PRIDE Sarah

Family/Spouse: DAVISON Asa. Asa (son of Davison, II Thomas and HERRICK Lydia) was born on 01 Sep 1736 in Preston, New London Co., CT; died on 29 Jan 1831 in Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: STANLEY Roderick. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: PHILLIPS John. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: MACUMBER Moses. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Although family tradition holds that Ezra enlisted when he was but 16, the first record of his service is his enlistment in Capt. Benjamin Durkee’s company of Matrosses, at Port Trumbull, Connecticut, August 12, 1782, his 17th birthday.

They took up land two miles northeast of Grafton Centre. the country was then a wilderness. They built a house, cleared the land of forest, planted on archard, and built stone walls, or fences. Panthers used to steal their sheep. Bears were in the woods. There were few settlers. No Church nor School House. The first school district was organized, Sept. 13, 1813, and they voted to build a school house on a man's land, whose name was Cobb. (It was always called the Cobb's school house.) It was sixteen feet square with an entry large enough to hold a load of wood. They levied a tax of $75.00, the rest was to be paid in work. Three or four generations of Davisons studied Webster's spelling book, Daboll’s arithmetic, and the English Reader, and perhaps got punished in the Cobb’s school house.

The first trustees were Daniel Mills, Foster Reynolds, and Bradick Peekham, Jr., moderator, Elisha Wells, Clerk Daniel Mills. A great many prominent men were educated in the Cobb's school house. About 1842, Van Ransellaer, the Patron, offered a set of outline maps, to the best school in Grafton, to be examined by a committee at the Church in Grafton Centre. We carried home the maps and were justly proud of it. I visited the spot in 1889. Found nothing but the foundation stones and thickly grownup weeds and brush. (A. A. Davison)

Ezra lived and raised his family on what we call the “Old Davison Homestead.”

Ezra married SMITH Diedamia on 24 May 1790 in Argyle, Penobscot Co., ME. Diedamia was born in 1774; died in 1853. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Glenwood Cemetery, Homer , Cortland Co., NY

Lavina married OWEN Roderick on 30 Nov 1797 in Homer, Cortland Co., NY. Roderick was born on 20 Nov 1777 in New Lebanon, Columbia Co., NY; died on 05 Sep 1849 in Homer, Cortland Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL
Obituary: changed name to Davidson??

Family/Spouse: DAVIS Elizabeth. Elizabeth was born about 1798 in NY; died in 1880. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Asa married LEWIS LydiaPetersburg, Rensselaer Co., NY. Lydia was born in 1785; died in 1820. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: WEST Amos. Amos was born in 1795; died in 1843. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lois married LEWIS Lyman H. in 1815. Lyman was born on 27 Feb 1794 in Westerly, Washington Co., RI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married LEWIS Miner L. in 1812. Miner was born on 02 May 1790 in Petersburgh, Rensselaer Co., NY; died in Alfred, Allegany Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: ROGERS Mariam. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

After his father died, he bought out the heirs to the homestead where his father and grandfather had lived and died. He was a carpenter by trade, also a farmer. In 1837, he tore down the old house and built a new house on the same foundation where his father’s house had stood. That house was burned in 1848, while occupied by his widow, Malinda Maxon-Davison, and again rebuilt on the same spot. It stands there yet. Also the same old barn that grandfather Ezra Davison built.

Have a kodak picture of the house and barn, also a section of stone wall taken by Mrs. Minnie Arvilla (F.W.) Wilcox, of Minonk, IL in 1901. The fences and the old place are mostly stone walls. There are stones enough to fence the land in one acre fields and then have enough left to nearly cover the ground. The land produces good grass and the best potatoes and other vegetables, and SUCH GOOD APPLES.

