility” and her parents were unknown. The informant was B.F. Merrell of Asheville. Rebecca may have married John J. Sawyer circa 1848 (Ancestry.com)
The 1870 Madison County, North Carolina census, page 14, #91 lists Rebeca Sawyer 35, Franklin 19, Thomas 18, Sarah J. 15, Rebeca L. 10, and Nancy 8 (She is living right next door to Robert and Jane Worley,Eliza Davis 55, and Creasy Davis 60)
Creasey Davis 60
Buncombe County, North Carolina
Deed Book A, Page 442
LDS Film 410548
Transcribed by Cecil Q Larsen
Know all men by these presents that I Nathaniel Davis am held and firmly bound unto Jamestown Hatcher in the penal Sum of One hundred Dollars & Void on Condition that he the said Nathaniel Davis shall keep said Hatcher undamnified against a Certain Bond which Jamestown Hatcher gave to said Davis in Consequence of a Legacey coming to James Hatcher Jr. and Charles Hatcher.
Witness my hand & seal this 17th day of Sept.
Nathaniel Davis
Charles Hatcher Jurat Jas. Hatcher
State of No Carolina, Buncombe County, Sessions 1807. The within Bond was proved in Open Court by Charles Hatcher a witness thereto. D. Vance Clerk. Recorded & ordered to be registered 26th December 1807.
NOTES ON JOSEPH MINZY DAVIS and LUCRETIA ROBERTS McPHETERS DAVIS SAWYER
The following notes came from my work and another Davis researcher, Phyllis Noble, and seem to be pretty well documented.(J.M.)
2. Minzy Davis was born in Madison County, North Carolina (then Buncombe County) circa 1825 and is our fourth great grandfather like his brother John R. Davis. He died of “Chronic Diarrhea” on 20 August 1864 at the Post Hospital at Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. He was the seventh child and fourth son of Nathaniel and Dorothy Thomas Davis. In his Civil War death record Minzy was described as being 5’6” tall, fair complected, blue-eyed, and had dark hair. He was a farmer prior to enlisting in the war and had property valued at $200.00 in 1860. He married Lucretia May Roberts on 20 December 1849 and their marriage bond was posted 26 November 1849 in Buncombe County, NC. (Record #01001, Bond # 000005091) Witness for the bond was R.B. Vance, Clerk. D.E. Freeman, Justice of the Peace, performed their marriage (Also spelled Minsey, Minsy, and Minzey)
The 1850 Buncombe County, North Carolina Census, family #1430, page 302 shows Minzy Davis 25, Crecy 24, Charles McPheters 7, Emaline McPheters 5, and Mary Ann McPheters 3.These three are Minzy’s step-children.
The 1860 Madison County, North Carolina Census, family #479, page 71 shows Minzy35, Lucreasey 32, Charles 17, Emeline 14, Marry A. 13, James 9, Liddy M. 7, Harriet M. 5, Liza J. (Jane) 4, Joseph H (Harrison) 1 and Litha Roberts 63.
Minzy (listed as Minsey) was 37 years old when he enlisted in Co. C, 64TH North Carolina Confederate Infantry in Madison County for a period of 3 years on 15 July 1862. This company was originally mustered into service on 15 July 1862.He was on the Muster Rolls for Aug. 31st-Dec. 1, 1862 “On Guard Duty at Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.” He was also listed as 2nd Lieutenant in the 10th Regiment, Madison Co., 27th Brigade-NC State Militia on 4 April 1862. He was listed as “Present and Accounted for” during January and February of 1863. He deserted two or three times during the course of his enlistment with this regiment. On April 22, 1863 in Clinton, Tennessee he was listed as a deserter. Minzy was again listed on the Muster Rolls for 30 June 1863. The 64th North Carolina Confederate Infantry surrendered to Union forces on 9 September 1863 at Cumberland Gap, Tenn. A small contingency of the unit escaped and Minzy was one of the escapees.
.R.--SERIES III--VOLUME IV [S# 125]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS OF THE UNION AUTHORITIES FROM JANUARY 1, 1864, TO APRIL 30, 1865.--#42
NEIL HOUSE, Columbus, Ohio, January 5, 1865.
Brig. Gen. H. W. WESSELLS,
Washington City, D.C.:
GENERAL: I was ordered here to recruit for the Second Regiment North Carolina Mounted Infantry from the prisoners captured at Cumberland Gap, Tenn., in September, 1863, by Major-General Burnside, consisting of the Twenty-ninth, Sixty-second, and Sixty-fourth North Carolina Infantry, C. S. Army. The larger number of those men were and now are Union men and have written from time to time to me to come and get them out of prison. I am here with six of my men who are acquainted with nearly all of the Union men of those three regiments who were conscripted in the rebel army. Some are here, others at Camp Douglas, and some at Johnson's Island. I would most respectfully ask permission to enter the three camps and recruit all the men who are willing to enlist and that I can prove are true, loyal men now and before the war. I saw General Thomas at Lexington and the general said he would telegraph to the Secretary of War and that I would be notified at Camp Chase. I shall anxiously wait an answer.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. BAHNEY,
Major Second Regiment North Carolina Mounted Infantry.
He then joined the 2nd North Carolina Mounted Infantry, U.S., on 26 September 1863 at Greenville, Tennessee. The 2nd was organized at Knoxville, Tennessee on October, 1863 and was attached to 1st Brigade, Willcox's Division, 9th Army Corps, Left Wing Forces, Dept. Ohio, to April, 1864. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 23rd Army Corps, Dept. Ohio, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, District of East Tennessee, Dept. of the Cumberland, to August, 1865.
SERVICE.--Ordered to Greenville, Tenn., October 16, 1863, and duty there until November 6. Moved to Bull's Gap November 6, and duty there until December. March across Clinch Mountains to Clinch River. Action at Walker's Ford December 2. Gibson's and Wyerman's, Miss., February 22, 1864. Duty at Cumberland Gap and patrol duty in East Tennessee until April, 1865. Scout from Cumberland Gap January 23-27, 1865. Expedition from East Tennessee into Western North Carolina March 21-April 25, 1865. The 2nd moved to Boone, North Carolina on April 6 and to Asheville, North Carolina on April 27-30. The 2nd remained in North Carolina and East Tennessee until August and were mustered out August 16, 1865.
Muster rolls indicate that Minzy was “present” for the period of March/April 1864, 30 June 1864, and July/August 1864. He was listed as a private in Captain Samuel J. Kirk’s company when he died of “Chronic Diarrhea” on 20 August 1864 at the Post Hospital at Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. I do not know where he is buried, but assume he is buried somewhere near Cumberland Gap. Some bodies where supposedly moved to the Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn., but an examination of those interred there did not show a Joseph Minzy Davis. An inventory of Minzy’s possessions show that he had “1 pocket book,” “1 knife,” and notes for $63.00. William Henderson took possession of his property. Minzy’s brother, Peter, was supposed to have been at Cumberland Gap as well. (The 64th N.C. was involved in the Shelton Laurel Massacre in Madison Co., NC and Minzy may have been involved. This event occurred on 19 January 1863 and Minzy was with the 64th at this time.)
Lucretia May? Roberts was born circa 1826. Her mother may have been Letha Roberts as Letha was listed living in the household with Minzy and Lucretia Davis in the 1860 Madison Co., North Carolina census age 63. Lucretia was first married to Charles Wilson McPheters in 0ctober 1842.
Charles was born ca. 1820 in Rowan Co., NC, son of Charles (died ca. 1820) and Catherine (died ca. 1822) McPheters of Rowan Co. It’s assumed that he died prior to 1849 as that’s when Lucretia married Joseph Minzy Davis. After Minzy’s death she married third to James Sawyer on 28 December 1873 in Madison Co., NC. The marriage was performed by William Sprinkle in the home of the groom. Witnesses were Harrison Davis (son of Minzy and Lucretia) and Harrison Sawyer. James Sawyer was born circa 1795 and probably died prior to 1880 as Lucretia Sawyer was identified in the 1880 Madison Co., NC census as a “Widow.” James was listed as a “Toll Gate Keeper.”
Crecy Davis, widow, is identified in the 1870 Madison Co., NC census as “Head-of-Household” with four children. Lucreasy Sawyer, widow, is listed in the 1880 Madison Co., NC census as “Head-of-Household” with one daughter and one grandson. On 23 September 1865 the Madison County Court appointed trustees to meet a Lucretia’s house in regards to support for she and her children, as widow of Minzy Davis.
