Enoch Davis, b: 1801 in VA d: Aft 1881 in IN

Enoch Davis was married to Nancy Cunningham and they were natives of a part of Virginia that would in 1863, become West Virginia. Enoch was of Welsh descent and Nancy was Irish. It is known that by 1734, the first settlements in West Virginia were made by Welsh, German and Scotch Irish immigrants from Pennsylvania. We know that Enoch and Nancy were living in Hancock County Virginia in 1833, because that is where their first child Robert was born. By 1850, they were still living in Hancock County and they had 6 children: Robert 17, Martha 12, William 10, Mary Agnes 7, Margaret 5 and Samantha is 3. Enoch’s life occupation was that of carpenter. Census records indicate that Enoch could not read or write, however Nancy was literate. In the 1880 census record is does show that Enoch could not read, but could write. It is evident that the parents valued an education because it is said in a biography that they moved to nearby Washington County, Pennsylvania, where Robert attended high school. The 1860 census shows the family still living in Hancock County, West Virginia and their eldest son Robert is married and lives across the Ohio River in Jefferson County, Ohio. In 1862, Enoch and family moved with their son Robert to Georgetown, Brown County, Indiana. By 1864, they were living in Brown County, Indiana, as Robert’s daughter, Eva was born in 1864. 1870 census records also show Enoch and Nancy alone, no children living with then, but living next door to their son Robert C. and his family. They live in (Beanblossem Post Office) Jackson Twp., Brown County, Indiana. Apparently Enoch lived a long life. Page 694 of Blanchard’s Brown County History tells that The Old Settlers Association held a reunion in 1881 at Goshen, 3 miles east of Georgetown. This was a very interesting meeting. “John Prosser and wife, each 80 years of age, who lived together 63 years, were presented an elegant bible. A pair of spectacles was awarded to Green Graham as the oldest person present, 91 years. Each of the following old settlers were presented with a stout cane, each having choice in the order of age: Martha Terhune, 83 , Enoch Davis, 80….” The 1880 census shows us that Enoch was a widower, able to read and still living next to Robert C and family. The census also tells us that Enoch’s parents were both born in MD.

This information was provided to me from Allene White Schnaiter, great grand-daughter of William Worth Davis.

Robert C. Davis, b: 18 Dec 1833 in Hancock Co., VA d: 12 Jan 1916 in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN

The following biography from Blanchard’s History of Brown Co., IN, published in 1884 tells us a lot about Robert C Davis:

“Robert C. Davis, Merchant at Mahalasville, was born Dec. 18, 1833 in Hancock County WVA, and is the eldest of the family of Enoch and Nancy (Cunningham) Davis, natives of WVA, and respectively of Welsh and Irish descent. Robert, in company with his parents, moved to Washington Co., PA, where he attended high school and acquired a good education. He early showed a tact for business, and when 17 engaged as a traveling salesman, which he followed some years, and then peddled on his own account. In 1862, he and parents moved to Georgetown, Brown Co. IN, where he continued in business until 1877; during this trip he lost his goods by the sinking of the boat transporting them. Jan. 1, 1856, he married Miss Louisa H. Richey, of Ohio, with the following issue; John C., William W. and James W. (twins), Ella M., Eva E., Nancy J., Robert, Charley C., Edgar, and Lela. While in Ohio, Mr. Davis served two terms as Trustee. He is Postmaster, railroad agent and express agent: carries a large stock of goods, and is an upright and efficient businessman. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Knights of Honor. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Presbyterian Church.”