We will remember the Greecy Greening, and the Barn apples, so mellow we could crush them in our hands. The Honey Sweeting, the Pobiquamp, that was large and just right for cooking without sugar; the White House Sweeting, a large striped sweet apple; the Cheesebrook, and the Rhode Island Greening; the juicy apple and the Streaked Sweeting; and many others that we well remember, and it makes our mouths water to think of them. The trees in the old orchard were nearly all gone when I was there in 1889.

Daniel P. M. Davison was a very ambitious man, but never enjoyed good health. He was exempt from military duty because of this. He died at age 39 years, 4 months, and 13 days. He took great interest in religious matters. He was Superintendent of the first Sunday School at Cobb’s School House. Was a Methodist, and held prominent offices in that Church. The preachers were frequent visitors, and prayer meetings were held at his house. He also held responsible offices in town. He was a good neighbor, a good father, and a good Christian. (A. A. Davison)

Daniel married MAXON Matilda on 14 Dec 1823. Matilda was born on 25 Mar 1806 in Woodford Co., IL; died on 30 Aug 1871 in Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BURDICK Abigail. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: TAYLOR Deborah. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

When first married, they lived with his brother, Daniel P. M. Davison, near the head of Second Pond. Afterwards, he bought a farm on the east side of Long Pond, in Grafton, NY, where he resided several years. Aunt Fanny Parks, a maiden sister of Aunt Sally Parks-Davison, made her home with them all the rest of her life, and went with them to Illinois, where she died.

He lived on a very rough, stoney farm. The great stone heaps and stone walls he built are a tribute to his strength and energy. He always took a great interest in religious matters, being a Deacon in the Baptist Church. In politics, he was a Jackson Democrat and held the highest offices in the town. He was for several years Captain of the Grafton Rifle Co., of New York State.

Socially, Uncle Milton's was one of the best places in the world to go visiting. They were always so kind and pleasant. They left the farm and kept the Quackenskill Hotel for awhile before they came to Illinois in 1855. In fact, all the Davisons have left OLD GRAFTON, where our branch of the Davison Family originated. I was there a few years ago, and there was not one there, and no relatives, except by marriage in town. (Written by A. A. Davison in 1905)

Milton came to Illinois and took up land west of Minonk, on Grand Prarie. came from rocks and stones of OLD GRAFTON, to where you could seldom find a stone large enough to throw at a bird. Tell that in Grafton, and you would find our veracity at stake. He showed the same dilligence and perserverance that he did in Grafton, and soon established another homestead, and by hard work and increased value of land, acquired a large fortune. Aunt Sally Parks-Davison died May 27, 1885. He then lived with his children about ten years, to the good old age of 83 years, 6 months, and passed away March 19, 1895, after a life well spent in Church, Sunday School, State and Home.

They are buried in the Yankee Town Cemetery, eight miles west of Minonk, Illinois.

Died:
Interment: Mar 1895 Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

John married PARKS Sally on 24 Jun 1842 in Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY. Sally was born on 13 Feb 1805; died on 27 May 1885 in Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

They moved to Illinois about 1838. Went all the way with a pair of horses and a wagon. Settled at Groveland, IL, where he took up land and made brick on his farm, and built a good brick house. He was a Brick Mason by trade. He also built several brick buildings in Pekin, IL. He with a partner, built the Court House, that is still in use. His land was what was then called, “the barrens”. Timber and undergrowth had to be cleared and grubbed before it could be farmed. For his orchards, seeds were brought from the OLD ORCHARD on the OLD HOMESTEAD, in Grafton, NY. I, (A. A. Davison) was quite a small boy, but well remember saving apple seeds for Uncle Rowland Davison to take to Illinois. When I came in 1851, it was quite an old orchard. Found only one tree with apples anything like any apples in the old orchard. He lived in Groveland, IL, until about the time Uncle John P. Davison (Davidson) came. He then took up several tracts of land eight miles west of Minonk, IL. A large farm for himself, and eighty acres for each of his nine children. He took great interest in Church and Sunday School, was a Deacon in the Baptist Church. I am not competent to write a brief sketch. He was a good man, and a true Christian. He was killed in an accident; was harrowing with a pair of young horses. They go frightened and ran. The harrow turned over and a tooth went through his neck, which caused his death. (A. A. Davison, 1905)