Transcript of Letter:
State of North Carolina: We the undersigned citizens in Madison County, In obedience to an order of the County Court to us directed, we met at the house of Mrs. Lucretia Davis, widow of Minzy Davis deceased, and after being duly sworn have laid off for the benefit of the widow and orphan children for their support for one year the following property, viz, the entire crop of corn fodder, wheat, oats, sugar cane, cabbage, and potatoes. The rent excepted. Also one cow and yearling on hand. Also a claim against John Brown-R.S. Cook and Company for one cow and calf unlawfully taken from her if she can recover it. Also any money that may be due her said husband for service in The Army of The United States or otherwise together with all her household and kitchen furniture. Also one side of leather? on hand together with all the farming tools. Also one sow and five pigs and five shoats and seven stands of bees and a small lot of flax and a small lot of hay. This 23rd day of September 1865. Signed by J.W. Askew-J.P, unreadable Askew, Andrew Farmer, L.A.B. Duckett.
She was appointed administrator of Minzy’s estate on 21 May 1866. Lucretia applied for a Civil War pension as widow of Minzy Davis. Lucretia Roberts Davis, gave the land to the Trustees of North Fork Baptist Church for a place of worship and a burying ground in 1870.
According to the book, Madison County Heritage, North Fork Baptist Church in Big Pine was organized circa 1867. Lucretia Davis Sawyer gave two acres for the first log cabin church to be built upon. Some charter members were Lucretia Davis Sawyer, Daniel Davis, Nathaniel Davis, Ruth Davis, and Dollie Davis. J.M. Davis was a deacon and Nathaniel, W.L and Robbie Davis was clerks at one time. Lucretia “Creasy” Davis Sawyer is buried at North Fork and her stone says, “Gave land for this cemetery and church.”
Widow’s Claim for Pension
The State of North Carolina, County of Madison on this 10th day of March. A.D. 1866personally appeared before said clerk of county court, a Court of Record within and for said county Lucrecy Davis aged 39 years, a resident of North Carolina in the county of Madison, and State of North Carolina who, being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress approved July 14, 1862. That she is the widow of Minzy Davis who was a Private in Company C, commanded by Captain Samuel J. Kent, in the Second Regiment of North Carolina Mounted Infantry, commanded by Col. J. A. Smith in the war of 1861. That her said husband diet at Cumberland Gap, in the State of Tennessee, on the 19th day of August A.D. 1864 of the cause of Chronic Diarrhea while in the line of duty in the service of the United States. She further declares that she was married to the said Minzy Davis at Pine Creek on the 20th day of December A.D. 1849, by one Daniel E. Freeman, a Justice of the Peace. That her name before her marriage was Lucrecy McPheters, and that ever since the death of her said husband, she has remained a widow: as will more fully appear by reference to the proof annexed.
1850 Census, Buncombe Co., N.C., House # 12901860 Census, Madison Co., N.C.
Nat Davis 60 NCNathan/Nathaniel Davis76
Dorothy52 NCDollie70
Kiziah16 NCElizabeth Davis8
Daniel19 NC(Nathan is listed as “Faniel” and “Fanill” at Ancestry)
Harrison14 NC
Jane12 NC
Civilla10 NC
Dolly D.8 NC
Mary Thomas90 NC (may be Dorothy’s mother)
1850 Census, Buncombe Co., N.C., p. 2671860 Census, Madison Co., N.C., p. 324B
John Davis39 LaborerJohn Davis49 NCFarmerCan’t read-write.
Sarah S. (Sawyer)30Sarah C.43 NCValue$400/$250.
Cate13Charles W?19
Nat12Harison18
Charles9Solomon17
Harison8Mary A.15
Solomon6Evan13
Ann4Dolphuss M.7(mother is Sarah McPheters)
Evan Taylor1 (3rd Great Grandfather)Mountravils?6
Catherine Caldwell?41
Sarah A.3
Minta M.J.4/12
1870 Madison County, North Carolina census, page 14, family #94 shows Charley McPheters 27, Catharine (Davis) 31, Jane 8, Solomon 6, Harrison 5, and Nathaniel 1 (Catharine is the daughter of John and Sarah Davis. This family is next door to Creasy Davis and a few houses away from her parents, family #89. Catherine Davis appears to have married Charley McFeatures/McPheters in Madison County, North Carolina on 6 March 1862)
1880 Big Creek, Cocke County Tennessee census, page 28, family #254 lists John Plemmons 41 (NC) Catharin 38 (NC) Solomon Plemmons 17 (NC) Nathaniel Plemmons 15 (NC) Creacy Plemmons 13 (NC) and Millie Plemmons 8 (The last name Plemmons for the children is listed as Pemmons at Ancestry, and they probably should have been listed as “McPheters” rather than Plemmons. Millie may be a Plemmons)
1870 Richland Township, Madison County North Carolina census, page 39, family #294 lists Rebecca Davis 60, Nathan Davis 30, Matilda 27, Kate 13, and Joseph 9.
1870 Madison County, North Carolina census shows Creasy Davis 60, a female, Hariet 16, Jane 15, Harrison 11, Hannah 10. (This is Lucrecia Davis widow of Minzy or Mingy Davis. Harrison is the one who later married Eliza Jane McDaris Wild. (From Dr. Charles W. Harrison, San Antonio, TX)
1880 Warm Springs, Madison County North Carolina census, page 18/33B, family #154 lists John Davis 67, Sarah 64, Dolly 95 (mother) Frank Sawyer 30 (nephew) and Jane Davis 12 (niece)
1880 Warm Springs, Madison County North Carolina census, page 18/33B, family #156 lists Nathan Davis 40, Matilda 29, Louisa 12, Stephen 7, and Safrona 2.
1880 Spring Creek, Madison County North Carolina census, page 123C lists Charles W. Davis 39, Milley 36, John L. 17, Sallie E. 14, Daniel E. 11, Nathan 9, Harriet E. 3, and James E. 0.
1880 Warm Springs, Madison County North Carolina census, page 109D shows Harrison Davis 38, farmer, wife Margaret 28,Loucrecy 12, Jane 10, Sophina 7, James 5, Swan 4, and Columbus 1.
1880 Warm Springs, Madison County North Carolina census, page 18/33B, family #149 shows a Lucresy Sawyer, 56 widow, NC, NC, NC with Susan Davis 18, daughter, William 2.
1880 Warm Springs, Madison County North Carolina census, page 18/33B, family #155 shows Adolpus Davis 25 farmer, Floura E. 21, Leroy 2, Bethy M. 4/12, and Eliza Davis 62.
1880 Big Creek,Cocke County Tennessee census, page 322 shows a Mont. W. Davis 25 farmer, NC, NC, NC, Nancy J. 19, and Martha 2 NC, NC, NC (I believe this is the Montravils, 6, brother to Evan Taylor Davis)
1900 Big Pine, Madison County North Carolina census, page 1B, family #17 shows Solomon Davis 56, Mary 51, Rene Massey 45 (servant) and Thomas Massey 7 (nephew)
1910 Big Pine, Madison County North Carolina census, family #69, page 4 lists Solomon Davis 68, Mary A. 62, and Mary Worley 54.
1900 Meadow Fork, Spring Creek Madison County North Carolina census, page 184A, family #24 lists Charles W. Davis 59 (Oct. 1840) Katy 33 (Sept. 1866) J.E. Davis 20 (Mar. 1880-son) M.A. Davis 17 (May 1883-dau) Minilie Miller 16 (April 1884-step dau) and Homer Miller 10 (Mar. 1890-step son) Charles may be living beside his son Nathan/Natt Davis (b. Oct. 1871) and his wife Eva27 and daughter Sinda 10/12.
The 1900 Big Pine Township, Madison County census, page 3, shows Harrison D. Davis 58, Margaret L. 48, Columbus C. 21, Jacob C. 19, Milliard M. 17, Noah M. 15 Vina B. 10, Lula M. 8, and Ellen 6.
1900 Census Knox Co. TN, district 2, ED 71, page 11, family #212 shows Adolphus Davis 48 (May 1852) day laborer, Florra E. 45, George L. 22 (Feb. 1878) Bessie 20 (Feb. 1880) Bonnie 18 (Mar. 1882) John L. 16 (May 1884) Charles 14 (Feb. 1886) Maggie 4 TN (Aug. 1895) Calvis 1 TN (Apr. 1899) Married 24 years. Florra had 9 children, 7 living (John L. Davis was born 21 May 1884 in Barnard, North Carolina and died on 4 June 1960 in Knoxville. He married Inez Thomas)
1900 Census Knox Co. TN, district 2, ED 71, page 11, family #211 shows Mont. W. Davis 47 NC, NC, NC, buys barrels for acid factory (Nov. 1852) Nancy 39 NC, NC, NC, dress maker (Jan. 1861) Emma A. 19TN, NC,NC (Oct. 1880) Lula 17 NC, NC, NC (May 1883) Hubert 8 NC, NC, NC (Jan. 1882) Edward 5 TN, NC, NC (July 1894) Maud 3 TN (Feb. 1897. Nancy had 9 children, 8 living (Adolphus and Mont live beside each other, and also beside Paul and Emily Berney, my 3rd great grandparents. My great grandfather, William Elbert Davis married Lucille Ester Berney)
1910 Census Knox County, Knoxville TN shows Adolphus M. Davis 53, Florra E. 49, Maggie R. 13, and Carl Painter 6.
1910 Census Knox County, Powell TN, page 4, family #78 shows Mont. W. Davis 54 NC, NC, NC, Nancy J. 54 NC, NC, NC.
1910 Powell, Knox County Tennessee census, family #180, page 9 lists Charles W. Davis 69 (NC) Katie 43 (wife-NC) Harrison 16 (TN) Millie 14 (TN) and Bettie 12 (TN)
1920 Knox County census, family #510, sheet 26 lists a Katie Davis 53 (widow-TN_ Harrison Davis 22 (son-TN) and W.J. Balding 73 (mother-TN) This may be Charles W. Davis’s widow.