Census records have also told us that Robert and his father worked as carpenters. In 1880 he purchased property in Mahalasville in Morgan Co. and we can assume that is where he had his store. Sometime after that he sold that same property and Robert, his wife Louisa, and younger children seem to have disappeared from the area. In 1887, his son, William W. Davis, who married and remained in the area, purchased that same property and was a merchant and druggist. After wondering for many years where Robert C. Davis and the rest of the Davis family went, Robert C. was found in the 1900 census in Cloverdale Twp., Putnam Co., IN. Robert’s occupation is tht of farmer and he is 66 years old. It shows Robert and parents having been born in VA. His wife Louisa is 60. She was born in Ohio, her father in PA and mother in OH. Living with Robert C. is his wife Louisa, age 60, and children Nancy 30, Robert T. 28, Charles C. 25, Omer E.(Edgar) 20, and Lelia B. 17. Robert’s sons work on the farm with him.

Robert C. and wife Louisa are buried in the Sec IV of the Cloverdale Cemetery in Cloverdale, IN.

Martha Ann Davis, b: 30 Apr 1837 in VA d: 10 Dec 1915 in Pierce City, Lawrence, MO

Martha Ann Davis was born in 1837, in VA and was the 2^nd child of Enoch and Nancy C Davis was born in VA. Not much is known at this time concerning Martha Ann. She married Thomas H Cochran on Oct 22, 1858. The Cochran’s had 7 children: Harold C, Elmer E, Elizabeth, Cora, Robert, Agnes, and Emma J, which only 5 lived to adulthood. The census of 1860 shows Thomas, aged 23, Martha, aged 23 and son Harold C, 10 months were living in Wellsville, Columbiana, OH. Thomas’s occupation is that of a brick mason. The 1880 census shows the Cochran family in Martinsville, Morgan, IN, with 4 children: Elmer E, Elizabeth, Agnes, and Emma J. Thomas’s occupation is still brick mason. The 1900 census shows the family in Pierce City, Lawrence, MO, where they resided until their deaths. Martha Ann died in 1915. Her obituary tells us that at the age of 16 she joined the Presbyterian Church, and later, the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she was a member at the time of her death. Funeral services were conducted at the Cochran home and she is buried in the Pierce City Cemetery, next to her husband Thomas, who died in 1920.

William Davis, b: 1840 in VA d: Unknown

William Davis was born in 1840 in VA and was the 3^rd child of Enoch and Nancy C. Davis. The 1860 census shows William was 20 years of age and living with his parents, in Hancock County, VA. His occupation is listed as a carpenter. Any information regarding William Davis would be greatly appreciated.

Mary Agnes Davis, b: 1843 in VA d: Unknown

Mary Agnes Davis was born in 1843 in VA and was the 4^th child of Enoch and Nancy C. Davis. The 1860 census shows Agnes was 17 years old and living with her parents, in Hancock County, VA. Any information regarding Mary Agnes Davis would be greatly appreciated.

Margaret Davis, b: 1845/46 in VA d: Unknown

Margaret Davis was born in 1845/46, in VA and was the 5^th child of Enoch and Nancy Davis of Brown Co., IN married Abel P. Shields on Feb. 25, 1865. In July of 1864, Abel returned home from the Civil War with an honorable discharge at Baton Rouge, LA. He returned to work on his father’s farm, remaining there 2 years. Abel and Margaret had one child, Elizabeth Luella. Abel farmed for 8 years before going to work in Edinburg, IN for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, as a Sewing Machine Agent. After working there 2 years, remaining with the company, they moved back to Martinsville. In February of 1882, Abel purchased the Red Cloud Saloon and worked in that business. Abel is a Democrat.

Samantha Davis, b: 1847 in VA d: Unknown

Samantha Davis was born in 1847, in VA and was the 6^th child of Enoch and Nancy C. Davis of Brown Co., IN, married Thomas A. Kennedy in January 1866, when she was 19. Thomas A. Kennedy was born Oct. 18, 1843 in Georgetown, Brown Co., IN. Thomas was a Civil War veteran, serving as a Corporal in Co C, 22^nd Volunteers. The biography of Thomas A. Kennedy in Blanchard’s History of Brown Co., IN says, “In June, 1865, he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home in Brown Co., where in January following, he was married to Samantha Davis of Virginia. They have 7 children: William D., Rosa, Clement R., Orrin and Odell (twins), Earl and Pearl (twins). After his marriage, he farmed in Brown Co. and became an agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. In February 1878, he came to Martinsville, where he has since resided, representing the same company. Mr. Kennedy is a member of the K of P, and with his wife is an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Politically he is a Democrat.