Died:
Interment: Apr 1867 Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Rowland married WEST Amanda Melvina on 31 Aug 1831 in Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY. Amanda was born on 05 Feb 1815 in Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY; died on 22 May 1880 in Boulder Valley, MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Apr 1902 Minonk Cemetery, Minonk , Woodford Co., IL
Obituary: He died at the residence of his oldest son, Edmond S. Davison at Denton, Nebraska, April 24, 1902 and was buried in the Minonk Cemetery. He also had a second wife, Aunt Larissa ____, who died at Minonk, IL, at age 82 years, 8 months, and 24 days. They had no children.

Norman married WAIT Adelia on 11 Dec 1836. Adelia was born on 24 Sep 1819; died on 24 Aug 1881 in Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Feb 1846 Church Yard, Homer , Cortland Co., NY

Family/Spouse: CANFIELD Eleanor. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BOWNE John. John was born about 1798 in Homer, Cortland Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: CHASE Malinda E.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: LOOMIS Mary Emily. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: UNKNOWN Dorcas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: GRUVER Sarah Louise. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: LEONARD Ed. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jr. Amos West. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: CHASE David. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Nov 1904 Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Sarah married JACKMAN Samuel S.Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. Samuel was born about 1826; died in 1862 in MS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Reuben married HARDING Mary Emilene about 1849 in Hoosick Falls, Rensslelaer Co., NY. Mary was born in Mar 1831 in VT; died in 1915. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Mary married JAQUETH Henry about 1849 in Hoosick Falls, Rensslelaer Co., NY. Henry was born about 1834 in NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Lydia married HESTER Robert S.Yankee Town, Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. Robert was born about 1825 in NY; died on 05 Feb 1900 in Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Family/Spouse: BARNES Joseph. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: KNOX Andrew. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: ROE Benjamin. Benjamin died in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ezra married FAIRCHILD Electa in Feb 1840. Electa was born on 22 Dec 1820 in NJ. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Their mother died when they were four and two years old. They lived with S. Rowland Davison, whose wife Amanda, was their half-sister, and other places until their father married again, to Amy Wells. Then they went home. But in a few years, their father, Rev. Amos west, was taken with Consumption and went to Illinois, to reside with his son-in-law, S. Rowland Davison, who had previously moved there. It was thought then, that the climate of Illinois would cure the consumption. He died at Goveland, Illinois. The two little girls were then left alone, orphans indeed. they then moved to Hoosick Falls, NY, where friends were residing, and working in the cotton factory, and went from there to Benninton, VT, and from there to North Adams, MA, where they both married. then the girls seem to have separated. We will first follow Adeline.

She married george R. Bly. He only lived a year and a half, and died of consumption in 1850. She then went to Adams, Jefferson County, New York, to where her two half-sisters, Emeline Lewis-Maxon, and Louisa Lewis-Reed, lifed. In 1853 she married Lorenzo Maxon. They moved in February 1854 to Walworth, WI. In 1865, they moved to Farina, IL, and lived there over thirty-nine years. She enjoyed peace, quiet and plenty, at the beautiful home of her son, who was a proprietor of a drug store, and an officer in the bank at Farina, IL. received her photograph recently. Had not seen her since 1847, at North Adams, MA.

(Quoted by Almond Alexander Davison, 1905).