1930 Knox County, Tennessee census, family #253, sheet 13A lists Harrison J. Davis 36 (TN) Joseph H. Davis 6 (son-TN) Katie A. Davis 63 (mother-married-TN) and Trula M. Mitchell 12 (niece-TN)
Children of John Davis and Sarah Sawer
Catherine “Cate” Savilla Davis was born circa 1839 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Phyllis A. Noble, in the Madison County Heritage book, page 83, stated that Catherine married 1st Thomas Caldwell, 2nd Charles McPheters, and 3rd John A. Plemmons. The 1860 Madison County census lists Catherine Caldwell 41, Sarah A. 3, and Minta M.J. 4/12 living with her parents. The 1870Madison County, North Carolina census, page 14, family #94 shows Charley McPheters 27, Catharine (Davis) 31, Jane 8, Solomon 6, Harrison 5, and Nathaniel 1. The 1880 Big Creek, Cocke County Tennessee census, page 28, family #254 lists John Plemmons 41 (NC) Catharin 38 (NC) Solomon Plemmons 17 (NC) Nathaniel Plemmons 15 (NC) Creacy Plemmons 13 (NC) and Millie Plemmons 8. There is a marriage in Cocke County, Tennessee on 5 November 1882between John Plemmons, 45 (born NC) and Catherine McFeaters, 40 (born NC and maiden name Davis. Witnesses were Wily Jones on Jonestown, Tennessee and Canon Bible of Jonestown, Tennessee. (Catharine is the daughter of John and Sarah Davis. This family is next door to Creasy Davis in 1870 and a few houses away from her parents, family #89. Catherine Davis appears to have married Charley McFeatures/McPheters in Madison County, North Carolina on 6 March 1862 and re-married John Plemmons in Cocke County, Tennessee on 5 November 1882)
Nathaniel “Nat/Nate” Davis was born circa 1840 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Phyllis A. Noble, from Madison County Heritage book, states that Nathaniel married Matilda Buckner (page 83) The 1870 Richland Township, Madison County North Carolina census, page 39, family #294 lists Rebecca Davis 60, Nathan Davis 30, Matilda 27, Kate 13, and Joseph 9. The 1880 Warm Springs, Madison County North Carolina census, page 18/33, family #156 lists Nathan Davis 40, Matilda 29, Louisa 12, Stephen 7, and Safrona 2.
Charles W. Davis was born October of 1841 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. He appears to have married M. E. (Milley) Caldwell in Madison County on 16 August 1861 (Batch #M51601-1) He may have served during the Civil War in Company G, 64TH North Carolina Confederate Infantry or in a cavalry unit. The 1880 Spring Creek, Madison County North Carolina census, page 123C lists Charles W. Davis 39, Milley 36, John L. 17, Sallie E. 14, Daniel E. 11, Nathan 9, Harriet E. 3, and James E. 0. The 1900 Meadow Fork, Spring Creek Madison County North Carolina census, page 184A, family #24 lists Charles W. Davis 59 (Oct. 1840) Katy 33 (Sept. 1866) J.E. Davis 20 (Mar. 1880-son) M.A. Davis 17 (May 1883-dau) Minilie Miller 16 (April 1884-step dau) and Homer Miller 10 (Mar. 1890-step son) Charles may be living beside his son Nathan/Natt Davis (b. Oct. 1871) and his wife Eva27 and daughter Sinda 10/12. The 1910 Powell, Knox County Tennessee census, family #180, page 9 lists Charles W. Davis 69 (NC) Katie 43 (wife-NC) Harrison 16 (TN) Millie 14 (TN) and Bettie 12 (TN) The 1920 Knox County census, family #510, sheet 26 lists a Katie Davis 53 (widow-TN_ Harrison Davis 22 (son-TN) and W.J. Balding 73 (mother-TN) This may be Charles W. Davis’s widow. The 1930 Knox County, Tennessee census, family #253, sheet 13A lists Harrison J. Davis 36 (TN) Joseph H. Davis 6 (son-TN) Katie A. Davis 63 (mother-married-TN) and Trula M. Mitchell 12 (niece-TN)
Harrison D. Davis was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina on 14 January 1842 and died of “Pneumonia-Arterio Sclerosis” at the age of 78 on 3 May 1920 in Spartanburg. He was listed as a farmer and informant, M.M. Davis, lists Harrison’s father as John Davis and his mother as Sally Davis; burial at Oakwood (Death Certificate (# 10307) Spartanburg, South Carolina)
(Phyllis A. Noble states that Harrison Deberry Davis married Lydia Margaret Davis-Madison County Heritage book, page 83)
Solomon C. Davis was born on 8 February 1843 in Buncombe County, North Carolina and died of “A ruptured appendix and large abscess following; he developed abscess of liver and left lung” at the age of 73 on 19 December 1916 in Big Pine. He was married at the time, a farmer and informant, Zeb Davis of Big Pine, lists Solomon’s father as John Davis and mother as Sally McFeatures (McPheters) (Death Certificate (#132), Big Pine, Madison North Carolina) Findagrave.com shows Solomon C. Davis born 8 February 1843 and died 19 December 1916. He was a member of Co. H, 2nd North Carolina Confederate Infantry and is buried at Big Pine Cemetery in Madison County. Phyllis A. Noble, in the Madison County Heritage book, page 83, states that Solomon C. Davis married Mary Ann McPheters Buckner. Solomon appears to have married Mary Ann Buckner on 13 June 1865 in Madison County, NC. The 1880 Warm Springs, Madison County census, page 108, shows Solomon 36, Mary Ann 30, Viry E. 14, and Zebulon 4. The 1900 Big Pine, Madison County North Carolina census, page 1B, family #17 shows Solomon Davis 56, Mary 51, Rene Massey 45 (servant) and Thomas Massey 7 (nephew) The 1910 Big Pine, Madison County North Carolina census, family #69, page 4 lists Solomon Davis 68, Mary A. 62, and Mary Worley 54.
A North Carolina Death Record shows that Zeb Davis was born in Madison County on 20 October 1876 and died at the age of 68 in Madison on 27 July 1945. He was a farmer, married to Diva Davis, buried at Forks Big Pine Cemetery and was shown as the son of Solomon Davis and Mary McFeathers.
Adolphus (Dolphus) M. Davis was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina on 14 May 1854 and died of “Chronic Interstitial Nephritis” at the age of 65 on 11 June 1919 in Knoxville, Tennessee (Chronic inflammation of the kidneys)He was married at the time and was a “Laborer.” Informant, Mrs. Dolphus Davis, lists his parents as John Davis NC, and Sarah McPheters NC. He was buried at New Gray Cemetery in Knoxville by E.B. Mann Undertakers (Death Certificate (#132), Big Pine, Madison North Carolina) Adolphus married Florra E. Smith on 19 Sep 1875 Madison Co., NC - with this notation: dates listed is 9/19/1875 and another date being 9/26/?? Information obtained from "marriage index book 1 and 2" found in the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, Knoxville TN. The 1880 Census Madison Co., NC, Warm Springs, page 108B shows Adolpus Davis 25 farmer, Floura E. 21, Leroy 2, Bethy M. 4/12, and Eliza Davis 62. The 1900 Knox County, Tennessee census, page 11B, family #212 lists Adolphus 48, Florra E. 45, George L. 22, Bessie 20, Bonnie 18, John L. 16, Charles 14, Maggie 5 (TN) and Calvis 1 (TN) The rest of the family is listed as being born in North Carolina. Adolphus is living beside his brother and sister-in-law Mont and Nancy Davis, as well as Paul and Emily Berney, our Swiss kin. The 1910 Knox County, Knoxville Tennessee census shows Adolphus M. Davis 53, Florra E. 49, Maggie R. 13, and Carl Painter 6.