Alwilda Davis, b: 1848 in VA d: Unknown

Alwilda Davis was born in 1848, in VA and was the 7^th child of Enoch and Nancy C. Davis of Brown Co., IN. The 1860 census records show that Alwilda was living with her parents, in Hancock Co., VA. Any information regarding Alwilda Davis would be greatly appreciated.

John C. Davis, b: 4 Dec 1857 in VA d: 26 Dec 1908

John C. is the eldest son of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. Little is known about John C. Davis. He married Lelia Burress of Windsor, MO. They had one daughter Lelia May Davis, born Oct 1887 and died at the young age of 3 in Windsor, MO. Lelia Burress Davis died in Dec 1887, when their daughter was just a little over 1 month old. They are both buried in Laurel Oaks Cemetery, Windsor, MO. John C. disappeared from all census reports and died in 1908.

James Willard Davis, b: 11 Nov 1859 in VA d: 21 Feb 1954 in Pittsburgh, KS

James Willard and his twin brother William Worth, were the next born of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. James Willard was a traveling overcoat salesman for a men’s clothing company. He married Martha (Mattie) Jane Draper on Apr. 15, 1891 at the home of the bride’s parents in Henry Co., MO. The 1900 census shows us that James Willard was 40, his wife Mattie was 30 and son Robert A. was 5. They owned their own home. The 1910 census shows that James W aged 50, wife Mattie aged 39, and son Alvin 15 lived in Windsor, Ward 1, Henry, MO. He owned his own home free and clear. The 1920 census shows that James and Mattie lived at 1102 W Cherokee in Enid, OK. He owned his home free and clear. He was working as a commercial trader in men’s clothing. Also living with James and Mattie were their son Robert, who worked as a manager of an oil company and his wife Mary (Marion) Davis. The 1930 census shows them still living at the same address in Enid, OK. They owned their home and property was valued at $7000.00. Sometime after wife Mattie died in Dec 1943, James moved to Girard, KS and lived with in the local hotel to be near his son and family. He died in Pittsburgh, KS in 1954 and was buried next to his wife Martha (Mattie) Jane Draper Davis in Enid Cemetery, Enid, OK.

Robert Alvin Davis, b: 24 Sep 1894 in Windsor, Henry, MO d: 20 Mar 1983 in Girard, Crawford, KS

Robert Alvin was born in Windsor, MO in 1894 and attended school. In 1910, Robert was living with his family in Windsor, MO. He attended Central Methodist College at Fayette, MO. Sometime between 1910 and 1917 the family moved to Enid, OK, as he enlisted in the Army in 1917. He listed his occupation in 1917 as a bookkeeper for the Penn-Oklahoma Oil Company. On Dec. 2, 1919, Robert A married Marion Parker of Brookfield, MO. They possibly could have met while he was in college in Fayette, MO and she, while attending Cottey College in Nevada, MO. In the 1920 census, Robert Alvin was living at 1102 W Cherokee, Enid, OK, with his wife, Mary (Marion) and his parents, James Willard and Mattie Jane Davis. Their first child, James Parker Davis was born 23 Nov 1921 in Enid. In 1926 the family moved to Girard, KS. In the 1930 census, Robert A 35, wife Marion P 35, sons James Parker 8, Robert A 1 ½, and Nova Lou Parker (mother-in-law) 60 were living at 212 E St John St, Girard, KS. Robert’s occupation is listed as a pharmacy clerk. He worked for his uncle, Robert (Archie) Draper, who owned the Drug Store. Robert later bought the drug store from Mr. Draper and renamed it Davis Drug Store. He worked as a Pharmacist even after retiring and selling the store to Carl Mathis, sometime after 1960. His wife Marion also worked in the store when they needed help. Stories by my Grandmother, Marion Davis, told of times when Grandpa Alvin would come home at lunch time and work on his house. He always painted one side each year, that way it would be fully painted every 4 years. He also loved to go to Kansas City every year to market, to buy goods for the Drug Store. As a child, I would visit often and Grandpa would always take us to the Crawford State Lake and go fishing. We never returned without catching a good mess of fish and Grandma would always cook them up. Marion died Dec. 21, 1979. Robert Alvin died at his home on Mar. 20, 1983 and is buried by his wife in the Girard City Cemetery. Robert Alvin and Marion were well respected in their community. Marion was a member of the PEO. They were active members of the First Christian Church and taught bible school and served on several boards.