Adeline married BLY George R.North Adams, Berkshire Co., MA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Adeline married MAXON Lorenzo H. in 1853. Lorenzo was born on 16 Sep 1816 in Petersburgh, Rensselaer Co., NY; died on 12 Nov 1904 in Farina, Fayette Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: KING Charles B.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lily married MAXSON Harvey J. in Sep 1833 in Rensselaer Co., NY. Harvey was born on 29 Apr 1810 in NY; died on 20 Nov 1867 in Adams, Jefferson Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: REED Nathan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: CLARK Reuben. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

He always took great interest in studies and became probably one of the best Mathematicians in the Country. Advanced as far as possible at the old Cobb's school house and at Grafton Centre, then attended New York Normal School at Albany, NY. commenced teaching when eighteen and followed it for a great many years. When he married, he bought out the heirs to the old homestead and resided there a number of years. He then sold out to Simeon Corbin and came west. Bought land west of Minonk, IL of the Illinois Central Railroad Co., and made a nice home. Followed farming, surveying and teaching. He has been County Surveyor nearly forty years. March 25, 1902, he and his wife celebrated their fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Takes great delight in figuring out difficult problems and does surveying in other parts of the State. (Almond Alexander Davison, brother of Daniel Harrison Davison)


(The following was copied from the Minonk, IL newspaper at the time of his death, by Elsie Arvilla Davison-Simpson.)
DATE: September 17, 1914
DEATH PICKS OUT A SHINNING TARGET

Earthly pilgrimage of Daniel Harrison Davison closes on last Sunday night.
Long an Illustrious Citizen.
Funeral Services held at Late Home at 3:30 p.m. yesterday and Burial in Minonk Cemetery.

Daniel Harrison Davison, for many years one of Minonk’s most illustrious citizens, died at his home in this city on Sunday night at 9:45 o’clock. He had lived longer than his allotted three score years and ten, the active part of his life covering that period of time. Two years ago he began to show the feebleness of age, and death was surreptitously hastened when a stroke of paralysis overcame him one day last week, which caused the aged man to sink gradually into eternal sleep of death. His age was 88 years, 3 months and 19 days.

The life history of Daniel H. Davison, is full of intense interest. As we turn over the pages which record from birth to death this man’s career, we feel that there is written something deeper, something greater than we are accustomed to read. Born at Grafton, Rensselaer County, NY, on May 25, 1826, he came of ancestry that can be traced back as far as 1611, when Nicholas Davison, was born and who, as early as 1639, came to America and landed at Charleston, Mass., as the agent of Matthew Cradock, a merchant of London, and the first nominal governor of Mass. The Davisons were closely connected with all the events of those momentious times, various members of the family taking part in the Revolutionary War and the French and Indian Wars. They lived through the Puritan days and saw witchcraft come, and saw witchcraft go.

All of the hardships of those pioneer days were met with that perseverance and that determination which implanted in the decendants the strength of character, the virility, the ambition, which resulted in success for so many of them.

Daniel H. Davison, grew to manhood in the Empire State, and while still a resident of that State, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Ann Bly. Mr. Davison, became the owner of the old homestead, which was owned and improved by his great grandfather, and which had been in possession of the family from that time until 1855, when it was finally sold to other parties. In the meanwhile Daniel H. Davison, turned his attention to School teaching and to topographical surveying. The latter occupation took him at different times to Maine, Massachusetts, and to Pennsylvania, and these journeys afforded him much experience and general information.

In 1857, Mr. Davison, came to Illinois and invested in 80 acres of praire land lying three miles west of Minonk, IL, for which he paid $16.00 per acre to the Illinois Central Railroad Co. The prairies at that time swarmed with wolves and at the very site where he later built his home, he waged a fierce battle with a den of the animals. From time to time Mr. Davison added to his possessions and for the evening of his life he had acquired a rich competence.

During all these years, Mr. Davison, gained an enviable reputation as a Surveyor. He was a stanch Democrat and for more than fifty years he was elected and served as County Surveyor for Woodford County. His surveying expeditions took him to many localities and to many counties in the State. He was on the commission appointed to survey Hudson Township, McLean County, and he also surveyed Milan Township, Macon County. So accurate and well-known was his knowledge on the subject that he was frequently called as a witness in contested cases of boundry lines. He also did the surveying for all of the mines in this part of the State. His various surveys, when subjected to the decision of the Court were invariably approved.