Monte W. Davis was born in Buncombe or Madison County, North Carolina in November 1852 and died a widower at the Bowling Green, Wood County Ohio Sanitarium at the age of 76 on 2 May 1930 of a “Hemorrhage-Carcinoma of Prostate.” His spouse was Nancy Davis and informant, Lee J. Davis of Toledo, Ohio, lists his father as John Davis of North Carolina and mother as “Don’t know.” Monte was a buyer for Standard Oil Company and burial took place in Sylvania, Ohio. Madison County Heritage book states “Montraville married Jane Duckett (Death Certificate (#38590) Wood County, Ohio, Bowling green Sanitarium) The 1880 Cocke County, Tennessee, Big Creek, page 322 shows a Mont. W. Davis 25 farmer, NC, NC, NC, Nancy J. 19, and Martha 2 NC, NC, NC (I believe this is the Montravils, 6, brother to Evan Taylor Davis) The 1900 Knox County, Tennessee census, page 11B, family #211 lists Mont Davis 47 (Nov. 1852- Buys barrels for Acid Factory) Nancy 39 (Jan. 1861-Dressmaker) Emma 19, Lula 17, Dock 13, Lee 10 (TN) Hubert 8 (TN) Edward 5 (TN) and Maud 3 (TN) The 1910 Powell, Knox County Tennessee census lists Mont W. Davis 54, and Nancy J. 49 (NC, NC, NC) The 1910 Census Knox County, Powell TN, page 4, family #78 shows Mont. W. Davis 54 NC, NC, NC, Nancy J. 54 NC, NC, NC.
A death certificate (#12196) shows that James D. Davis, son of Mont Davis and Jane Duckett, was born 1 May 1886 in North Carolina and died at 6:00 p.m. at the age of 43 at the City Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina from a head injury sustained while working at Southern Railway yards as a car inspector on 2 July 1929. He was married and parents were listed as being born in North Carolina. The informant was Mrs. Mattie Davis. He was buried at Paris Mountain Cemetery.
1870 Census, Madison Co., N.C., p. 4151870 Census, Madison Co., N.C
John Davis60 NCFarmer-Value $300/$200Nathaniel Davis90
Sarah54Dolley75
Ivan/Evan21Elizabeth Davis18
Adolphus17Ruthy J. Davis1
Mount?15
Viry Sawyer11 (At home, D/O Rebecca Sawyer)
1880 Census, Madison Co., N.C., p. 33-1081880 Census, Madison Co., N.C.,p. 123
John Davis68NC, NC, NC(lived in Warm Springs)Ivan/Evan Davis32Farmer
Sarah64NC, NC, NCLiza Jane (Davis)23 (Evan’s first cousin)
Dolly95MotherNC, NC, NCCleansy/Clearsy L.7
Frank Sawyer30NephewMary Ann (Weaver)6 (2nd Great Grandmother)
Jane Davis12NieceLaura E.5
(Elizabeth, Harrison, Adolphus, Nathan Davis neighbors)Susan H.4
Mandy E.1
1850 Census, Buncombe Co., N.C., Line 371860 Census Madison County, N.C.
Minzy Davis25Minzy (Joseph) Davis35
Crecy24Lucreasey32
Charles McPheters7Emeline14
Emaline McPheters5Marry A.13
Mary Ann McPheters3James9
(Children from Crecy’s 1st marriage to Charles McPheters)Liddy M.7
Harriet M.5
Liza Jane4 (married Evan Taylor)
Joseph H.1
Litha Roberts63 (may be Lucreasey’s mother)
1900 Census, Madison Co., N.C., Big Pine, p. 44B?
Ivans Davis51widower-farmer
Susan H.21
Comodore (Charles)18 (b. 18 June 1883)
Allen14
Alexander (Joseph)11
Jacob10 (b. Jan. 1890)
Tennia L.9
Elbert W. (William)6G.S. (great grandfather)
(Elbert Davis’s mother was Mary Ann Davis Weaver)
(Elbert’s father was a Tramble or Trammel)
3. Evan/Evans Davis, son of John R. Davis and Sarah Sawyer, was born on 20 April 1857 in North Carolina and died in the village of Lonsdale, Knoxville, Tennessee at 122 Hiawassee Ave. on 21 October 1921 at the age of 64 years. The earliest date for Evan T. Davis in the Knoxville City Directory is 1906. Evan and Laura are living in Knoxville in 1910 and 1920.There is a death certificate (#391) for a Mrs. Laura Davis who was born circa 1871 in Tennessee and died at the age of 53 from Pulmonary Tuberculosis on 4 August 1924 at her home at 22N Chickamauga Avenue in Knoxville. The informant, F.P. Davis, lists her parents as A.M. Shufford and mother as “Don’t Know.” She was buried at Anderson-Guffon Cemetery by Roberts Funeral Home.I believe this is our Laura J./D. Smith/Suttles as she was born circa 1871 and her burial at Anderson-Guffon would be unusual if she were not kin on this side.
In 1922 there is a listing for Elizabeth J., widow of Evans, but I don’t think this is one of ours. There seems to be three Evan Davises in Knoxville around this time. Evan Davis, age 71, born in Virginia, wife Margaret 63, VA, son Arthur 26, Va, and Fanny Lou/ee 12 VA. (1900 Knox County Census, Vol. 37, ED. 65. West 5th Ave) Evan J. Davis age 59 Wales, Elizabeth 51PA, William E. 22 TN, Mary 18 TN, Henry Simpson 24 TN-servant. (1900 Knox County Census, Vol 37, Ed. 67. Tulip Street)
Grace Davis Stalsworth, daughter of Jason Davis, said that Evan had red hair and they called him “Grandpap.” She said some of the family moved over from Big Pine in a wagon and the wagon turned over. She said that Evan married twice, one of those marriages being to Laura Settles and that Laura had married twice. Seems she had son Melvin Davis. Not sure on this.
This story about Evan Davis was told to me by Velma Davis Wolfenbarger, daughter of Allan Davis:
“Grandpaw Evan Davis told his sons Jason, Allan, and the others that if they hurried and got the corn cut and hauled in they could go way on top of the mountain to see a train. Usually they could only hear it. They went up on top and saw the train way down below. One of the boys said, “There it is pap.” When it appeared to be going into a hole (tunnel) he went on to say “Let’s go dig it out, I bet it has a little one.”
1910 Census, Knox County, TN, p. 41B1910 Census, Madison Co., N.C.
Ivan T. Davis55NC, NC, NCFarm laborerJames J. Roberts33
Laura J.38TN, NC, NCMarinda E. Davis31 (Daughter of Evan Davis)
Allen E.22NC, NC, NCLova I.19
Joseph A.20Jack10
Jason L.18Roosevelt7
Tennie L.17Alman B.6
Melvin9(Son of Laura) NC, NC, NCSusie M.2
Schuford5(Son of Evan-Laura) TN, NC, TNElbert1
Bartle E.3(Son of Evan-Laura) TN, NC, TNMary A. Davis36 (sister of Mandy/Marinda E.)
Elbert Davis17 (great grandfather W.E. Davis)
(Mom said Melvin wasn’t really a Davis because his mom wasn’t married. His last name really started with an “S.” (Sanford) She said that Melvin and Maude had a son named Jess who died of T.B. at the sanitarium; now known as Hillcrest North. He was born on 31 May 1920 and died on 10 May 1941. Melvin is listed as being born in Jefferson County and Maude in Claiborne)
1920 Census, Knox County, TN1930 Census, Knox County, TN
Elbert Davis26TN, TN, TNLaborer RailroadWilliam E. Davis37NC, NC, NC.Boilermaker
Lucile23TN, Switzerland, TNLucile E.32TN, Switz, TN
Kenneth4 11/12Kenneth W.15
(Lucile’s father spoke French)(Married at 21 and 17. Works for Railroad Shops)
1920 Census, Knox County, TN, Ward 18, Sheet 6
Evian/Ewan T. Taylor65 NC, NC, NC (Evan T. Davis family)
Laura D. Taylor48 TN, TN, TN
Shuford D.14 TN, NC, NC
Bartel13 TN, NC,NC
Richard Baker18 NC, NC, NC
Alexander Davis35 NC, NC, NC
(This IS the Evan Taylor Davis family, however, Familysearch.org and Ancestry.com have them listed this way. Familysearch has no way to correct mistakes. Not sure how or why they are listed as Taylors)
1920 Census, Madison County, NC
This census shows Susan H. Chesney 42, widow and born in Madison, North Carolina living with her brother Commodore 36 and her two children Clyde Chesney 7 and Burlon Chesney 6.
1930 Census, Knox County, TN
Susan H. (Davis) Chesney51widow NC NC NC
Thomas C.18TN Laborer at furniture factory
Verlin L.16TN Laborer at Mantle factory
Joseph Alexander Davis43NC NC NCbrother to Susan. Laborer at Extract Company
Bartel E. Davis23TN NC NC ½ brother to Susan. Finisher at Mantel factory
CHILDREN OF EVAN TAYLOR & ELIZABETH JANE DAVIS & LAURA J.
1. Cleansy/Clearsy L. Davis was born circa 1873 in Madison County, North Carolina. I have not found hide nor hair of her, no marriage record, etc. She may have died young. She is living with her parents in Madison County in 1880.