Robert Alvin Davis, b: 3 Feb 1929 in Girard, KS d: 21 Oct 1991

Robert (Bob) Alvin was born in the family home, 212 E St. John St., Girard, KS. He was born along with his twin brother, Joseph Willard. Joseph was first born and died shortly after birth. Joseph is buried in an unmarked grave in the Girard City Cemetery. Robert attended school and graduated from Girard High School in 1947. During this time he was involved in his high school band as a drum major and choral groups. In the fall of 1947 he attended Central Methodist College at Fayette, MO. Robert enrolled in pre-dental classes and hoped on having a career as a Dentist. With one year to go, he decided to serve his country and enlisted in the US Navy. After basic training in Norfolk, VA, he was stationed in Charleston, SC at the Naval Base. His job was that of a medical corpsman. It was during this time, he met his future wife, Juanita Nancy Bryant of Lakeland, FL, a nursing student at the Medical College of SC and Roper Hospital, on a blind date. They dated steadily, even after she graduated in 1952 and moved back to Lakeland, FL to work at Lakeland Memorial Hospital. In 1953, Bob received his orders to transfer to San Diego, CA. He served on the USS Constellation, a Hospital Ship. They made many trips to the Far East to pick up wounded and sick soldiers. In 7 Jun 1954, he and Nancy married in Lakeland, FL, and traveled back to Long Beach, CA, so Bob could finish up his last six months of naval service. During that time he was assigned to a destroyer that patrolled up and down the west coast. After his tour of duty, the newlyweds moved with their persian cat Mattie Bell to Lawrence, KS, where he could finish his degree, at the University of Kansas. He changed his major and enrolled in the School of Pharmacy. They soon joined the First Baptist Church and were active members. Bob worked part-time at Raney Drug store while going to school. He graduated in May 1957. After graduation, Bob worked full time as a Pharmacist and Manager of the Raney Drug Store in Lawrence, KS. He and wife Nancy had 5 children, James Bryant, Melissa Ann, Nancy (Beth) Elizabeth, Timothy Keith, and Jeffrey Jerome. Bob was President of the PTA during his children’s grade school years, 4-H and a member of the Trail Riders Association, as he enjoyed watching his children show their horses. He worked until his ill health forced him to retire in 1991. He died on Oct 21, 1991, at the age of 62 and is buried in Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS.

William Worth Davis, b: 11 Oct 1859 in VA d: 13 Feb 1939 in Mahalasville, IN

William W. and James W. were twins, born to Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis in Hancock County, VA. About 1862, William moved with his parents to Brown County, IN, and by 1878, they were found living in Mahalasville, Morgan, IN. Sometime after 1884, his parents and remaining children moved to an unknown location. William, called Will, chose to remain behind. In Jan. of 1887, Will married Rebecca Hamilton, a native of Morgan County and daughter of Perry and Caroline Norman Hamilton. Land records show that the following August, Will purchased land on or near the same site in Mahalasville, his father had owned, but not purchasing directly from his father. They had 2 children, Carl Hamilton and Darlie. I recall my grandfather telling stories of growing up in Mahalasville. They later moved to Morgantown. Will’s obituary states that he was a druggist during his active business life. Will and Rebecca sent their son Carl to Purdue University, where he graduated from the school of Pharmacy. Carl returned to Morgantown and worked in the drug store beside his father. Will and Rebecca lived a short block from the drug store. As time passed, Will’s health diminished and he became an invalid, being confined to his bed the last few years. Will died 13 Feb 1939 and Rebecca followed him 1 Apr 1940. They are buried at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, near Mahalsville.

