Fayette County, Alabama

~ Descendants of Alvis Davis ~

WARNING: Errors ahead!  Please use this information as a guide rather than a gospel.


1. Alvis DAVIS b. 18 Apr 1801, TN, (son of John DAVIS and Mary HAWKINS) m. 22 Oct 1822, in Lexington, KY, Elizabeth GREGORY, b. 08 Aug 1804, (daughter of Abraham GREGORY and Sarah HAWKINS) d. 13 Jan 1881, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Mt. Vernon Methodist Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Alvis died 12 Sep 1875, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Mt. Pleasant Baptist Cemetery [1, 2, 3, 26].

Children of Alvis Davis and Elizabeth Gregory:
2. i  Matilda J. DAVIS b. 07 Jul 1823.                                                                                                    .
3. ii  Sarah DAVIS b. Apr 1825.
4. iii  James Henry DAVIS b. 09 Mar 1826.  
5. iv  Elizabeth Jane DAVIS b. 05 May 1829.
6. v  Frances DAVIS b. 15 Apr 1831.
7. vi  Robert Gregory DAVIS b. 15 Nov 1833.
8. vii  William Thomas DAVIS b. 31 Jan 1837.
9. viii  Martha Adeline DAVIS b. ca 1838.
10. ix  John Tyler DAVIS b. ca 1840.
11. x  Emma DAVIS b. 12 Dec 1846.
12. xi  Mary DAVIS.
NOTE:  According to tradition, Alvis DAVIS was born on the date and location indicated above: "on the Cumberland River ... near the boundary between Ky. and Tenn" [1].  Another source places his birth "abt 16 Apr 1795 in Lexington, KY" [2].  The U.S. census of 1850 and 1860 shows that he was born about 1801 or 1802, respectively, in North Carolina.  His wife was native to Tennessee or North Carolina (per census records) or to Kentucky [2].

Alvis's son William stated that his parents "were married near the Tenn.-Ky. line and went at once to Eliton, Ala.," in Jefferson County [1].  Indeed, Alvis DAVIS "of Jefferson County" received a federal land patent dated 01 Nov 1830 for 79.89 acres in Fayette County [4].  This property — identified as the west half of the northwest quarter (W½NW) of Section 22, Township 15 South, Range 12 West — was located about four miles northeast of Fayette Court House (see map here).  He acquired three additional patents for more than than 200 acres in adjoining Sec. 15 in September 1839 [4].

Census records indicate that Alvis was engaged in farming, but according to William: "My father's profession was quarring [sic] Mill stones, and many were sold thruout that part of the state" [1].  Alvis also was involved in community affairs and public service, representing Fayette County in the state legislature from 1844 to 1848 [5].

Alvis received a patent for 40 acres about three miles south of Fayette (S29-T16S-R12W) in November 1840 [4].  He is believed to have eventually moved to that part of the county since his land acquisitions in 1858 and 1860 were located nearby (Sec. 28) [4].  This is also the same general area where many of his children appear to have settled with their own families.

Alvis DAVIS died of paralysis at the age of 74 [1].

Second Generation


2. Matilda J. DAVIS b. 07 Jul 1823, Jefferson Co., AL,[1] m. ca 1840, in Fayette Co., AL, James W. GRAY, b. 25 Nov 1817, NC, (probably son of Joseph GRAY and Mary -----) d. 25 May 1902, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Mt. Pleasant Baptist Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Matilda died 06 Jun 1913, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Mt. Pleasant Baptist Cemetery [3, 6].

Children of Matilda Davis and James Gray:
i  William A. GRAY b. ca 1841, Fayette Co., AL, d. 14 Jul 1862 (Civil War).
ii  James Thomas GRAY b. ca 1842, Fayette Co., AL, m. possibly ca 1866, Frances -----, b. ca 1844, AL.
iii  Sarah J. (Frances) GRAY b. ca 1844, Fayette Co., AL.
iv  John A. GRAY b. ca 1846, Fayette Co., AL, d. possibly 1945, Cimarron Co., OK.
v  Martha JANE GRAY b. 04 May 1850 (08 May, per d.c.), Fayette Co., AL, m. 24 Dec 1873, in Fayette Co., AL, Lee Grand GLADDEN, b. Aug 1852, AL, (son of Martin GLADDEN and Minerva PEOPLES) d. 05 Jan  1930, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Jane died 25 Dec 1934, Fayette, AL, bur. Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
vi  Jefferson D. GRAY b. ca 1851, Fayette Co., AL.
vii  Robert H. GRAY b. ca 1852, Fayette Co., AL.
viii  Christopher Columbus GRAY b. Feb 1854, Fayette Co., AL, m. (1) Caroline HOLLAND, m. (2) ca 1887, in AL, Amanda HOWELL, b. Sep 1865, AL.  Christopher died 1940.
ix  Quindonna GRAY b. ca 1856, Fayette Co., AL, m. 22 Dec 1875, in Fayette Co., AL, Elisha T. KIZIAH.
x  Josephine GRAY b. ca 1859, Fayette Co., AL, d. 18 May 1943, Bankston, Fayette Co., AL.
xi
Mack M. GRAY b. Mar 1862, Fayette Co., AL, d. Mar 1934, Fayette Co., AL.
xii
Elijah Bird GRAY b. Feb 1864, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1902, in AL, Mrs. Kansas Ann WEBSTER, b. ca 1860, AL.  Elijah died 26 May 1946, Ensley, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Fraternal Cemetery, Ensley, AL.
xiii
Collister Mildred GRAY b. 12 May 1866, Fayette Co., AL, m. 11 Jan 1883, in Fayette Co., AL, William R. SOUTH, b. 27 Feb 1861, AL, (son of John A. SOUTH and Frances DODSON) d. 31 Aug 1922, Lamar Co., AL, bur. Mt. Pleasant Baptist Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Collister died 02 Apr 1948 [7], Birmingham, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.
NOTE:  James and Matilda GRAY were recorded in Fayette County on the U.S. census in 1850 and 1860 (pp. 101b & 432, respectively).  Federal land records show that James claimed more than 320 acres in Sections 20, 22, & 23, Twp 16S, Range 12W, in June 1858 [4].  This property was located about 3.5 miles southeast of Fayette Court House.  This couple left "many descendants in Fayette county, Ala." [1].

