Edmond Francis Davis Story

Edmond Frances Davis linage appears to date back to James Town and the Sadahoc Colony of 1607. I used Ann and Nans family books as well as Captain John Davis of Steamboat Springs Colorado to trace the linage. I have kept in contact with John throughout the last 20 years off and on and he has been a wealth of information. Other than great uncle Arch, he is the only Davis bloodline I have met from my great grandfather Edmonds linage. Captain Johns Frances Marion Davis and John Thomas Davis were brothers. Their dad was Frances Marion (senior). I am glad Dad kept in contact with Captain John Davis. In the 90's we all got to meet him. Captain John Davis gave me a small painting great Uncle Arch had painted when we were there.

This is a picture of Captain John Davis family, Francis Marion brother was the brother of our great grandfather John Wesley. The son of Frances Marion Edwin Everett was Captain Johns Grandfather. I have not been able to contact Captain John Davis of Steamboat Springs this year. Last time I spoke to him he was of ill health. John spent many many years and much money collecting data on the Davis family. Captain John retire from his carreer as an Air line pilot several years ago but still skied the slopes in Colorado after retirement.

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The family Frances Marion Jr. (Son of Frances Marion)

Captain John Davis of Steamboat Springs (his address on some of his letters to dad was from Florida) family. Thanks Captain Davis for your research and urging to take interest in the family lineage.

Francis Marion (brother of John Wesley Davis our great grandfather) found on grave finders. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30012552/francis-marion-davis

Francis Marion Jr. (John Wesley Davis brother) Uncle of Edmond Frances

Son of Francis Marion Sr. (1805-1864) & Wilmoth B. (Stanton) Davis (1811-1857), born March 3, 1844 in Adair Co., KY. He was the 6th of of at least nine children: William Rezin (1831), John Wesley (1834), Nancy Elizabeth (1837), Comfort (Unk), Sarah Ann (1841), Francis Marion (1844), Mary Sophia (1846), Judith V. (1848) and Martha Susan (1851). At the age of 19 he joined the Company I, 13th Regiment, Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, USA, which existed from 12/22/1863 - 1/10/1865 and was organized at Columbia, Adair Co., Kentucky. After the war he moved to Mason Co., IL where he met and married Virginia Caroline Brown in July 1870. They moved to Dickinson Co., KS in a prairie schooner in 1873 and soon after settled in Ottawa Co. Their first home was in Sec. 4, T12S, R1W in Ottawa Co. Their first home was a "dugout", followed by a rock house built nearby. The family moved several times in Ottawa & Dickinson Counties but most often lived in the Willowdale area and joined or were joined by many other family members by the names of Brown, Taylor, Yale, Hobbs, Overstreet, Kibler, Dilling, Hertzog and Chase. Francis had several occupations laborer, farmer, superintendent of the county poor farm near Minneapolis and rural mail carrier (In 1900 he was the first rural carrier out of Abilene). Francis and Carrie had four sons, William Francis, Edwin Everett, Henry Madison and John Rezin, with the first two being born in IL and the later two being born in KS. Francis died in 1906 and is buried in Prairie Mound Cemetery near Solomon.

Siblings:

William Rezin Davis (1831-1899)*

John Wesley Davis (1834-1879)

Nancy Elizabeth Davis Gunter Bright (1837-1928)*

Comfort Davis (Unk-1841)

Sarah Ann Davis Taylor (1841-1921)

Francis Marion Davis Jr. (1844-1906)

Mary Sophia Davis Harrison (1846-1906)

Judith V. 'Juda' Davis Wood (1848-1883)

Martha Susan Davis Parris (1851-Unk)

* = On Find A Grave

Obituary

Francis Marion Davis was born in Adair county, Kentucky, March 3, 1844, died at his home near Solomon, Kan., Sept. 10, 1906.

When a mere boy he enlisted in the Union Army, Co. I, 13th Kentucky Cavalry, and served to the close of the war. He moved to Illinois soon after the war and in 1870 was married to Carrie Brown, who still survives him. To this union were born four sons, all of whom were present at the time of his death. In 1873 he moved to Kansas and homesteaded in Ottawa county and since then has been a resident of Ottawa and Dickinson counties. He was converted and joined the Methodist church, in Illinois, and for nearly forty years has lived a devoted christian life. During the past year he was unable to lie down and so was compelled to sit in his chair night and day. Throughout the course of his illness, over two years, he was never known to murmur. His mind was clear and strong up to the monent of departure and he expressed his readiness and willingness to go. Just at twelve o'clock he closed his eyes to earthly scenes and his pure spirit departed to join the great throng of the redeemed who have come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. The funeral was held at the Willowdale M. E. church, Tuesday, Sept. 11, at two o'clock, Rev. Moore officiating. The remains were laid to rest in Prairie Mound cemetery at Solomon.

Mrs E. E. Davis

This article was from the Friday, 9/21/1906 issue of The Solomon Tribune, Solomon, KS.