But this man of brains needed more to occupy him than this. He was also a great Mathemetician and as such he gained a nation-wide reputation, many of his problems having been published throughout the United States and Canada. He composed many problems and theorems, and wrote many articles on that subject, most of them being published in the School Visitor of Ohio, which receives contributions from many of the ablest mathematicians in the United States.

What a marvelous life to contemplate and what a rich heritage to those who come after him! A life which touched the life of every President of the United States, except that of George Washington. (Also, though he did not know it, that of President Kennedy, who was born after his Death.) John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, living at the time of his birth, both passed away on the same day, July 4, 1826. Mr. Davison saw the wonderful development of the nineteenth century, and its application to the arts of life in this great twentieth century. He has seen history made in four Wars. Has seen Presidents and Generals come and go. Railroads and telephones and telegraphs and the wireless mode of communication developed. Automobiles and flying machines perfected, and to the very last his keen intellect followed with deep interest and progress that the world was making.

Some years ago, Mr. Davison retired from the farm and with his wife, moved to this city. Mrs. Louisa Ann Bly-Davison, departed from this life about five years ago.

Common in dress, common in speach, common in every day life, almost eccentric in his commoness, Mr. Davison was a familiar figure in the city. Unostentatious at all times, his worth, like that of all men of finer clay, was but realized after it grew beyond our reach. Mr. Davison lived to be the oldest of all the generations in the history of the Davison family.

The following children survive: Mrs. Ada C. Taylor, of Minonk, IL; Joseph a. Davison of Ft. Myers, FL; Daniel Melvin Davison of Bloomington, IL; Cyrus Elmar Davison of El Campo, TX; Mrs. Minnie A. (F.W.) Wilcox of Minonk, IL; Dr. Dexter H. Davison of Bombay, India; and Orris Merton Davison of Woodrow, FL. Mary H. Davison died in childhood, and William Archer Davison, passed away in 1891. There are also twenty-two grandchildren who survive, and seven great-grandchildren, and one aged brother, Almond Alexander Davison of Manito, IL.

Short funeral services were held at the residence yesterday afternoon at 3:30, being conducted by Rev. J. Clark Oranger of the First Baptist Church. The music was furnished by a quartette composed of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Parks, (son of Louisa Malinda Davison-Parks, daughter of Daniel P.M. Davison, and nephew and niece and their two children.), Miss Louisa and Harvey Parks.

The Rob Norris Lodge, A.F.& A.M., of which the deceased had been an honor member for many years, led the funeral procession to the Mononk Cemetery, where they conducted the impressive Masonic burial services, Louis Zinger of Pekin, officiating.

Those from out of town who came to attend the funeral were, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hedrick, (daughter of his son Joseph,) and Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Davison, (son of Joseph,) of Polo, IL. Mrs. Hattie Webber-Davison, (wife of William Archer Davison,) and Miss Nellie Webber, (her sister,) of Rutland; Edward Wilson, Mrs. Dr. Mammen and Daniel Melvin Davison and family, (Daniel M., is son of D.H., Edward Wilson, D.M.'s brother-in-law; Mrs. Mammen, is Sarah Malinda Parks-Mammen, fifth child of Louisa Malinda Davison-Parks, a neice of Daniel H. Davison;) all came from Bloomington, IL. Cyrus Elmer of El Campo, Texas; and Orris M. Davison of Woodrow, FL, (a son). Because of the European War, all efforts to reach Dr. Dexter H. Davison, (a son) of Bombay, India were unavailing.

The family wishes to express their sincere thanks for the many kindnesses shown by their friends.