 

3. Sarah DAVIS b. Apr 1825, Jefferson Co., AL, m. Jun 1840, in Fayette Co., AL, J.V. MORROW [1], d. apparently before 1850, probably m. (2) ca 1859, in Fayette Co., AL, William KIZIAH (KIZZIAH), b. ca 1822, TN, d. 02 Jan 1862, TN.

Children of Sarah Davis and J.V. Morrow:
 i  Jefferson V. MORROW b. Aug 1841, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1874, in KY, Grizzell -----, b. Mar 1856, KY.  Jefferson died (after 1900), Graves Co., KY.
 ii  Nancy Adeline MORROW b. 05 Feb 1844, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1862, in Fayette Co., AL, Elijah Auburn CARAWAY, b. 08 Apr 1840, AL, (son of William J. CARAWAY and Rebecca -----) d. 20 Dec 1890, bur. Wright Family Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Nancy died 22 Mar 1930, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Wright Family Cemetery.
 iii  Emily (Mary) MORROW b. (1842/1845), Fayette Co., AL.
NOTE:  Family records list only two children for Sarah DAVIS MORROW — Jefferson and Nancy [1].  Yet the 1850 U.S. census of Fayette County (p. 91b) shows three MORROW children in the household of Alvis DAVIS: Jefferson (b. 1840), Mary (b. 1842), and Emily (b. 1845).  Jefferson and Nancy MORROW were living with William and Sarah KIZIAH in 1860 (p. 360).  Mrs. KIZIAH's given name, age, and place of birth match those of Sarah DAVIS, although there is no mention of a second marriage for her in the family records.  She was likely the identical Sarah MORROW who acquired more than 240 acres adjoining land patented to Alvis DAVIS in June 1858 [4].

One William KIZIAH enlisted in the Confederate army at Fayette Court House 07 Aug 1862 and served as a private in the 41st Alabama Infantry (Co. H).  Many men related to Alvis DAVIS also served in this unit.  "He [William] was killed January 2, 1862 in the action before Murfreesboro, Tennessee" [8].


 

4. James Henry DAVIS b. 09 Mar 1826, Jefferson Co., AL, m. 29 Oct 1844, in AL, Elizabeth "Betsy" RAY, b. 02 Jan 1828, Fayette Co., AL, (daughter of John H. RAY and Susan BERRY) d. 03 Feb 1926, Osceola, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery, Hill Co., TX.  James died 31 Mar 1895, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery [25].