This information was provided by Allene White Schnaiter, great-granddaughter of William Worth Davis.

Carl Hamilton Davis, b: 20 Aug 1887 in Morgan, IN d: 8 Aug 1957 in Monticello, IN

Carl Hamilton Davis was born in 1887 in Morgan County, IN, probably in Mahalasville, where he spent his childhood. Before Carl reached high school age, his father moved his pharmacy business and the family to nearby Morgantown. After Carl completed high school, he attended and graduated from Purdue University in 1909, with a degree from the School of Pharmacy. He returned to Morgantown and worked in the Davis Drug Store beside his father. Carl married Leola Avis Williams, born 9 Jul 1886 of Bloomfield, Green, IN, daughter of Allen and Amanda Teney Williams, on 15 Feb 1910 and their home was around the corner from Will and Rebecca, his parents. In 1912, Carl’s only daughter, Genevieve Allene, was born. About 1926, Carl took a job with the State Health Department in Indianapolis and moved the family there. In 1929, the stock market crashed and the United States suffered from “The Great Depression.” Many were out of work and stood in soup lines for food. Carl felt forturnate to have a job during this period. Genevieve graduated from high school and married Karl White in 1932. Their only grandchild, Amanda Allene was born in 1933. On May 14, 1936, tragedy struck as Leola took her own life. She was 49 years of age. About 1939, Carl took a job as a pharmacist at the South Side Drug Store in Logansport, IN. In 1948, he bought the rundown store and named it Davis Drugs. He worked hard to turn it into a thriving business. He married a second time. Carl died in 1957 at his home on the Freeman River in Monticello, IN. He went to sleep, sitting on the river bank with a fishing pole in hand.

This information was provided by Allene White Schnaiter, granddaughter of Carl Hamilton Davis.

Darlie Davis, b: Aug 1889 in Morgan, IN d: Nov 1973 in Columbus, IA

Darlie married Roy Hickman, born 1890 in IN. They had 2 children, Barbara Dell and Wayne Davis.

Ella M. Davis, b: 20 Oct 1861 in OH d: 23 Aug 1945

Ella M Davis was born in 1861, in Ohio and was the 4^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. Ella married John P Wagner, born Apr 1862, on 28 Dec 1883 in Morgan CO, IN. Two children came from this union. Blanche was born 10 Jun 1884 and Roy, born Sep 1885. Ella died 23 Aug 1945 in IN and John died 19 Nov 1950 in IN. The place of burial is not known at this time. I would appreciate any information regarding Ella M. Davis.

Eva Ellis Davis, b: 31 Mar 1864 in Morgan, IN d: 15 Apr 1952

Eva (Birdie) Ellis Davis was born in 1864, in Brown County, IN and was the 5^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. The 1880 census shows us living with her parents in Brown County, IN. In Apr 1883, she married Jacob Van Sickle Stimson, the eldest son of Erasmus and Mercy Ann Van Sickle Stimson. The Martinsville Republic shows the marriage license was issued 6 Apr 1883 and shows them reported married in the paper on 19 Apr 1883. The 1900 census shows Jacob and Birdie living in Huntingburg, Dubois, IN, with Robert, aged 14, Fred, aged 8, Helen, aged 5, and 15 year old servant, Pearl R Hayes. The 1920 census shows us still living in Huntingburg, IN, Jacob 57, Eva 55, and Helen 24. Jacob’s occupation is that of a Lumber Merchant. By 1930, Eva was widowed, as Jacob had died in 1925. She was living in the home she owned on N Main St. and her property was valued at $8000.00. Also residing with Eva was Carrie C Durcholz, a servant, aged 59. Eva (Birdie) Davis Stimson died 15 Apr 1952 in Huntingburg, IN. The place of burial is not known at this time.