Died:
Interment: Sep 1914 , Minonk , Woodford Co., IL

Daniel married BLY Louisa Ann on 25 Mar 1852 in Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., NY. Louisa was born on 26 Mar 1829 in Sand Lake, Rensselaer Co., NY; died on 18 Feb 1909. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BIOGRAPHY: Almon A. Davison was occupied with raising vineyards, nursery and gardens.

BIOGRAPHY: He was born on the old homestead in a house down by the brook, just midway between two Christmases. He don’t remember of ever weighing less than ten pounds. He was not pretty like his older brother, nor like his sister, who came one and one-half years later. His mother was heard to say, she would be ashamed to take such a homely baby anywhere. He didn't seem to care much, as it is an old saying, “the homeliest babies, make the prettiest grown people.” He grew up to be the tallest Davison in town. Might tell many funny things he said and did that would please the children, but the old folks would think it foolish. When he was nine days old, ground was broken by Charles Carroll, the last survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, to build the first railroad in the United States, July 4, 1828. When ten or twelve years old, he carried stones, old rails, and poles and fenced off a strip of gorund by the roadside. In it he planted all sorts of trees and scrubs and flowers that would grow in odd spells, while his older brother, Daniel Harrison was in the house studying. Indicating when that young, what the two boys would be when they were grown. His father died before he was sixteen, and his mother told the boys they must go and hire out. That meant to go to Hoosick, NY and work for some rich farmer. He worked for a farmer in North Hoosick, NY and in a cotton factory in Bennington, VT, and at Hoosick Falls, NY. He then peddled milk in Hartford, CT. Also attended High School there. In 1851 he took Horace Greeley's advice, and went west. Landed at Groveland, IL, May 18, 1851. Bought land of Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, in the southwest corner of Sand Praire Township, Tazewell County, IL. Resided on the farm twenty-nine years. In 1880 he left the farm and moved to Manito, IL, where he still resides.

BIOGRAPHY: Is enjoying good health, has not a single bad habit, no tobacco, whiskey, nor patent medicine. Enjoying peace and plenty. Has been a life-long Christian and held many responsible positions in religious matters. Nearly thirty years as Superintendent of Sunday Schools. At present writing, he is all alone in his comfortable home, trying to complete “THE DAVISON RECORD” and get it ready for the publishers. He was a school boy at Cobb’s School, when the first telegraph was in operation. Can well remember the first LOCO MATCHES, and Dagureotypes, Sewing machines, Reaping machines and nearly everything else that is now in common use. All in one lifetime! Wonder what our great-grandchildren will live to see. Hope they remember us kindly, especially to the children of the “DAVISON FAMILY”. He and his wife had twelve children. (Written in 1905).

Almon married CHANDLER Abigail Millet on 29 Jan 1854 in Mason Co., MI. Abigail was born on 21 May 1838 in Minot, Androscoggin Co., ME; died on 21 Apr 1902 in Manito, Mason Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BIOGRAPHY: Her father was an earnest Christian man, who, she his only daughter loved fondly. He died when she was fourteen. His teaching and example, and also that of her Christian mother, helped to form in her a sweet and gentle disposition. She received a good common school education at the old Cobb’s school house. In her seventeenth year, September 29, 1846, she was united in marriage to William A. Parks, a young man of pure principles, of unusual energy and ambition, with a fair common school education and a good discernment of human nature. he seldom misplaced confidence in man. They both united with the Baptist Church in Grafton, NY. They resided a few years on the Davison Homestead, where their first children were born. They also kept a Hotel and Store at Quackenskill, NY for awhile. Also the Hotel and Store at East Grafton, NY, before moving to Illinois in 1854. They went by way of Chicago and LaSalle. Arrived at Minonk, IL where they found the mud deep and abundant. (Uncle Hank used to express it, “Half clay and half tar.”) The City of Minonk then consisted of a railroad switch and one house. They located about ten miles northwest of Minonk and lived at several places until 1857, when they moved on what is now known as the William A. Parks Homestead. He bought his land on credit and owing to the hard times and the Civil War, he paid interest to the amount of more than the first cost of the land. They had their experience in pioneer life--poverty, sickness and losses. But being hopeful, cheerful, and trusting in God, they established a good home. The district School was taught in their house. The pioneer teachers were DANIEL HARRISON DAVISON, (her brother), Jacob McChesney, (Husband of Elsie Lois Davison), Henry Lohnes, and Mrs. W. R. Dunn, (Francis L. Davison-Jenkins-Dunn, daughter of Ezra Darwin Davison). In 1874, they built a fine large house. They moved into it, and after an illness of only three days with pneumonia, he died January 27, 1875, leaving his family with a good home, but some in debt. In a few years, she with the help of her boys, cleared up the incumberance and to the last, their home was the dearest place on earth.