Children of James Davis and Elizabeth Ray:
 i  James Frank DAVIS b. 20 Oct 1846, AL, m. (1) ca 08 Dec 1868, in Sanford (now Lamar) Co., AL, Susan J. RAGAN, b. 10 Sep 1846, NC, d. 03 Jul 1896, near Cresson, Johnson Co., TX, bur. Cresson Cemetery, m. (2) 17 Oct 1899, in Johnson Co., TX, Mrs. Mary E. "Mollie" BRUCE, b. Jul 1852, MO, d. (aft 1920), (Johnson Co., TX).  James died 30 Nov 1928, near Cresson, TX, bur. Cresson Cemetery.
 ii  Talitha JANE DAVIS b. 22 Feb 1849, MS, m. ca 1872, Marshall Trigg SPROUSE, b. Apr 1846, MS, d. (after 1910).  Jane died 21 Feb 1938, Itasca, Hill Co., TX, bur. Itasca, TX.
 iii  Sarah Ann DAVIS b. 18 Sep 1851, Fayette (now Lamar) Co., AL, m. 27 Jan 1877, in AL, Abraham Franklin MILLS, b. 25 Oct 1852, Marion Co., AL, (son of Henry MILLS and Cenie C. FOSTER) d. 31 Jan 1935, Covington, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.  Sarah died 11 Jan 1902, Covington, TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.
iv
Mary Elizabeth DAVIS (a/k/a Mary Ellen Davis) b. 19 Feb 1853, AL (MS), m. 08 Nov 1877, in Marion Co., AL, Eli Foster MILLS, b. 28 Jan 1855, AL, (son of Henry MILLS and Cenie C. FOSTER) d. 13 Oct 1946, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.  Mary died 15 Jan 1936, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.
v
Alvis "Bud" DAVIS b. 10 Sep 1857, AL, m. ca 1878, in Marion Co., AL, Sarah Margaret PATTERSON, b. 23 Sep 1856, Marion Co., AL, (daughter of John PATTERSON and Cintha THOMPSON) d. 30 Oct 1932, Nueces Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery, Hill Co., TX.  Alvis died 24 Feb 1927, London, Nueces Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.
vi
Frances Louvina "Fannie" DAVIS b. 07 Jan 1866, AL, m. 05 Sep 1885, in Marion Co., AL, John Calvin "Cap" MILLS, b. 08 Dec 1864, Millville, Marion Co., AL, (son of Henry MILLS and Cenie C. FOSTER) d. 15 Feb 1958, Osceola, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.  Frances died 13 Feb 1899, Hill Co., TX, bur. Covington Cemetery.
NOTE:  According to an early DAVIS family researcher, James H. DAVIS was born 09 Mar 1827 and "moved to Itasca [Hill Co.], Tex. about 1860.  Had one child known – Frank" [1].  Census records, however, suggest that James ventured no farther west than Mississippi before returning to Alabama and settling in Marion (now Lamar) County by the 1850 census (p. 94).  In December 1859, James H. DAVIS received federal land patents for 120 acres on the east side of Detroit, AL (S19-T12S-R15W) [4].  The family evidently stayed there for the next three decades, although shifting boundary lines and county name changes make it appear as though they moved around a lot.  The census places them in Marion County in 1860 (p. 507), in Sanford County in 1870 (p. 344), and in Lamar County in 1880 (p. 543). 

James H. DAVIS reportedly served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, presumably in the Confederate army.  He claimed farming as his primary occupation on three of the four censuses on which he appears; however, he also followed the blacksmith's trade and "ran a shop for repairing wagons" in his later years.  He and his wife "left Alabama in the year of 1888 and settled near Covington [TX], later moving from there to Itasca" [25].

 

5. Elizabeth Jane DAVIS b. 05 May 1829, AL, m. ca 1846, in Fayette Co., AL, Willis HARVEY WHITLEY, b. 20 Oct 1822, AL, (son of Jonas Barnes WHITLEY and Rebecca Gullick MOORE) d. 15 Mar 1885, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Whitley Family Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Elizabeth died 08 Aug 1895, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Whitley Family Cemetery [1, 2, 9, 10].

Children of Elizabeth Davis and Willis Whitley:
 i  Mary Isabella "Ib" WHITLEY b. 11 Sep 1848, Fayette Co., AL, m. 13 Dec 1866, in Fayette Co., AL, James T. GIBSON, b. 13/18 Dec 1846, AL, d. 16 Nov 1904, bur. Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Mary died 12 Jul 1934, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery [27]. 
 ii  John WHITLEY b. 1850, Fayette Co., AL.
 iii  William Jefferson WHITLEY b. 12 Jan 1852, Fayette Co., AL, m. 07 Dec 1871, in Fayette Co., AL, Armintha Cornelia STOUGH, b. 26 Aug 1852, Pike Co., AL, (daughter of Jacob Henderson STOUGH and Martha Ann POST) d. 27 Oct 1926, Stough, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Whitley Family Cemetery.  William died 22 Jan 1934, Bankston, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Whitley Family Cemetery [11].
 iv  Velutia Jane WHITLEY b. 13 Mar 1854, Fayette Co., AL, m. 21 Dec 1871, in Fayette Co., AL, William Taylor NEWTON, b. 1849, AL, (son of Elkanah B. NEWTON and Elizabeth Ann EZZARD) d. 28 May 1919, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Fayette City Cemetery.  Velutia died 17 Dec 1937, Birmingham, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Fayette City Cemetery.
 v  Erastus G. WHITLEY b. 26 Feb 1857, Fayette Co., AL, d. 08 Jan 1873, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Whitley Family Cemetery.
vi
Josephine WHITLEY b. 22 Sep 1859, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1878, in Fayette Co., AL, James Thomas McCRACKEN, b. 07 Sep 1853, Carbon Hill, Walker Co., AL, (son of John David McCRACKEN and Rachel NEAL) d. 20 Nov 1934, Berry, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Berry, AL.  Josephine died 25 Apr 1943, Berry, AL, bur. Berry, AL.
vii
Franklin WHITLEY b. ca 1863, Fayette Co., AL.
viii 
James Lee WHITLEY b. 1866, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1887, in Fayette Co., AL, Naomi Jane FARQUHAR, b. 09 May 1869, AL, (daughter of William FARQUHAR and Jane HENRY) d. 25 Oct 1940, bur. Fayette City Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  James died 29 May 1952, Birmingham, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Fayette City Cemetery [12].
ix
George E. WHITLEY b. Aug 1868, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1889, in AL, Sarah Isabelle "Izzie" WHITSON, b. 24 Jul 1868, AL, (daughter of William WHITSON and Amanda TRAWEEK) d. 13 Sep 1960, Brighton, Jefferson Co., AL.  George died 07 Oct 1929, Bessemer, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Cedar Hill Cemetery, Bessemer, AL.
x
Posey M. WHITLEY (m) b. ca 1873, Fayette Co., AL.
NOTE:  Willis H. WHITLEY received a federal patent for 119 acres in June 1858 [4].  This land was located in the northeast quarter of S2-T16S-R12W about 3.5 miles east of Fayette Court House.  He and Elizabeth were recorded on the 1860 U.S. census of Fayette County with the first six children listed here (p. 367).  They reported real property valued at $1,000 and personal property worth $700 (p. 367).