Dad gave me a suitcase with Ann and Nan's history collection along with letters and research Captain John Davis had compiled. I thought it fitting to start my writings with his branch of the family and how we are related.

After moms death the final box of Dads history has been obtained. We have artifact from the Civil War era and the DAR pin of Dora as well as an unbelievable amount of history dating back many generations. Their stories are a lesson of life in America. I have no pictures of our great great grandfather John Thomas Davis. He and his wife both died in their 30's and early 40's. I am grateful to have a picture of his brother.

Thank you Anna and Nan Davis my great aunts, and Captain John Davis for you research.

I will start the story with dads grandfather Edmond Francis Davis.

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The story of the lost generation

John Wesley Davis married Mary Elizabeth Thomas May 17, 1860, in Adair, Kentucky

1861 Edmond Frances Davis was born April 27, 1861 to John Wesley Davis and Mary Elizebeth (Thomas) in Adair County Kentucky.

April 12, 1861 - At 4:30 a.m. Confederates under Gen. Pierre Beauregard open fire with 50 cannons upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. The Civil War begins. Kentucky civil war time line can be found here https://www.civilwartimeline.net/events-by-state.php?eventTags=kentucky

July 5th 1862 a battle occured in The above mentioned birthplace of EF Davis, Lebnon Kentucky. Edmond Frances (EF) would have been just over a year old. https://www.civilwartimeline.net/events-by-state.php?eventTags=illinois

1863- When Edmond Frances was 2 1/2 years old along with his parent (John W. and Mary E. Davis) moved to Knights Prairie, Hamilton County Illinois

1864 Edmonds little sister Joanna Wilmoth was born.

Edmonds grandfather Francis Marion Davis died on November 4, 1864, in Missouri when he was 59 years old. Francis Marion was born on August 8, 1805, in Green, Kentucky.

1866 Edmonds little sister Nancy Elizabeth was born

1868 Edmonds little brother William Archer was born

1871 Edmonds little sister Mary Virginia was born

1872- At the age 11 years old the family moved to to Missouri. They moved to two different towns in Missouri within a little over a year.

1873 Edmonds little brother John Thomas was born.

1874 The family moved back to Illinois near Raleigh, Saline county, Illinois was there one year then moved back to Hamilton county.

Edmonds little sister Mary Virginia died Febuary 24, 1874 age approximatly 3.

1875 Edmonds little brother James T Davis was born Sept. 21 and died October 15th of the same year.

Edmonds mother Mary Elizebeth Thomas Davis died September 25th at the age of 35. Hamilton County Illinois.

Edmonds sister Joanna Wilmoth also died May 28th at age approximately 11.

1879 Edmonds father John Wesley Davis died April 22

at the age. Edmond was 17 years old, left with 3 siblings to raise.

1880 Edmond Frances moved the living children (Nancy,William,John T.) Carroll County Missouri. It is listed in the census as living with Archer P. Thomas brother of (Mary Elizebeth Thomas dad)

Carrol Missouri Archer P. Thomas, 33 years old Tenant farmer, Mary J. 28 wife, James W. 27 farmer laborer, nieces and nephews Frances Edmond Davis 19 farm laborer, Nancy E. Davis, Archer P. 12, and John T. Davis 9

1884 At age 21 came west in to Ottawa Co. /Dickinson Co. Kansas where his uncle Francis Marion Jr. had been living since 1873.

I typed what the letter said.

A hand written letter that is difficult to read written by E.F. Davis

E.F. Davis was born near Lebnon adair Country Kentucky in the year of our lord 1861. At the age of 2 1/2 years old moved with his parent John W. and Mary E. Davis to Knights Prairie Illinois 6 miles west of McLeansburo Hamilton county living in the above community until about 11 years old. Then the family moved to Rilay??? County Missouri. Then in the same year moved to Stadand? county MO and stated there one year then moved back to Illinois near Rolla Salem Co. was there one year then moved back to Hamilton county. Then both parent as well as three children died. Leaving E.F. Davis with three little children to look after ranging in age from 3 to 8 years old. Being only 15 years old myself it was a very trying affair at the age of 15. We with and uncle A.P? Thomas moved to Carroll County Missouri. Later at the age of 21 E.F. Davis came west in 1884 and settled in Ottawa County Kansas. The following 2 years lived in Dickinson County Kansas in the year 1887 was married to Dora E. Langston and lived in Ottawa County 8 years.Then wife and 3 young men Arch, Milton and Harry and later two young ladies came to our house Anna and Nan. Well thank the lord we have these all yet and firmly settled down in good old Abilene Dickinson county Kansas.

Signed by E.F. Davis A hand written letter that is difficult to read. I have a copy of the letter in my Davis Suite Case.