BIOGRAPHY: Her last years were spent mostly with her children at each of whose homes she had a room. She always brought sunshine and happiness where ever she went. On account of her delicate health, she was spending the winter at the residence of her daughter Sarah, wife of Dr. E. Mamen, at Bloomington, IL, where with all her children about her she died December 30, 1902. A few days past seventy-three years of age. Her husband and children testify she was an ideal wife and mother. She bequeathed part of her estate to benevolent and religious purposes. One of her favorite quotations was: “Blessed are the peacemakers, etc.” She not only taught it, but lived it. While all were together in the old home, the children embraced the Christian religion of their parents and family worship was maintained. They had nine children.

Louisa married PARKS William A. on 29 Sep 1846. William died on 27 Jan 1875. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Reuben married HAMEL Louisa on 16 Jan 1858. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Ezra married WILSON Helen on 19 Feb 1868 in Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sr. George H. Link. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BROWN June. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married STEVENS Henry E.Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: BONT Eliza. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: SMITH Frank. Frank died in Whitewater, Walworth Co., WI. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

They resided in his native town of Grafton, NY, until in 1855 when with his father, he came to Illinois, and located in Clayton Township, Woodford County, where he resided on the farm until 1887 when he moved to Eureka, IL to give his children the benefit of Eureka College. He was elected County Treasurer in 1885. He resided in Eureka, until 1889 when he removed to Metamora, IL, the County Seat. After his term of office expired, he returned to the farm and lived there until the Fall of 1902 when he moved to Minonk, IL. During that winter, he had a severe attack of LaGrippe, from which he never recovered. He went to Excelsior Springs, Missouri, without receiving any benefit, and gradually grew weaker, until September 13, 1903 when he peacefully passed away. He was a prosperous farmer. Owned 720 acres of land, besides town and other property. Was nearly a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and was a leader in society, socially, religiously, and politically. He was a Democrat and cast his first ballot for James Buchanan. He was Treasurer of Clayton Township for twenty years, and also Supervisor. January 1, 1900, he assisted in organizing the State Bank of Benson, IL, and served as Vice President. Was a member of the Minonk Lodge, No. 927, I.O.O.F. Harvey was always gentle and kind, and had a pleasant word for everyone. The funeral services were held September 15, 1903, conducted by Rev. Robert Wallace of Minonk, IL, and Rev. F. M. Johnson of Benson, IL. Buried at Yankee Town Cemetery, eight miles west of Minonk, IL.
(The preceding sketch was furnished by Prosper Harvey’s sons, to Almon A. Davison in 1905)

Died:
Interment: 15 Sep 1903 Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Prosper married FILE Jane C. on 02 Sep 1854 in Brunswick, Resselaer Co., NY. Jane was born on 15 Apr 1832 in Rensselaer Co., NY; died on 22 Dec 1904 in Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

(The following was copied in part from the newspaper clipping that appeared at the time of her death. I thought it would be of interest to the rest of the Davison family. E.A.D. Simpson)

There is a Family History book in possession of the family which traces “THE DAVISONS” back as far as 1580, in SCOTLAND. (I would like to have a copy of that part.) Later they went to ENGLAND, and in 1639, Nicholas Davison, was sent from London to Charleston, Mass., as agent for Matthew Cradock, a merchant of London, England, who was appointed as the first governor of Mass., but who never came across the water.