Mary E. Davis, b: 30 Apr 1866 in Brown County, IN d: 4 Dec 1940

Mary E Davis was born in 1866, in Brown County, IN and was the 6^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. I would appreciate any information regarding Mary E. Davis.

Robert T. Davis, b: 27 Mar 1872 in Brown County, IN d: 1948/50 in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN

Robert T. Davis was born in 1872, in Brown County, IN, and was the 7^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. The 1900 census shows Robert living with his parents in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN. In 1900/1902, Robert married a Hattie M (Unknown). The 1910 census shows Robert and Hattie living in Taylor Twp., Owen, IN. His occupation was clerk in a general store. In 1920, Robert T and Hattie were living in Washington, Owen, IN, on Hillside Avenue. His occupation was County Recorder. The 1930 census shows us that Robert and Hattie, lived in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN. They owned their own home, property valued at $2000.00. Robert’s occupation was a salesman for a grocery store. Robert died in 1948 and Hattie followed in 1950. They are buried in the Cloverdale Cemetery, Sec VI, Cloverdale, Putnam, IN. Robert’s marker says he died in 1950. Although, records from my grandfather show he died in 1948. Any other information would be greatly appreciated.

Charles C. Davis, b: 10 Oct 1874 in Brown County, IN d: 25 Feb 1948 in Ellettsville, Monroe, IN

Charles C. Davis was born in 1874, in Brown County, IN, and was the 8^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. The 1900 census show that Charles was living with his parents in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN. In 1906, Charles married Tunsa Divon (sp?) and had 1 daughter Mary Louise Davis, born 5 Oct 1907, in Owen, IN and died 25 Apr 1921. Mary Louise is buried in Cloverdale Cemetery, Cloverdale, IN. No information can be found on Charles until the 1930 census, when he is 55 years old and married to Blanche Stimpson, age 35. Also living in the household is a step-son Harold L Stimpson, 14 years old. Charles occupation is listed as a salesman for a hardware company. His property is valued at $2500.00. Charles died in 1948 in Ellettsville, Monroe, IN. Burial place is unknown at this time.

Nancy J. Davis, b: 20 Feb 1876 in Brown County, IN d: 13 Feb 1941 in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN

Nancy J. Davis was born in 1876, in Brown County, IN, and was the 9^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. The 1910 census shows that Nancy was still living with her parents in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN at the age of 35. No occupation was listed. Nancy never married and is buried in the Cloverdale Cemetery, Cloverdale, IN next to her parents.

Omer Edgar Davis, b: 19 Sep 1879 in Brown County, IN d: Unknown

Omer Edgar Davis was born in 1879, in Brown County, IN, and was the 10^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis. Little is known about Omer. In the 1910 census show Omer E., living in Enid, Garfield, OK with his wife of 2 years Minnie Bell., born in OH. He is 30 years of age and Minnie is 28. His occupation is listed as a salesman in a clothing store. He also enlisted in the service 12 Sep 1918 in Audrain, Caddo, OK. Omer Edgar died in Oct 1945. Last known address is unknown. The place of burial is not known at this time.

Lelia Burris Davis, b: 16 Jul 1882 in Brown County, IN d: 1942 in Cloverdale, Putnam, IN

Lelia Burris Davis was born in 1882, in Brown County, IN, and was the 11^th child of Robert C. and Louisa H. Richey Davis.

She married Jesse E McCoy, born 4 Jul 1877 in IN. They had one son Kenneth McCoy, born 24 Jan 1903, in Cloverdale, IN and died Jan 1983, in Greencastle, Putnam, IN. Lelia died in 1942 and Jesse died 19 Dec 1965 in IN.

All Biographies were written or transcribed from other named sources by Melissa Davis