Mr. WHITLEY enlisted in the 41st Alabama Infantry, Co. H, CSA, 14 Apr 1862 and served as 1st lieutenant [8].  His high rank suggests that he was well regarded in the community.  For reasons unknown, he resigned the following August.

Tradition says that Willis's middle name was Harvey [1], but he appears to have been recorded as Harry WHITLEY on the 1880 Fayette County census (p. 504).


 

6. Frances DAVIS b. 15 Apr 1831, Fayette Co., AL, m. 20 Feb 1846, in Fayette Co., AL, Joseph HENRY, b. 01 Oct 1827, AL (MS), (son of Samuel HENRY and Margaret HUBBERT) d. 17 Jan 1899, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Frances d. 02 Jul 1918, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery [1, 13, 14].

Children of Frances Davis & Joseph Henry:
i  William T. HENRY b. 09 Feb 1848, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1874, probably in Lowndes Co., MS, Mary L. "Mollie" JOHNSON, b. ca 1857, MS, (daughter of William T. JOHNSON and Mary L. -----), d. (aft 1910), (Lauderdale Co., MS).  William died (aft 1910), Meridian, Lauderdale Co., MS.
ii  Mary Elizabeth HENRY b. Apr 1850, Fayette Co., AL, m. 16 Dec 1869, in Fayette Co., AL, James Martin SHEPHERD, b. Apr 1847, AL, (son of Jacob S. SHEPHERD and Maria NALL) d. 1921, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Shepherd Baptist Church Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.  Mary died 30 Jan 1937, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Shepherd Baptist Church Cemetery [15].
iii  Edward McMeans HENRY b. 16 Mar 1852, Fayette Co., AL, d. Jul 1852, Fayette Co., AL.
iv  Bascom HENRY b. 31 Dec 1855, Fayette Co., AL, m. (1) 23 Dec 1874, in Fayette Co., AL, Mary Jane LOGAN, b. 15 Mar 1852, Coosa Co., AL, (daughter of Ellis LOGAN and Amanda WOOD) d. 05 Aug 1930, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL, m. (2) Mary Elizabeth "Eliza" MORTON, b. 22 Feb 1867, (daughter of Martin W. MORTON and Mary E. NELSON) d. 12 Dec 1948, Birmingham, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery.  Bascom died 12 Jun 1930, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery [16, 17].
v  Margaret A. HENRY b. 24 Sep 1857, Fayette Co., AL, m. 20 Jan 1876, in Fayette Co., AL, John H. NEWTON, b. Oct 1846, GA.  Margaret died (before 1887), Fayette Co., AL.
vi  Cornelia Ozella HENRY b. 24 May 1860, Fayette Co., AL, m. 07 Jun 1877, in Fayette Co., AL, George W. NEWTON, b. ca 1856, GA, d. (after 1910), (Jones Co., TX).  Cornelia died 20 Sep 1938, Anson, Jones Co., TX, bur. Bethel (Funston) Cemetery, Jones Co., TX.
vii  Joseph J. HENRY b. 17 Jul 1864, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1893, in AL, Beheathlon -----, b. Apr 1865, AL.  Joseph died (after 1920), (Sunflower Co., MS).
viii  James H. HENRY b. 15 Oct 1866, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1899, in Fayette Co., AL, Dicy M. KEMP, b. Dec 1879, AL.  James died (after 1920), (Yell Co., AR).
ix  Robert Edward Lee HENRY b. 26 Nov 1869, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1898, in TX, Edna Mae CHANDLER, b. 11 Mar 1878, TX, (daughter of William D. CHANDLER and Mary F. BOGGS) d. 11 Apr 1962, Fort Worth, Tarrant Co., TX, bur. Rose Hill Cemetery, Fort Worth, TX.  Robert died 02 Feb 1951, Fort Worth, TX, bur. Rose Hill Cemetery.
x  Samuel Houston HENRY b. 30 Aug 1876, Fayette Co., AL, m. 20 Jan 1901, in AL, Susan Vista BLACKBURN, b. 13 Jul 1878, AL, (daughter of John W. BLACKBURN and Mary HASSELL) d. 22 Jan 1960, Fayette, Fayette Co., AL.  Samuel died 07 Oct 1951, Fayette, AL.
NOTE:  Joseph HENRY acquired five federal land patents between 1852–1860 for more than 240 acres in Sections 27, 28, & 33 of Twp. 16S, Range 12W [4].  Almost all of this property adjoined land patented to his father-in-law, Alvis DAVIS, in 1858 and 1860.  The HENRYs were recorded on the 1860 U.S. census of Fayette County, valuing their real estate at $1,500 and other property at $1,100 (p. 323).