2. Mary Ann Davis Weaver was born at Big Pine, North Carolina on 25 January 1874 and died in Knoxville on 18 March 1934. She married John R. Weaver. As far as I know she and John did not have any children. William Elbert Davis was born on 6 February 1894 in Madison County North Carolina at Big Pine. He died in Knoxville on 11 April 1966 (See notes below for Mary Ann Davis Weaver)
3. Laura E. Davis was born August 1875 in Madison County, North Carolina and does not appear to have traveled across the mountain with her family. She may have married Manson Erwin Baker circa 1892. The 1900 Big Pine, Madison County, North Carolina census, ED 85, p. 3, sheet B, family #55 lists Manson Baker 33 (b. October 1867) Laura E. 24 (b. August 1876) Jeter L. 7 (b. April 1893. The 1910 Madison County, North Carolina census lists Manson E. 39, Larra E. 33, Jeter L. 17, and Richard 9. The 1920 Madison County census, sheet 3, lists Manson E. Baker 52 and Laura 44. The 1930 Pine Creek, Madison County, North Carolina census, family #18, sheet 13, line 92 lists Jeter L. Baker 36, Minnie 36, Bonnie 14, Corbitt 9, Mae 2, and Laura 53 (mother-widow) Death records show Jeter Lee Baker was born 19 April 1893 in Madison County and died 16 September 1980 in Marshall, North Carolina at the age of 87. He was divorced and worked as a laborer for a tire manufacturer. His father is listed as Manson Baker and his mother is listed as Laura Davis. He is buried at Bowman-Rector Cemetery. Jeter and Minnie appear to have had a son, Harley Baker, born 30 September 1932 and may have died at that time (Jeter L. Baker married Minnie Lou Roberts, a daughter of Harrison & Mira (Roberts) Roberts, of Big Pine. One of their children, Corbett Alexander Baker, was my late brother-in-law From Charles Cabiac on Genforum.com)
4. Susan “Susie” Hanna Davis was born 20 May 1878 in North Carolina and died at the age of 83 on 15 October 1958 in Knoxville at the U.T. Memorial Hospital from “Post Surgery Shock.” Informant, Mrs. Alex Davis, lists her father as Evan Davis, mother unknown, and usual residence at 231 E. Anderson Street (Death Certificate #58-33156) She married William Chesney. A death certificate (Knoxville, Registration District 44802, Certificate # 352 or 552, 2nd Civil District) for Wm. Chesney indicates that he was born in Tennessee on 25 March 1876 to D. Chesney and Susie Colvin/Calvin and died 12 September 1915 of tuberculosis. He lived at Sharps Ridge and was a farmer. William was buried at Bookwalter Cemetery by Hall & Donahue. Informant was Mrs. S. H. Chesney. They had sons Thomas Clyde Chesney, who was in the military and son Burlon or Verlin L. I have a picture of Clyde in uniform. In the 1920 census for Madison County, North Carolina I find Commodore Davis 36, Susan H. Chesney 42, Clyde Chesney 7, and Burlon Chesney 6. Clyde appears to have been born 21 August 1915 and died March 1987 in Knoxville.
Hi Joe,
Thank you so much for this information.Here's some information you may be interested in.
Susan Hannah Davis Chesney's children were:
Thomas Clyde Chesney was born 11 March 1912 and died on 4 July 1994. He lived in Bell Buckle, TN in a group home for veterans.He died at the Veteran's Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN.I attended his funeral with my sisters.During WWII, he checked for land mines.He would go ahead of the troops, checking for the mines.My father told me that after the war, he wasn't the same.I think he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, but they didn't call it that then.He never married.
Verlon Lee Chesney was born 20 December 1913 and died 31 October 1978. He died at D.C. General Hospital in Washington, DC.He had emphysema.When he and his brother, Clyde, were very young, their father, William Nicholas Chesney died.From what I can find, Susan Davis Chesney, moved with them to North Carolina for a short time.She was unable to support the children, so they were placed in an "industrial school."I'm not sure if they were in North Carolina or Tennessee when that happened.They were there until they were around ages 10 and 9.They started working to help support the family.My father was taken out of school in the 5th grade and went to work in a furniture factory. Unfortunately, my grandmother Chesney never had much interest in her grandchildren.I remember her visit when I was around 4 years old.I never heard from her again. I have a picture of my mom, dad, my sister, and me taken during that visit.I will scan it and send it to you. I got your message on Ancestry.com.I would love to know more about the Davis side of my family.My father's mother was Susan Hanna Davis Chesney.I met her only two times.She lived in Knoxville, and we lived in Washington, DC.I was around 4 years old the last time I saw her in the early 1950's (Susan Chesney-10 April 2013)
5. Mandy E. Davis was born on 31 October 1878 in North Carolina and died at the age of 71 on 7 September 1949 at Beaverdam, Haywood County, NC. She was buried at Walnut, NC. She married James Roberts. The North Carolina Deaths and Records show that Mandy Davis Roberts was a widow when she died. Her address was listed as R.F.D. 1 Canton. Her parents are listed as Evan Davis and Jane Davis. She married James Roberts. My mom visited them on their mountain farm.
6. Charles Commodore Davis was born on 18 June 1882 according to N.C. Birth Index, and died on 6 September 1971. His parents are listed as Evan and Eliza Jane Davis. He is 36 in 1920 Madison County Census is with Susan H. Chesney 42, Clyde Chesney 7, and Burlen Chesney 6. I don’t know if Commodore ever moved to Knoxville with the rest of his family. Social Security Death Index lists Commodore C. Davis death on 15 September 1971 at the age of 88 in Madison County, NC. Under North Carolina Death and Burials at FamilySearch.com Commodore Charles Davis is listed as being born on 18 June 1882 and died on 6 September 1971 and burial on 8 September 1971 in Marshall, North Carolina. He is a single farmer, and his parents were listed as Evin Davis and Jane Davis. His residence in Marshall was listed as Rt. # 5, Sandy Bottom Road.
Charles Commodore Davis registered for the WWI draft on 12 September 1918 from his home in Big Pine, North Carolina. He lists his occupation as farming and his nearest relative as his sister, Susan (Davis) Chesney. He was short in height, of medium build, and had gray eyes and light hair.
7. Joseph Alexander Davis was born 9 June 1885 in Madison County, North Carolina and died on 21 December 1966 in Knoxville. Record of Funeral for Joseph Alexander Davis: This record indicates that Joe lived at 2314 Johnston Street, Knoxville and his occupation was a night watchman at the Southern Extract Company. He was born 9 June 1886 in White Pine, NC and his date and time of death was 9:30 A.M. on 21 December 1966 at Saint Mary’s Hospital. His father was Evan Davis and his mother was Jane Davis.Date of funeral was 23 December 1966 at the Tennessee Avenue Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. John Holland. Certifying Physician was Dr. Warren Chesney and the informant was his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Davis. In 1930 Joseph is living with his sister, Susie H. Davis Chesney and works as a laborer at an extract company.
Joseph Alexander David registered for the WWI draft on 12 September 1918. At the time he appears to be living at Box 8, #12 in Lonsdale, Knoxville Tennessee with his father Evan T. Davis, nearest dependent. He worked as a laborer with the Southern Electric Company. He is listed as being of medium height, medium build, with blue eyes and light hair. He lists his birth date as a9 June 1885.
Obituary: Joseph Alexander Davis: Davis, Joe A, age 80, of 2314 Johnston Avenue passed away 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Hospital. He attended the Baptist Church. He was employed by the Southern Extract Co. for 49 years before retirement. Survivors: wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Davis; daughters, Mrs. Cora M. Chamberlain, Knoxville, Mrs. Ruby M. Ferguson, Anderson County; son Jack R. Davis of Knoxville; step-daughter, Mrs. Imogene Wilson of New York; stepsons Albert and Fred Gentry, Knoxville; two brothers, Commodore Davis of North Carolina and Allan Davis of Knoxville; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Funeral service 2 P.M. Friday. Rev. John Holland officiating. Internment Gouffon Cemetery. The body will be taken to the home, 11 a.m. Thursday. Mynatts in Charge (GENTRY, FRED - age 85, of Knoxville was born June 9, 1926 and passed away June 1, 2011. He was a member of Glenwood Baptist Church in Powell)
8. Allen Emory Davis may have been born on 6 January 1889 and died March 1972. He married Delia Lamb in Knoxville on 27 April 1911. The 1920 Knox County, Tennessee census, family #149, sheet 7 lists Allen Davis 36, Delia 25 (KY) Velma 7, Clifford 4 years 10 months, and Ella 2 years 3 months. The 1930 Knox County, Tennessee census, District 13, ED. 0088, Sheet 13B shows Allen Davis 38, NC, NC, NC, Delia 37, Velma 17, Clifford 15, Eulamae 11, Troy 9, and Margaret 4. I found a birth date of 6 January 1889 and a death date of March 1972 for an Allen Davis in Knoxville, but not positive he is ours (Information from Grace Davis Stalsworth, Zola Davis, and Pauline Flora Surret)
Allen Emory Davis registered for the WWI draft and was living at R.F.D. #4 in Corryton, Tennessee. He appears to be self-employed as he states he is a laborer and his employer is “Himself.” He closest relative is his wife Delia Davis. He is of medium height, medium build, has blue eyes and brown hair. He lists his birth as 6 January 1889.
