IN LOVING REMEMBERANCE OF
WILLIAM HENRY & SOPHRONIA ROBERTS GRISWOLD DAVIS (4/19/1840-10/9/1917) * (2/6/1861-8/6/1915
| It would be an
unpardonable shame if the decendants of this kind and
gentle couple were denied information regarding their
generosity and warmth to mankind. The door to their
modest home was always open to anyone in need of food and
lodging; no one was ever turned away. Relatives, friends,
occasional strangers--all were welcomed and respected.
Their dining table was long and laden with food. A
private Davis family dinner was not too often. When a
relative, unfortunately left alone needing assistance,
they moved into the Davis home, lived with family for
weeks or months, whatever time it took for them to adjust
to their own situation. Overnight guests were frequent,
daily guest many. No modern conveniences at Davis home,
but Wm. H. made sure there were no shortages of food. A
large fruit and vegetable cellar, well stocked; plenty of
cured pork in meat house, poultry plentiful, flour and
meal barrels never empty. Examples of the Davis
generosity: Wm. H. and Sophronia did more than their
share helping to raise a little orphan boy who answered
to the name of Jinks; also, an old man, almost blind,
apparently no exact place called home, traveled a wide
circuit on foot, the Davis home was on his circuit. His
stay was longer than just over night. He and little Jinks
were always made comfortable and welcome. Occasionally
strangers like packpeddlers, selling such wares as eye
glasses, cure-all liniment and fabric articles, would
stop by Davis home for a meal, maybe a night's lodging. Sophronia's jolly personality, her ability and willingness at carrying on her heavy work load made the Davis home a popular place for get-to-gethers or holiday celebrations--like the 4th of July. On November 4, 1862, William Henry volunteered into Company K. 128 Illinois Infantry, at age 22. He served his country proudly. He was a member of the G.A.R. Post 485 (Grand Army of the Republic). In later years he provided a well groomed, wooded area on his farm for a yearly reunion of the ageing Civl War veterans. It was located on the northwest corner of his farm, across the road west of Davis home. The weekend soon took on a carnival atmosphere; besides a reunion for comrades. There was a dining hall, bandstand, merry-go-round, crowds came from far and near to attend festivities. W. H. and a Comrade and close friend, Rev. W. B. Rhodes, for years and as long as health permitted, on Memorial Day took a basket of cut flowers and flags to the Old Hickory Hill Cemetery, cleaned graves, placed a flag, dropped flowers on each grave of a Civil War veteran who had passed away. So faithful they were! Wm. Henry was a Charter Member of the Walpole Masonic Lodge. he was active until his death. Sophronia was active in Eastern Star work, and treasurere of lodge at the time of death. The kindness and generosity shown to mankind by Wm. Henry and Sophronia Davis was unequal. They were sorely missed by many. All who knew them, loved them. (courtesy of Jimmy Faries) |
William Henry Davis William Henry Davis was born April 19, 1840 and passed away October 9, 1917, aged 77 years, 5 months and 20 days. He was married in 1866 to Sophronia Roberts, who died Jan. 1, 1892. He was married again August 27, 1893 to Sophronia Roberts, a cousin of his first wife, to this union five children were born, the oldest a son died at birth, John J. died at the age of thirteen months, and Julia, Albert and Linda France who survive him. besides his own children he was a father to five step-children and one girl Loretta Deen (now Hays) whom he and his wife took as a little baby and raised and cared for as their own child. Though his last days were full of suffering he rejoiced in a Saviour's love and was happy in his afflictions, often being heard shouting and rejoicing when alone. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Arthur Vinson, then the Masonic ceremonies were given after which the remains were laid to rest in the old Hickory Hill cemetery. (Obit supplied by Jim Faries - transcribed by James Gholson) |
Obituary Sophronia Roberts daughter of William H. and Mulinda Roberts was born February 6, 1861, departed this life August 6, 1915, age 54 years and six months. She was married to John Griswold about 35 years ago and to this union was born six children Gilbert, Hurman, Laura, Nora, Sallie who still survive and William who died in infancy, later she was married to W. H. Davis and to this union was born four children Julia, Albert, Linda and John who died in infancy. She professed faith in Christ in 1897 but never united with any church, she was a true hearted christian woman, always willing to lend a helping hand. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband eight children, eight grand children, one brother, Obe Roberts, two sisters Mrs. W. R. and J. A. Irvin and one half brother Dave Roberts and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted by W. B. Rhodes after which the body was turned over to the Eastern Star and after their ceremonies the body was laid to rest in the old Hickory Hill cemetery to await the resurrection morn. |