Like his brother-in-law (see #5), Joseph HENRY served as a 1st lieutenant in the 41st Alabama Infantry, Co. H, CSA.  "He was listed as sick at home in Fayette County, Alabama, July to October 31, 1863.  He was on guard duty at the Commisary Stores McMinnville, Tennessee, March 21, 1863.   He was dropped from the rolls February 21, 1865" [8].

Joseph claimed to be a farmer on U.S. census records, but there is evidence that he was also a practicing attorney and served as sheriff of Fayette County in 1874.  His nickname was "Boss" [13].


 

7. Robert Gregory DAVIS b. 15 Nov 1833, Fayette Co., AL, m. 23 Oct 1856, in AL, Margaret McCLUNG, b. 22 Aug 1836, Fayette Co., AL, (daughter of Eli McCLUNG and Frances POWELL) d. 09 Nov 1906, Utica, Hinds Co., MS, bur. Old Alabama Cemetery near Utica, MS.  Robert died 28 Dec 1883, Utica, MS, bur. Old Alabama Cemetery [2].

Children of Robert Davis and Margaret McClung:
i  Mary Virginia DAVIS b. 18 Jul 1856, Fayette Co., AL, m. (1) Thadious A. (Anderson) HARRIS, b. ca 1852, AL, m. (2) John William DODSON, b. ca 1859, AL, d. 1892, Hinds Co., MS, bur. Weeks Cemetery, Hinds Co., MS, m. (3) ca 1895, in Hinds Co., MS, Reuben DODSON, b. Jan 1857, AL, d. 1932, bur. Utica, MS.  Mary died 01 Apr 1908, Utica, MS.
ii  Laura A. DAVIS b. Oct 1858, Fayette Co., AL, m. 18 Feb 1886, probably in Hinds Co., MS, John WEBB, b. Aug 1856, AL, (son of Silas WEBB and Nancy BERRYHILL) d. 1918.  Laura died 1925, Utica, MS.
iii  Frances Elizabeth DAVIS b. 17 Jun 1860, Fayette Co., AL, m. Willis H. BERRYHILL, b. 04 Mar 1838, Marion Co., AL, (son of Thomas BERRYHILL and Basheba -----) d. 29 Jan 1897, Utica, MS, bur. Weeks Cemetery, Hinds Co., MS.  Frances died 13 Feb 1904 (1940), Utica, MS, bur. Weeks Cemetery.
iv  Jefferson DAVIS b. 07 Nov 1861, Fayette Co., AL, d. 17 Nov 1861, Fayette Co., AL.
v  John Thomas DAVIS b. 29 Aug 1864, Fayette Co., AL, m. 06 Mar 1901, in Galveston, Galveston Co., TX, Ruth HEWITT, b. 30 Oct 1878, Galveston, TX, (daughter of George D. HEWITT and Ann LEWIS) d. 06 May 1955, Galveston, TX, bur. Old City Cemetery, Galveston, TX.  John died 05 Aug 1940, Galveston, TX, bur. Old City Cemetery.
vi  Albert Anderson DAVIS b. 16 Aug 1866, Fayette Co., AL, d. 20 Jul 1877, Utica, MS.
vii  James Oscar DAVIS b. 29 Aug 1868, Utica, MS, d. 1912, Waco, McLennan Co., TX.
viii  William Alvis DAVIS b. 16 Apr 1869, Utica, MS, m. (1) ca 1898, Edith Florence FORBES, b. 30 Oct 1874, TX, (daughter of H.R. FORBES and Henrietta RITCHEY) d. 30 Jan 1913, 14½ miles east of San Angelo, Tom Green Co., TX, bur. Mareta Burying Ground, Tom Green Co., TX, m. (2) 25 Mar 1915, Hattie Belle ROWSEY, b. 12 Oct 1885, MS, (daughter of John Amos ROWSEY and Martha Lillian -----) d. 01 Feb 1972, San Angelo, TX, bur. Fairmount Cemetery, San Angelo, TX.  William died 05 Sep 1926.
ix  Carrie DAVIS b. 18 Oct 1871, Utica, MS, m. Benjamin BENTON.  Carrie died 04 Oct 1910, Utica, MS.
x  Robert Lee DAVIS b. 13 Mar 1874, Utica, MS, m. ca 1896, in Hinds Co., MS, Martha Eva HARRISON, b. 22 Aug 1871, Hinds Co., MS, (daughter of Charles Albert HARRISON and Christian Ann STEWART) d. 07 Mar 1955, Utica, MS, bur. Utica Cemetery.  Robert died 17 Mar 1958, Utica MS, bur. Utica Cemetery.
xi  Walter Green DAVIS b. 03 Feb 1876, Utica, MS, m. (1) 1898, in Hinds Co., MS, Mary Elizabeth "Mamie" DODSON, b. 01 Nov 1882, (daughter of John William DODSON and Martha Ann WEBB) d. 24 Sep 1906, Utica, MS, bur. Old Alabama Cemetery, m. (2) 1909, Mary Alice CARMICHAEL, m. (3) Polly Wright GASKIN.  Walter died 08 Oct 1961, Utica, MS, bur. Utica Cemetery.
NOTE:  "Robert Gregory DAVIS and his wife moved with the BERRYHILL, WEBB, and DODSON families from Alabama [to Mississippi] shortly after the Civil War" [2].  They were recorded near Utica, Hinds Co., MS, on the 1880 U.S. census (p. 241).