9. Jacob Davis was born circa January 1890 in Madison County, North Carolina and shows up in the 1900 census, age 10, but is not with the family in the 1910 census. Unless he is elsewhere, he may have died between 1900 and 1910.
10. Jason L. Davis was born on 5 June 1890 in Madison County, North Carolina and died 19 April 1965. He married Rosa Bell Jackson. She was born 7 August 1896 and died 16 June 1937. Record of Funeral for Jason Davis: This record indicates that Jason lived at 3313 Rudy Street, Knoxville and his occupation was butcher at Lay Packing Co. He was born on 5 June 1890 at Big Pine, NC and his time and date of death was 8:25 P.M. on 19 April 1965 at “Beverly Hills.” His father was Evan Davis and mother Eliza Jane------. Date of funeral was Wednesday, 21 April 1965 at “Chapel (church organist)” Certifying Physician was Dr. J.B. Naïve and his widow was Rosa Jackson. Informant was his daughter Mrs. Grace Stalsworth.
Jason Davis registered for the WWI draft on 5 June 1917 from his home at R.D. #12 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He worked as a butcher, in the slaughter house and slaughter department. He has wife and children as closest dependents. He is listed as being short in height, medium in build, with blue eyes and light brown hair. He lists his birth date as 5 June 1890.
Obituary: Jason Davis: Davis, Jason, age 74, formerly at 3313 Rudy Street, passed away at Beverly Hills at 8:25 p.m. Monday.He was retired from T.L. Lay Packing Co. Surviving: son, Ernest Davis, daughters, Mrs. Zola Cox, Mrs. Grace Stallsworth, Mrs. Evelyn Huddleston: sister, Mrs. Charlie Flora; brothers, Alex, Allen, and Bartel Davis of Knoxville, Commodore Davis of North Carolina; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday, Mynatt’s Chapel, Rev. J.S. Aiken and Rev. Charles Ausmus. Internment in Gouffon Cemetery. Pallbearers; Elbert Davis, Melvin Davis, Fred Taylor, Herman Whitton, Edgar Berney, Joe Church.
Obituary: Grace Marie Davis Stalsworth: STALSWORTH, GRACE MARIE - age 95 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospice. She is now in the presence and comfort of our Heavenly Father. She was born in Knoxville, on December 22, 1913, the daughter of Jason and Rosa Davis. She was a long time member of Lincoln Park Baptist Church where she served as Nursery School Director for many years. The last 12 years she attended Powell Church of God with her daughter. She always lived up to her name, for she was gracious, grateful and was filled with grace, therefore, she was so beloved by all who were fortunate enough to have known her or who were ever briefly in her presence. Her sweet smiles, kindness and generosity were so genuine that she left a lasting positive impression on many lives. She took great joy in spending time with her family and loved to read. She looked forward to eating out several times a week with her daughter, Judy. She was always thrilled when her grandson, Don Kyle, came to Knoxville to spend time with her. He is more like a son and devotedly cared for her along with her daughter, Judy. While she has gone to live in Heaven, she has left a legacy of love that will carry on in the hearts and souls of all her family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Stalsworth; son, Ralph Edward and wife, Jeri; two sisters, Zola Cox and Evelyn Huddleston; brother, Ernest Davis; and granddaughter, Linda Stalsworth. Left to cherish her memory are one son and daughter-in-law, David and Nancy of Oxnard, CA; one daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Barry Wade of Knoxville; grandchildren, Susan Drury and husband Alan, Don Kyle Wade, Cheri Murphy and husband Scott, DeAnna Wilder and husband Jason, Julie Snader and husband Rich, Bryan and wife Victoria, and Michael; 14 great grandchildren. The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 25, 2009 from 5 - 7 pm at Lynnhurst-Greenwood Chapel with a chapel service at 7 pm, Rev. Jerry Cox officiating. Private family interment in Greenwood Cemetery will be held Sunday afternoon.
(Grace was born 22 December 1913 in Knox County and died 24 July 2009 in Knox County)
11. Tennie Elizabeth Davis was born 23 March 1891 in Madison County, North Carolina and died on 18 July 1954 in Knox County. She is buried at Highland Memorial Cemetery (Findagrave.com) She married Charlie Clay Flora. He was born in Rutledge, Tennessee on 16 January 1887 and died in Knoxville on 21 September 1941. He and Tennie lived at 202 Carey Street. Charlie was a textile worker. He was buried at the Narrow Valley Cemetery in Grainger County. The 1920 Knox County, Tennessee census, lists Charlie C. Flora 32, Tennie 26, and Joseph F. 1 7/12 months. The 1930 Knox County, Tennessee census, ED 0058, Sheet 5B, lists Charlie C. Flora 43, TN, TN,TN, Tennie 39, NC, NC, NC, Joseph F. 11, Addie P. 9, Frances L. 4, and Myrtle M. 1 (My mother's (Myrtle Mae FLORA Cody VanDee) parent’s names were Charles and Tennie Davis Flora. Charles Flora was from TN.....lived in Knoxville and possibly Grainger County. Tennie DAVIS was from N.C. or S.C.....not sure which state. They had 4 children.....Joseph H. Flora, Addie P. Flora, Frances L. Flora, and Myrtle Mae Flora. Any information relating to these people and any help with this will be greatly appreciated. From Teresa Vandee Kidd at Ancestry.com)
12. Shuford Davis was born in North Carolina on 18 August 1904 and appears to have died of Epidemic Meningitis at the Knox General Hospital on 9 December 1935 at 5:20. The doctor attended to him from 20 November to 9 December. He was 31 years old and lived at 313 Houston Street in Knoxville. He worked for City Lumber Company as a “finisher in a lumber mill” and had lived in the city for 29 years. His brother Bartel Davis was the informant and listed Shuford’s parents as Evan Davis and Laura Smith. Rose Funeral Home was in charge and he was buried at Guffon Cemetery on 10 December 1935. (Death Certificate #27735, Registration District 24801) 1930 Census for Hamilton, Ohio lists a Schuford Davis 25 as an “Inmate.” Both he and parents listed as being born in NC. Not sure if this is our Schuford.
13. Bartle E. Davis was born in Knox County, Tennessee 30 April 1906 in Knoxville, Tennessee. He doesnot show up, readily, in any other records that I have searched thus far, but there is a death record for a Bartel Davis in the District of Columbia, Prince George’s, Maryland, which states this Bartel was born on 30 April 1906 and died July 1984. Our Bartel was born circa 1906-1907. Mary Ann Davis Weaver’s obituary lists her brother, Bartel, living in Washington, D.C. This is likely our Bartel Davis. In 1910 and 1920 he is living with Evan and Laura and in 1930 he is living with his sister, Susie H. Davis Chesney and worked as a “Finisher” at a mantel factory. The 1940 Montgomery, Maryland-District of Columbia census, sheet 20A, ED 6, house #128 lists B. Evan Davis 34 who was a “Roomer” and “Floor Scraper,”and was living in D.C. in 1935. I believe this is probably our Bartle seeing that his father was named Evan, he was born in 1906 in Tennessee and his sister’s obituary mentions that Bartel lived in D.C.
“I know my grandmother Chesney had a half-brother, Bartel Davis.He was known as "Red Davis," he had red hair.I was told he was a bad influence on my father, introducing him to alcohol, Eventually, Red Davis spent time in prison for beating up a sailor.On the night he beat up the sailor, he had asked my father to join him for the evening.Thank goodness my dad didn't.Red Davis died in Washington, DC, sometime after my father's death.I had heard stories about him all my life, but had never seen him until after my father died.My mother saw him walking down the street and pointed him out to me.He was an old man with gray hair then.Not quite the "devil" I had envisioned” (From Susan Chesney-10 April 2013)
Obituary: The Journal and Tribune, 21 October 1921
Davis, Evans T. – aged 64 years died at his home on Hiwassee Ave. yesterday afternoon at 12:45 o’clock. The funeral will be conducted at Roseberry M.E. Church this afternoon at 2 o’clock. Rev. O.E. Householder and Rev. M.O. Summers will officiate. Mr. Davis is survived by his widow, the following daughters, Mrs. John Weaver (Mary Ann), Mrs. Will Chesney (Susan H.), Mrs. Frank Simmons (Jenne), Mrs. Charles Flora, Mrs. James Roberts; and also the following sons, Alex, Allen, Schuford, Bartel, and Commodore Davis.