Davison ancestors have participated in all of the Wars of this Country and in many directions branched out with honor to the family name. John P. Davison, (the one who later spelled his name Davidson), who was the youngest child and son of Asa Davison, was in the Mexican War, donated the ground west of Minonk, Ill., which comprises the Davison Cemetery.

Mrs. Elsie Lois Davison-McChesney, spent her childhood days in an atmosphere that now seems of another world. In those days, hay was cut with a scythe, and grain was cut with a cradle, and harvest time meant a gathering of neighbors to do the work and to enjoy the wonderful feasts that the good women folk would prepare. They spun their own yarn and wove their own cloth, and in the McChesney home now are articles of cloth that were made by Mrs. McChesney’s mother and aunt. (Sally Parks-Davison, and Fanny Parks.) Then and now seem centuries apart, yet here was a woman, with keen intellect intact to the last, who witnessed this almost unbelievable transition to the day of Radio, Air-transportation and similar marvelous developments.

She was survived by four children, Horace McChesney, of Lone Rock, Iowa; Edward McChesney of Minonk, Ill.; Mrs. Mary Elsie (W.R.O. Cothran), of Mason City, Iowa; and Mrs. Sara Lois (H.W.) Raynor, of What Cheer, Iowa. Her brother, Prosper Harvey Davison preceeded her in death several years ago. her husband, Jacob McChesney died August 28, 1917. They were the parents of six children.

Died:
Interment: Jan 1927 Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Elsie married MCCHESNEY Jacob on 09 Nov 1853 in Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY. Jacob was born on 18 Mar 1835 in Grafton, Renssealaer Co., NY; died on 28 Aug 1917 in Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Ezra married SCRIVEN Mary in 1855 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Obituary: died in infancy

Deidamia married NYE Enoch R. in Aug 1855 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. Enoch was born about 1834; died on 08 Aug 1907 in MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Family/Spouse: WEIR Laura. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: RAYMOND Olive. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Asa married WINETEER Martha in 1860 in Groveland, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: GERMAN William. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married SCRIVEN Louise E. on 22 Sep 1870. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Serephina married RIGHTENOUR David Alfred on 30 Aug 1866 in Yankee Town, Minonk, Woodford Co., IL. David (son of RIGHTENOUR David and BROWN Mary) was born on 28 Jan 1843 in Woodbury, Bedford Co., PA; died on 07 Sep 1932 in Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married RIGHTENOUR George Washington on 16 Nov 1865 in Div Woodford, IL. George (son of RIGHTENOUR David and BROWN Mary) was born on 28 Aug 1839 in Woodford, Beford Co., PA; died on 15 Oct 1916 in Sheridan, Madison Co., MT. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edmund married VAUGHN Amy on 10 May 1863. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Daniel married RICHARDS Sarah on 01 Mar 1866. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Norman married MCKEEVER Annie on 19 Aug 1873. Annie was born on 01 Oct 1856 in OH; died on 01 Nov 1943. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Andrew married KENFIELD Jennie J. on 15 Feb 1853 in Grand Rapids, Ontonagon Co., MI. Jennie was born in 1832 in Wyoming, Wyoming Co., NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Andrew married TYLER Stella on 15 Nov 1870. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Andrew married GARDNER Sarah on 23 Apr 1873. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Family/Spouse: GIDDINGS Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Family/Spouse: UNKNOWN Margaret M.. Margaret was born in Nov 1861 in Illinois; died in 1918. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL

Francis married UNKNOWN Edith M. about 1879 in Woodford Co., IL. Edith was born in Mar 1860 in Illinois; died on 06 Sep 1948 in Clayton, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Interment: Davison (Yankeetown) Cemetery, Clayton , Woodford Co., IL