 

8. William Thomas DAVIS b. 31 Jan 1837, Fayette Co., AL, m. (1) June 1866, Martha Elizabeth CORKENDORFER, b. KY, d. (before 1880), Ballard Co., KY, m. (2) ca 1880, in KY, Melissa [MUSCOVALLEY] MILLER, b. 22 Sep 1845, Hickman Co., KY, (daughter of John MUSCOVALLEY and Jane ANDERSON) d. 26 May 1929, Hickman Co., KY, bur. Oakwood Methodist Cemetery, Hickman Co., KY.  William died 27 Jun 1928, Columbus, Hickman Co., KY, bur. Oakwood Methodist Cemetery [1, 18, 19].

Children of William Davis and Martha Corkendorfer:
 i  Sophia Lee DAVIS b. 04 Jul 1868, KY, m. 18 Aug 1887, in KY, Henry HAILE.  Sophia died 24 Jul 1922.
 ii  Cora Elizabeth DAVIS b. 25 Jan 1870, KY, m. Nov 1900, in KY, William Riley CHANEY, d. 11 Apr 1911, Hickman Co., KY, bur. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery.  Cora died 08 Jul 1943, Hickman Co., KY, bur. Zion Methodist Cemetery, Hickman Co., KY.
 iii  Kruse DAVIS b. 08 Dec 1873, Milburn, Ballard (now Carlisle) Co., KY, m. Dec 1900, in KY, Ida Florence BROOKS, b. ca 1874, KY, d. (after 1920), (Pima Co., AZ).  Kruse died 28 Sep 1948, Tucson, Pima Co., AZ, bur. South Lawn Cemetery, Tucson, AZ.
iv  Nora Bell DAVIS b. 05 Dec 1875, KY, m. Jan 1892, Luther ARNOLD.
Children of William Davis and Melissa Muscovalley:
 v  Valentina DAVIS b. 06 Aug 1881, KY, m. 06 Oct 1898, in KY, W. Edgar YOUNG, b. Jan 1879, KY.  Valentina died 03 Sep 1959.
 vi  J. DAVIS b. ca 1884, KY, d. 06 Sep 1887, Hickman Co., KY.
vii  Musa Jane DAVIS b. 23 Sep 1887, near Columbus, KY, m. Nov 1911, in Barlow, KY, Clarence Eli EDWARDS, b. 06 Mar 1877, near Waco, McLennan Co., TX, (son of William Harrison EDWARDS and Harriet Nancy BROWN) d. 11 Jan 1962, KY.  Musa died Nov 1950, KY.
NOTE:  William DAVIS was living with his parents and working as a teacher in Fayette County at the 1860 U.S. census (p. 351).  He "taught school in a little one room school house for boys.  It was at this school house where he looked out the window on 11 June 1861 and noticed the gather of men.  The men where gathering for a reason it seemed, and the reason was clear, to join the Confederate Army.  He proudly walked up ... to join the line that had formed and fell in.  They slowly made there [sic] way up to the Fayette county court house were Capt. George TRAWICK was taking volunteers.  Shortly after was the march to Virginia, his regiment, 11th Alabama infantry, was to become part of Gen'l LEE's Army of Northern Virginia, in LONGSTREET's division.  Im [sic] proud to say he participated in all major battles and fought bravely for his Army.  Only by the grace of god did he survive this war, and to have been involved in such battles as Gettysburg, where he and his fellow Alabamians were involved in PICKETT's charge, and Petersburg were [sic] MAHONE rallied him and his Company to retake the Crater.  Although he was wounded on the first day of fighting at Sharpsburg he was back in action on the next day.  It wasn't until the battle of Reams Station on 25 August 1864 did he receive a severe wound to his right leg which sent him to the Confederate States Hospital in Petersburg, VA.  It was there they decided not to amputate his leg, from there he was sent to Steuart Post Hospital in Richmond, VA.  He was told he would not return to the field, so he requested to finish his service and report to the Commander of the Post in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was paroled on 18 May 1865" [20].

William's first wife appears to have died before the 1880 U.S. census of Ballard (now Carlisle) Co., KY (p. 497).  Melissa MILLER (nee MUSCOVALLY), also a widow, was recorded in neighboring Hickman County on that year's census (p. 181).


 

9. Martha Adeline DAVIS b. ca 1839, Fayette Co., AL, m. ca 1853, in Fayette Co., AL, Alexander Weaver "Alex" PALMER, b. 30 Dec 1831, AL, (son of Charles L.P. PALMER and Elizabeth -----) d. ca 1867, Lafayette Co., MS.  Martha died (before 1870), MS [1, 2, 21].