Certificate of Death, Evans Davis #374, Registration District # 482. This record reveals that Evan/Evans Davis was born on 20 April 1857 in North Carolina and died in the village of Lonsdale, Knoxville, Tenn. at 122 Hiawassee Ave. on 21 October 1921 at the age of 64 years. His occupation is listed simply as “Laborer” and his parents are listed as John Davis and Sallie Sawyer, both born in N.C. His cause of death is hard to decipher, but looks like “Locomotion Ataxia” lasting six years. He was buried at Guffon Cemetery on 25 October 1921. The undertaker was Hall & Donahue. Informant for this information was Laura Davis (Laura Smith/ Suttles? Davis) I searched the Anderson-Guffon Cemetery on Tazewell Pike but have not found a stone for Evan (Locomotor ataxia is the inability to precisely control one's own bodily movements. Persons afflicted with this disease may walk in a jerky, non-fluid manner. They will not know where their arms and legs are without looking, but can, for instance, feel and locate a hot object placed against their foot)
4. Mary Ann Davis Weaver was born at Big Pine, North Carolina on 25 January 1874 and died in Knoxville on 18 March 1934. She was the mother of William Elbert Davis, but he was born out of wedlock to a Trammel/Trammell or Trumble according to mom. On Christmas Day, 2010, she said, “When Mary Ann got pregnant her daddy liked to have beat her half to death because she wasn’t married.” She later married John R. Weaver. As far as I know she and John did not have any children. William Elbert Davis was born on 6 February 1894 in Madison County North Carolina at Big Pine. He died in Knoxville on 11 April 1966.
Knoxville City Directory listings for John R. Weaver/Mary Ann Davis Weaver
1909-Southern Railroad as a Watchman.
1909-City Directory shows a Mrs. Mary Ann. Weaver at 110 S. Bell.
1914-City Directory shows a Miss Mary A. Davis at home at N.S. Hiawassee Ave. Roseberry City.
Obituary: The Knoxville Journal, Monday March 19, 1934, Mrs. Mary Ann (Davis) Weaver.
Mrs. Mary Ann Weaver, 60, died at her home, No. 820 Midway Street, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock after a long illness. She was a member of the Big Pine Baptist Church, Big Pine, N.C. She is survived by her husband J.B. Weaver; one son, W.E. Davis, Knoxville; five sisters, Mrs. W.F. Simmons, Mrs. Susie Chesney and Mrs. Charlie Flora of Knoxville and Mrs. Mandy Roberts and Mrs. Laura Baker of Big Pine, N.C.; four brothers. Commodore Davis, Marshall, N.C., and Alex, Jason and Allan Davis of Knoxville. Two half-brothers; Bartle Davis, Washington, D.C., and Schuford Davis, Knoxville.
The body was taken from Weavers funeral parlors to the home of her son, W.E. Davis, No. 142 West Chicamauga Ave.
Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Roseberry M.E. Church. The Rev. C. L. Carr, pastor, and the Rev. C.E. Householder will officiate. Burial will be in Guffon Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Frank Leeper, T.J. Anderson, M.J. Davis, J.K. Fine, Vines, Lacy, and Ralph Stalsworth.
Record of Funeral: Mary Ann (Davis) Weaver
This record indicates that Mary Ann Davis Weaver died of “Mitral Insuficiency” and a contributing cause of goiter on 18 March 1934, 2:30 p.m. in Knoxville at her residence of 820 Midway Street. Certifying physician was T.T. McLain.She is listed as a “housewife,” and a “Baptist.” She was born in North Carolina on 26 January 1874 to E.T. Davis and Jane Davis, both of whom were born in North Carolina. She was buried at Guffon Cemetery (Anderson-Guffon) No charges for the funeral, etc. were listed.
Some stories about William Elbert and Lucille Ester Berney
5. William Elbert Davisis my great grandfather. He was born on 6 February 1894 at Big Pine, North Carolina and died in Knoxville on 11 April 1966. At the age of 21 he married Lucille Ester Berney (18), daughter of Charles Henry Berney and Lottie E. Davis, in Knoxville on 21 March 1914. The marriage was witnessed my Millard H. Payne. She was born on 11 December 1896, most likely in Blount Co., Tenn. and died on 16 March 1973. I remember visiting her very often at her house on Chickamauga Ave. To this union was born one son, William Kenneth Davis, who was born on 18 January 1915 in Knoxville and died on 4 September 1984 in Knoxville. He and his parents are buried at Anderson-Guffon Cemetery on Tazewell Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Knoxville City Directory listings for William Elbert Davis
1911-Elbert Davis works for the K. Iron Co. and may have been living with his mother.
1912-Elbert Davis works for the Southern Railroad and boarded at Roseberry City.
1914-Elbert W. Davis, Laborer, O’Wood Mnfg. Co. Hiawassee Avenue.
1930 Knox County Census, Ward 18
William E. Davis 37Born in Tennessee, parents born in N.C. Employed as a Boiler Maker Helper at the R.R. Shops.
Lucille E.32Born in Tennessee, father in Switzerland, mother in Tennessee.
Kenneth W.15Born in Tennessee and in school at this time.
(W.E. Davis married at 21, Lucille at 17. All can read.
World War I Draft Registration Card for William Elbert Davis (1358-2161- #90, 41-124A)
Name in full: William Elbert DavisAge: 23
Home address: Rt. 12 Knoxville, TennDate of birth: February 6, 1894Where were you born? Big Pine Creek, N.C.
What is your present occupation? Boiler makers helper 15By whom employed? Southern Shops
Where employed? Coster ShopsDependents? Wife and childMarried or single? Married
Height: MediumBuild: MediumEyes: BlueHair: BlackSigned: Mrs. A.R. Wood 5 June 1917Precinct: 18
On Thanksgiving Day 2008 mom said that Paw Davis was a Republican, and her mother Mamaw Davis (Dora) always voted Republican. She said her daddy, Kenneth, didn’t vote. She recalled going to Canton, North Carolina to see her daddy’s Aunt Mandy and recalled that they slept on hay ticks, or mattresses filled with hay. She said she didn’t like them too much because the straw would stick through and poke you. She remembered that anytime you went outside, either through the front or back door, it was very steep, went straight up. Paw Davis, she recalled, only ate with a knife. He never used a fork or spoon, just a plain old kitchen knife to eat with.
Mom said she started out calling her Davis Grandparents papaw and mamaw, then later it changed to granny and paw. She recalled that Paw Davis (William Elbert) was known for cutting up and acting silly and that Maw Davis (Lucille) made great fried chicken and that they raised chickens. Paw Davis worked for the Southern Railroad as a Boiler Maker for thirty eight years and then for T.V.A. after he retired.
Mom said Bridges Grocery Store would either delivery your groceries or let you charge them. Paw Davis would pay off his bill when he got paid by the R.R. Paw Davis and Papaw Davis (Kenneth) were both excellent with their hands and could make just about anything, knives, tools, etc. Paw Davis had some superstitions, according to mom. He would turn around and go back home if a black cat crossed his path. He said that every time he dreamt of muddy water, someone would die. Grace Davis Stalsworth said that Elbert Davis was “extremely handsome,” and that Mary Ann Davis Weaver was “devoutly religious and a marvelous cook.” On 7 January 1996 Velma Wolfenbarger, daughter of Allan Davis, told me that Elbert “was a handsome man and had a gold tooth.” Paw Davis had blue eyes and black, curly hair. Mom said, “Once paw was standing on a ladder painting and I was swinging a chain round and round and hit paw across the back of the legs. He didn’t whip me that time. He only whipped me once for pulling away from him near Bridges store on Central Avenue Pike, running out in the street. People said they could hear me crying all the way to Chickamauga Avenue.”
There is a picture of mom standing on a stump. She said she would stand on that stump and wait for Paw Davis to come home at three from work. He would bring her an apple or some other goody. She said Paw Davis thought that she “Hung the moon.” Although my great grandmother Davis died when I was young I can still remember a few things about her (Lucile Ester Berney Davis) She was papaw Davis’s mother. Maw Davis died on 16 March 1973. I don’t seem to recall much about her death, her funeral, or that she had even been sick. We visited her often, for she was my mother’s grandmother. I can remember visiting her, she would always be sitting in a ladder back chair, staring out the kitchen window. I can remember that she was very plump with shoulder length white hair. When we visited we always went to the back of the house through a door, which led into the kitchen, and if you kept going straight you would enter the living room. The bedrooms were on the left, and mom said that maw and paw had separate bedrooms. She said, “Not long after they got married letters came to paw, or were found, from a gal named Cathleen Stiles who lived on Chickamauga. That’s when she stopped sleeping with him. The house was full of big, old furniture, like the big floor model radios of the time. Mom told me on Thanksgiving day 2012 that “Paw was hard of hearing when I went to spend the night with them, when I was seven, eight, or nine, the first thing paw would do when he woke up was turn on the radio so loud that the neighbors could hear it. He liked to listen to Cas Walker. I would be layin there in bed and he would wake me up with that thing” The kitchen contained a large regulator coal or wood heater and a baker’s cabinet. Once you went through the kitchen, I think, you came out in the living room and the bedrooms were on the right side of the house.