1880 Carrol Missouri Archer P. Thomas, 33 years old Tenant farmer, Mary J. 28 wife, James W. 27 farmer laborer, Edmond Frances Davis 19 farm laborer, Nancy E. Davis, Archer P. 12, and John T. Davis 9. 1880 Edmond Frances moved the children (Nancy,William,John T.) and is listed in the census as living with Archer P. Thomas brother of (Mary Elizebeth Thomas brother)

At age 18? Edmond had lost both parents and 3 siblings. Archer P. Thomas (Mary Elizabeths brother) and the 4 remaining children of John Wesley moved to Carroll County Missouri to live with their late mothers brother.

1884 1884 Edmond Frances moved to Kansas where his uncle Frances Marion was already living. . At age 21 Edemond Frances came west in 1884 to Ottawa Co. /Dickinson Co. Kansas where his uncle Francis Marion Jr. had been living since 1873.

1887 Edmond Frances Davis Married Dora Langson. Arch William was born at the end of December 21.

1891 Milton Lenard Davis was born April 4th

1892 Harry Wesley Davis was born Novemeber 22

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1896 Nancy Elizabeth and Anna Adelle were born July 30th

1910 Elmer (Bill) was born March 10th

1900 Harry lived in Dickinson County Abilene City age 7 he lived Edmond F. age 39 occupation was listed as NG00-7? and Dora age 32, Arch age 12 along with Milt age 9, Anna and Nan age 3. Edmond F. had a brother that lived with them

John age 27 born in Illinois on May 1873 with his father born in Kentucky and mother born in Missouri (brother of Edmond F.) Is this J.R. Davis from Solomon Kansas Arch referred to in his WW11 registration card in 1942?

1910 Harry was 16 and lived with Edmond Francis age 49. Edmonds place of birth as well as place of his parents birth listed as Kentucky, Dora age 42 who is listed as her birthplace and her parents birthplace being Illinois, Arch age 22 listed as a house painter, Milt age 18 listed as a laborer houses, Harry age 16 listed as a laborer, Anna and Nan age 13, and baby son one month old

1917- Harry received his WW1 registration card at age 24. At the time he was living at 515 W. 8th Street and was a Laborer working for Belle Springs Produce Co. in Abilene. The card states he was born in Solomon Kans.

1918- Harry's brother Arch left for WW1 April 25,1918 from New York Company H 139th Infantry

1919- Harry's brother Sgt. Arch W. Davis boarded the Mongolia in St. Nazaire France January 20 1919 to come home from WW1 war arriving on January 30,1919 in Hoboken, New Jersey

1920- Harry Wesley Davis age 27 (Laborer produce, Foreman creamery) 414 w vine living with Anna A age 23 (teacher), Arch W age 33 (painter/decorator GC Grable), Milton L age 29 (carpenter/lathing, candler/ creamery), Nan age 23 (school teacher), Edmond (farmer) age 58 and Dora age 52 retired all lived on vine along with Anna ? M. Langston Dora's mother age 75 who was born in Illinois and her parents were both born in Tennessee .

1925- Harry Wesley Davis age 37 (laborer) lived in Abilene on vine street with Edmond F. age 63 and Dora age 57, Arch W age 38 (painter), Milton L age 34 laborer, Anna and Nan age 28 (teachers) and Elmer F. (Bill) age 15 or 16 hard to read. Anna S. Langston age 80 Dora's mother was still living with them. In 1928 Anna was teaching at the Mckinley School and Edmond F. is listed as a farmer and their address is listed as 414 N Vine

1926- Harry Davis Married Minnie Reynolds in Abilene, Kansas on April 5th 1926. The witness signature is Dora Davis. Anna and Nan, Mary Brown, Edmund F Davis, Milton L Davis, W.A. Davis, Bill Davis, Bill Gemmill, Rosa Eyer, Georgia Daniels, Grace Eyster were signature of guests.

1928- William Robert Davis was born September 10, 1928 to Harry and Minnie Davis.

1930- Harry Wesley Davis 37 years old (farmer) rented a home with Minnie 18? should state 28 years old born in Kansas and her parents were both born in Virginia,Blanche L.Reynolds (step daughter) born in Colorado age 9, Samual E. Reynolds (step son)born in Colorado age 7 and William Robert Davis son 1 1/2 years old.

1931 August 27, Harry's dad died E.F. Davis

1940- Harry Wesley Davis age 47 (painter), Blanche L. Reynolds (step daughter) age 19 (book keeper), Samuel E. Reynolds (step son) age 18 (Auto Mechanic) and William R. Davis son 11 years old. His mother Dora is still listed on Vine with Arch age 52 ,Milton age 49, Ann and Nan age 43

1942- Harry received a registration Card For WW11 age 49. His home address is listed as 605 South Cedar, Abilene listed as self employed. His contact was listed as Dora Davis

May 25,1946-Harry Wesley Davis was born 11/22/1892 in Niles Kansas and Died May 25, 1946 at the age of 53 years old. William Robert Davis was 17 years old.