Children of Martha Davis and Alex Palmer:
 i Mary Leona PALMER b. 06 Jun 1854, Russellville, Franklin Co., AL, m. 04 Nov 1875, in Fayette Co., AL, Samuel Freeman GLADDEN, b. 17 Jun 1854, Pickens Co., AL, (son of Martin GLADDEN and Minerva PEOPLES) d. 07 Mar 1938, Stanton, Martin Co., TX, bur. Rogers Cemetery near Ovalo, Taylor Co., TX.  Mary died 21 Nov 1942, Stanton, TX, bur. Rogers Cemetery.
ii Laura Adeline Weaver PALMER b. ca 1856, Fayette Co., AL, m. 01 Mar 1876, in Fayette Co., AL, Allen J. "Jack" ROBERTS.  Laura died 31 Dec 1938, Coaling, Tuscaloosa Co., AL.
 iii Julius Glover Weaver PALMER b. 09 Feb 1858, Fayette Co., AL, m. 06 Jan 1878, in Fayette Co., AL, Margaret Ella FARQUHAR, (daughter of William FARQUHAR and Jane HENRY).  Julius died 16 Feb 1879, Fayette Co., AL, bur. Whitley Family Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.
iv
 Willie Emogene PALMER b. 05 Oct 1860, AL, m. 08 Apr 1875, in Lafayette Co., MS, John Warren RAY, b. Aug 1857, SC, (son of Hanniniah Haney RAY and Mary Elizabeth N. WILSON) d. 14 Mar 1912, Lafayette Co., MS.  Willie died 16 Feb 1937, Lafayette Co., MS, bur. Pine Flat (First United Methodist Church) Cemetery, Lafayette Co., MS [28].
NOTE:  Federal land records show that Alexander W. PALMER claimed more than 320 acres about four miles southeast of Fayette Court House in June 1858 [4].  His patents were located in Sections 14 & 23, Twp. 16S, Range 12W.

The 1860 U.S. census finds the family in the Eastern District of Fayette County with real property valued at $2,500 and personal property worth $1,500 (p. 362).  They evidently moved to Mississippi soon thereafter.  Alex PALMER served as a private in the 42nd Mississippi Infantry, Co. F, CSA.  He was wounded 01 Jul 1863 at Gettysburg and captured two days later.  He was released in a prisoner exchange on 18 Sep 1864 [21].

"When Alexander died in Lafayette Co, MS in 1867, reportedly from his wounds suffered at Gettysburg, his wife died shortly thereafter.  The youngest daughter, Willie Emogene, for some reason was not taken back to Alabama with the other children.  She, about 6 at the time, remained in Lafayette Co and was raised by an unknown family" [28].

 

10. John Tyler DAVIS b. ca 1840, Fayette Co., AL, m. 21 May 1873, in Fayette Co., AL, Villiolus Catherine APPLING, b. 27 Jun 1850, Tuscaloosa Co., AL, (daughter of Samuel Burwell APPLING and Rebecca WILLINGHAM) d. (after 1923), Fayette Co., AL.  John died (after 1880), Fayette Co., AL [1, 22].

Child of John Davis and Catherine Appling:
i  Gertrude Elizabeth "Lizzie" DAVIS b. 1874, Fayette Co., AL, m. (1) ca 1889, in AL, William D. BRANYON, m. (2) ----- GRAY.  Lizzie died 22 Mar 1958, Birmingham, Jefferson Co., AL, bur. Fayette City Cemetery, Fayette Co., AL.
NOTE:  One John T. DAVIS served as a sergeant in the 41st Alabama Infantry, Co. H, CSA.  He enlisted 14 Apr 1862 at Fayette Court House [8].

 

11. Emma DAVIS b. 12 Dec 1846, Fayette Co., AL, m. 24 Dec 1867, in AL, John THOMPSON, b. 15 Jun 1831, GA, d. 20 Apr 1887, Franklin Co., AL, bur. Sadler Cemetery, Franklin Co., AL.  Emma died 17 Jan 1926, Tallassee, Elmore Co., AL, bur. Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Franklin Co., AL [1, 23].

Children of Emma Davis and John Thompson:
i  Arthur Jay THOMPSON b. 04 Jul 1869, AL, m. 24 Dec 1894, in Franklin Co., AL, Cordelia Clementine "Clemmie" HARGETT, b. 13 Mar 1872, Russellville, Franklin Co., AL, (daughter of Henry Hartis HARGETT and Jane Clementine Josephine WALKER) d. 04 Mar 1963, Russellville, Franklin Co., AL, bur. Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Franklin Co., AL.  Arthur died 23 Dec 1943, Russellville, AL, bur. Knights of Pythias Cemetery [23, 24].
ii  Lizzie THOMPSON b. ca 1872, AL.
iii  Noble Richard THOMPSON b. ca 1873, Franklin Co., AL, m. ca 1906, in AL, Irene WILLIAMS, b. ca 1891, FL.  Noble died 25 Aug 1931, Tallassee, Elmore Co., AL, bur. Tallassee, AL.
iv  Florence THOMPSON b. ca 1875, AL.
v  Myrtle THOMPSON b. ca 1878, AL.
vi
Hancock Winfield THOMPSON b. Jun 1881, Franklin Co., AL, m. ca 1906, in AL, Minnie G. -----, b. 1883, AL, d. 1971, bur. Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Franklin Co., AL.  Hancock died 26 Apr 1949, Russellville, Franklin Co., AL, bur. Knights of Pythias Cemetery.
vii
Katie May THOMPSON b. 30 Nov 1882, Franklin Co., AL, d. 11 Mar 1887, Franklin Co., AL, bur. Sadler Cemetery, Franklin Co., AL.
viii 
Nellie M. THOMPSON b. Mar 1886, Franklin Co., AL.