In the backyard was a playhouse that Paw Davis had built for mom. It was all painted up with white figures of animals and faces. I still have a rabbit trap that Papaw built. It was in an old shed or garage in at the back of the property. The house had a large front porch, clapboard siding, and a dirt basement. She and Paw Davis lived around Buzzard Roost on Chickamauga Avenue in the dip. Paw Davis named the home place “Weeping Willow Dip” due to all of the willows in their yard. Paw planted all of the willow trees in the yard. A big wind knocked one of the trees over once, mom said, and paw had someone pull if back up. Mom still has the sign that hung at their home that says, “Weeping Willow Dip.” She gave the sign to me, along with a watch that Mamaw Davis gave to Papaw Davis. She also gave me the old Stewart-Wagner radio they owned.
Obituary: The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 12 April 1966
Davis, Elbert William-72, 192 Chickamauga Avenues, husband of Mrs. Lucille Davis, passed away at 11 a.m. Monday at his home. Member of Lynnwood Methodist Church, he was a retired boilermaker for Southern Railway. Survivors: wife; son William Kenneth Davis, Knoxville 2 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren. Funeral services 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Roberts Funeral Home, the Rev. J.W. Carty and Dr. Charles Bond officiating. Burial in Guffon Cemetery. Pallbearers: Joe Stiles, Melvin Davis, Jim Davis, James Smith, Albert Bridges, Bill Mode.
Record of Funeral: William Elbert Davis
This record indicates that William Elbert Davis (Paw Davis) died of “Myocardial Ischemia” at his home on 192 Chicamauga Avenue on Monday, 11 April 1966. Attending doctor was Dr. Richard L. Hobart. He occupation is listed as a retired boiler maker for Southern Railway and religion as “Methodist” was a member of Lynnwood Methodist Church. He was born on 6 February 1894 in North Carolina to “Unknown” father and Mary Ann (Davis) Weaver, mother. Price of casket was marked off 50% and cost $500. Opening & Closing of grave was $35.00 and city and state tax was .75. Total funeral cost $704.
Obituary: The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Thursday 15 March 1973
Davis, Mrs. Lucile Berney- 76, residence, 192 Chickamauga Avenue, wife of the late W.E. Davis, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital Wednesday. Member of Lynnwood Methodist Church. Survivors: son, Kenneth Davis, Knoxville; two grandchildren;brothers Ed Berney and Raymond Berney Knoxville; Elmer Berney Florida. Funeral services have been changed to Roberts Funeral Home 2 p.m. Friday. Rev. Bill Carty officiating. Internment Guffon Cemetery.
Record of Funeral: Lucille Berney Davis
This record indicates that Lucille Berney Davis (Maw Davis) died of unknown at her home on 192 Chickamauga Ave. on Wednesday, 14 March 1973. Attending doctor was Sidney L. Wallace, M.D.Her occupation is listed as “housewife” and religion as unknown. She was born on 11 December in Knoxville, Tenn. to Henry Berney and Lottie Davis. Their birthplace not listed. Informant was Mrs. Betty Mode. Price of casket was $345., dress $27., Embalming and Professional Services $485., Open & Close $65., city and state taxes $3.86. Total funeral cost $999.86. (Mom called her grandmother Davis “Granny.”)
6. William Kenneth Davis was born 18 January 1915. He was named after an old doctor named Kenneth Christenberry, their family doctor, or his son. Papaw died in his apartment (Townview Terrace) in Knoxville on 4 September 1984. He married Dora Katherine Bowers in Clinton Tennessee on 1 December 1934. Mom wasn’t sure how they met.Mamaw was born on 22 February 1916 in Knoxville and died on 19 July 1987 in Knoxville as St. Marys Hospital. She is buried at Lynhurst Cemetery. Mamaw had brown eyes and hair “as black as coal, almost blue-black” according to mom. She worked at the Holston Mills when she was younger and later worked as a maid at the Holiday Inn. Papaw Davis was tall, 6’ 1” or 6’2” and always wore his hair short and loved to chew Apple Brand and Red Man tobacco and used to cut a chaw with his knife. He had blue eyes and his hair was “black as coal, almost blue-black” according to mom. Some people said that he looked like Rock Hudson. Mom said papaw wasn’t superstitious. She said, “Daddy wasn’t afraid of anything.” It seems like he always wore blue jeans and boots. I have many of papaw’s tools. Mom said papaw could really sing and yodel and he chewed garlic to help with high blood pressure. He liked country music. On 20 March 2011 mom said one of the earliest jobs papaw had was working for the “slaughter pen” near a creek off Clinton Highway. Papaw told her that they would put the pigs in boiling water after they were slaughtered in order to get the hair off of them. He said once a man fell into the boiling water and was scalded to death.He drove a truck for East Tennessee & Western N.C. (E.T. & W.N.C) He also worked on and off for eleven years as a Boiler Maker for the Southern Railroad, but seemed to get laid off all of the time, so he went to work for T.V.A. He worked way up high on the big chimneys at the Kingston Steam Plant. None of the young men would do the work, so papaw and other older men did (have pictures) Mom said Papaw was needed there during WWII and the railroad was booming at the time. Not sure if he had to register for the draft. Papaw taught mom how to sharpen pencils and she taught me one day (23 Jan. 1997). You draw the blade towards you thumb. Papaw Davis and his mom Lucille had a temper,mom said, but his dad didn’t. Mom has a temper, as do I.
Knoxville City Directory listings for William Kenneth Davis
1935-Wm Kenneth Davis, CB Atkins Co. Lives at 142 Chicamauga Ave.
1936-Wm. K. & Dora Davis, CB Atkin Co. Lives at 142 Chicamauga Ave.
1941-Kenneth Davis, Truck Driver-E.T & W.N.C Motor Transportation.
The 1940 Knox County census, district 2, sheet 6A, household 314 lists William Kenneth Davis, 25 renting a house on Hiawasee for $8 dollars a month.The family includes Dora K. 24, and Betty J. 4. Papaw is working for a trucking company at this time and worked about 47 hours a week making about $1311 dollars a year. Both Kenneth and Dora indicate that the highest grade they had achieved was 8th grade. Melvin J. and Maude M. Davis along with their children Lee B., Georgia E., Kathleen J., Sallie, and daughter Anna W. Bennett and grandson Larry D. lived next door.
Obituary: Knoxville News-Sentinel
Davis, William Kenneth – age 69, residence: Townview Terrace, passed away at his home on Tuesday. Member of Ridge View Baptist Church. Retired from Southern Railway as a boilermaker. Survivors; daughters, Mrs. William F. (Betty Davis) Mode, Mrs. Paul (Rebecca Davis Summers) Spangler; 4 grandchildren. Graveside service 11 a.m. Thursday, Anderson-Guffon Cemetery. Rev. Gary Shaffer officiating. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery at 10:45 Thursday for internment at 11:00. Received friends at Roberts Mortuary Wednesday from 7-8:30.
Record of Funeral: William Kenneth Davis
This record indicates that William Kenneth Davis (Papaw) “was found dead at his apartment” and had been dead “about 3-4 days.” Was found at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at his apartment, 300 Mulvane St., Apartment I60 (Townview Terrace) and his official date of death was listed as 4 September 1984 by Dr. Pedigo of the Medical Examiner’s Office, University of Tennessee. Member of Ridge View Baptist Church and is listed as being a retired Boilermaker with Southern Railway. Papaw was born in Knox County on 18 January 1915 to William E. Davis and Lucille Berney. Cost of casket $600, pouch for clothing $95, embalming treatment $100, open and closing by John King $150., city and state taxes $45.16. Total funeral cost $2395.40.
Obituary: The Knoxville News-Sentinel
Davis, Mrs. Dora K. (Bowers) – age 71, of Knoxville, died 11:14 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 1987, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Member of North Hills Baptist Church. Survivors: daughters, Rebecca (Davis) Summers, Bettye (Davis) Mode; grandchildren, Kenneth, Joe (Mode), Lisa and Stacy (Summers), mother Edith (Grant) Bowers; brothers Fred and Frank Bowers, Knoxville; Arthur Bowers Chattanooga; Carl Bowers of Florida; Margaret (Bowers) Arnette of Knoxville. Family and friends will meet 12:45 p.m. Wednesday at the main entrance of Lynnhurst Cemetery for 1 p.m. service and internment. Rev. Larry Cash officiating. Friends at Stevens Mortuary 7-9 Tuesday (Mom said mamaw died of a Perforated Ulcer)