 
 

12. Mary DAVIS.

NOTE:  Alvis DAVIS is said to have had a daughter named Mary ("No other Data") [1].  According to another source, Mary DAVIS was born about 1842 in Fayette Co., AL, and married Robert Allen BERRYHILL (1840-1907) [2].  However, no one matching Mary's description was recorded in Alvis DAVIS's household on the U.S. census in 1850 or 1860.  The 1880 U.S. census of Hinds Co., MS (p. 235), shows one Robert A. BERRYHILL with wife Mary M. (b. 1844) and four children: Lorena S. (b. 1866), Arthur E. (b. 1870), John A. (b. 1876), and Earnest L. (b. 1879).  This Mary died apparently in Hinds Co., MS, before about 1894, when Robert BERRYHILL remarried.  More research is needed to confirm the identity of Mrs. Mary BERRYHILL's parents.


Please send additions/corrections to
Bobby J. Wadsworth

   
SOURCES:
1. Mattie Davis Lucas and Nina Lucas Cole, "Story of the Davis Ancestors of M.D.L.," copy of unpublished family history.  [This information originally "was compiled by Mattie Davis Lucas (Mrs. W.H. Lucas) after years of interviews and correspondence with older members of the Davis Connection -- 1922 to 1932."   Mrs. Davis' daughter Nina later retyped and appears to have updated her mother's notes.  The data on Alvis Davis' family was attributed to "Emma Shepard (sic) and four Bibles; Also ... William T. Davis."]
2. John T. Palmer, Ph. D, <palmerjo@sonoma.edu>, "Alvis Davis," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 15 Jul 2001.  [Dr. Palmer lists as his source: "Pedigree developed by Herb & Jeanie P. Newell of Fayette, AL, dated 9 Nov 1977."]
3. "Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery."
4. "The Official Federal Land Patent Records Site."
5. Herbert Moses Newell Jr. and Jeanie Patterson Newell, History of Fayette County, Alabama, (c1960).
6. Linda Rainey, <lindarainey@bellsouth.net>, "Fayette County Grays," 06 Feb 2004.
7. Ronald Reiger, <reiger@isomedia.com>, "Bausman, Brinkman, Childress, South," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 23 Jun 2002.
8. "Company H. 41st Alabama Infantry C.S.A."
9. Laura Buckmaster, <laurabuckmaster@sbcglobal.net>, "Buckmaster, Holmes, Lanier & Thurber Family Tree," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 30 May 2003.  [Only the names of Willis' parents were obtained from this source.]
10. "Whitley (Whitson, Strong) Family Cemetery."  [Elizabeth's DOB is listed as 15 Apr 1829 in the published cemetery record.]
11. "66961," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 25 Aug 2001.
12. "Fayette City Cemetery."
13. Annette Andersen, <daleannettea@aol.com>, "Hubbert," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 25 Aug 2001.
14. "Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery."
15. "Shepherd Baptist Church Cemetery."
16. Ronald D. Bridges, <bridgesrd@knology.net>, "A Deep South Genealogy," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 02 Feb 2004.
17. "Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery."
18. Bob Kipke, <bkip20002@yahoo.com>, "Kipke Genealogy," 01 Feb 2002.
19. Vicky Parrin, <parrine@htc.net>, "Hickman County, Kentucky, Deaths."
20. Steven J. Vick, <slvick@brtc.net>, "2LT William Thomas Davis," ©2000.  [e-mail address updated 03 Aug 2005]
21. Mark Beeler, <mbeeler@simplecom.net>, "Descendants of Alexander Weaver Palmer," descendant report, 04 Sep 2003.
22. Lynn Appling McCandless, <lynnintx(at)austin.rr.com>, "Lynn's Family Connection Index," ©2002.
23. Linda H. Underwood, "Franklin County Alabama Cemeteries with Tombstones indexed by Last Name."
24. Deborah Ann Hargett, <dahargett@msn.com>, "Hargett Genealogy," online at RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project, 20 Jan 2003.
25. Doris Pullen Jenkins of Hackett, AR, <thejenks@valuelinx.net>, "Descendants of James Henry Davis," also loose newspaper clippings, sent to Bobby J. Wadsworth, 17-20 Feb 2007.
26. "Mt. Vernon Methodist Church Cemetery." 
27. Frances Lowrey Brasher, e-mail message, 09 Jun 2008.  
28. Thomas D. McDonough, e-mail message, 15 Jun 2009.   New!


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