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Descendants of WILLIAM LEWIS DAVIS
Submitted By:
Naomi
McFadden
Generation No. 1
1. WILLIAM LEWIS1 DAVIS was born Unknown in England, and died Aft. 1835
in Wilkes County, Georgia. He married VERLINDA HARRIS GARDNER 1817 in
Columbia County, Georgia, daughter of LEWIS GARDNER and VERLINDA HARRIS.
She was born Aft. 1791 in Maybe of Pulaski County, Georgia, and died
Aft. 1835 in Probably Wilkes County, Georgia.
Notes for WILLIAM LEWIS DAVIS:
From Ren Davis by e-mail 24 Feb 1999
On a trip to Albany 5 years ago, I went in search of members of the DR.
W. L . Davis family. I met two of the second cousins: Edwina Davis
Gleaton and Charlie Marshall ( E. C. 's brother) Aunt Edwina was W.L.'s
daughter and Charlie Marshall's mother. Edwina Gleaton is the daughter
of W. L. Davis III and Charlie's first cousin. Charlie was the director
of Chehaw Park in Albany but has retired. I don't have a phone number. I
also learned in a note from Charlie's son that the original W. L. Davis
fought at the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779 as a British soldier. After
the Revolution, he chose to stay in America rather than return to
England.
Date: Fri, 7 Sep 2001
From: "RENDER DAVIS"
Kettle Creek is just outside the town of Washington, GA. There is a
memorial marker there as well as the graves of about a half-dozen
Revolutionary War veterans. The new building is just south of the
original complex. it is on the site of the Glenn Building and near the
old W.W. Orr Building
Ren
Date: 11 Jan 2000
From: Suzanne Walton Ammons:
Found two William Davis in "Georgia Revolutionary War Soldiers' Graves"
both buried in Wilks County, Georgia. One was born 1748 died 14 May 1818
served as Lt. and Colonel in the 5th Regiment of the Va. Continental
Line. The other was Rev. Willam Davis born 7 Jan 1765 died 31 Oct 1831
served under General LaFayette in the Va. Continental Line and was
present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
There is much on William Davis in "Early Records of Georgia", Volumes I
and II, Wilkes County as well as Lewis, Lewis C and Lewis L. Davis.
More About WILLIAM LEWIS DAVIS:
Event 1: 1779, FOUGHT IN BATTLE OF KETTLE CREEK AS A BRITISH SOLDIER
Event 2: CHOSE TO STAY IN AMERICA AFTER REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Notes for VERLINDA HARRIS GARDNER:
Notes of this was article written and typed by Angeline Knapp Davis
Lanier (NSMcF)
Verlinda Gardner his wife, was daughter of Colonel in English Army,
(surgeon). She was the only child of his last marriage; he was married
three times. Col. Gardner fought on English side in Revolutionary war.
Quite wealthy, he left Verlinda approximately $70,000.00 in money.
Children of WILLIAM DAVIS and VERLINDA GARDNER are:
2. i. WILLIAM LEWIS GARDNER2 DAVIS, (DR.), b. Bet. 1819 - 1821, Wilkes
County, Georgia; d. 09 Oct 1873, Albany, Georgia from Sextons Book for
the City of Albany 1873.
3. ii. JOSEPH E. DAVIS, DR, b. 1826, Albany, Georgia; d. Unknown,
Unknown.
iii. E. C. DAVIS, b. 1828, UNKNOWN; d. Unknown, UNKNOWN.
iv. ANN H DAVIS, b. 1835, UNKNOWN; d. Unknown, UNKNOWN.
v. GASAWAY DAVIS, b. Unknown, UNKNOWN; d. Unknown, UNKNOWN.
vi. OBDIAH DAVIS, b. Unknown, UNKNOWN; d. Unknown, UNKNOWN.
vii. MATILDA RACHEL DAVIS, m. MR SNEAD.
Notes for MATILDA RACHEL DAVIS:
Notes of this was article written and typed by Angeline Knapp Davis
Lanier (NSMcF)
MATILDA RACHEL DAVIS (Snead) At thirteen she married a Mr. Snead and
went to
Texas with her husband who was a friend of her family and much older.
(She married
early on account of a step-mother she disliked.) have lost track of this
branch in Texas,
hope they struck oil!
Generation No. 2
2. WILLIAM LEWIS GARDNER2 DAVIS, (DR.) (WILLIAM LEWIS1) was born Bet.
1819 - 1821 in Wilkes County, Georgia, and died 09 Oct 1873 in Albany,
Georgia from Sextons Book for the City of Albany 1873. He married "ELLA"
ELVIRA CATHERINE WINKLER 20 Nov 1849 in Savannah, Chatham County,
Georgia, daughter of SHADRACH WINKLER and JEANETTE MCFARLAND. She was
born 1832 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, and died Bet. 1873 -
1926 in Possibly Albany, Georgia.
Notes for WILLIAM LEWIS GARDNER DAVIS, (DR.):
1870 Cenus page 04632 # 34-351-384
Albany Georgia
Wm L Davis -age 50- Physician -- Real property $20,000 -- Personal
property $1000
Ella -age- 38- Keeping house
Abbie - age 11
Wm- age 6
Campbell - age 2
Edwina- age 6 months
Kittie Robison --age 30- Domestic
HISTORY OF DOUGHERTY COUNTY pages 123-127 (no date or publisher)
DOUGHERTY'S PHYSICIANS PAST AND PRESENT
Dougherty County has always been blessed in the character and skill of
its physicians. In the early days when the practice was chiefly among
the planters who had settled with their slaves in this section, the
hardships of the country doctor who daily rode many miles on horseback
or by buggy with his case of medicine and instruments to ease the ills
of humanity were such as cannot be appreciated in this day of powerful
automobiles and accessible hospitals and drug stores.
The earliest settlers among the medical fraternity so far as can be
learned were Dr. John G. Slappey, Dr. W. A. Love, Dr. W. H. Jeffries,
Dr. Taliaferro Jones, Dr. W. L. Davis, Sr., Dr. Jeremiah Hilsman, Dr.
John B. Gilbert, Dr. Chan. Hill, Dr. E. L. Connally, Dr. I. B.
Dickinson, Dr. Lawrence Robert, Dr. Stoney Robert, Dr. William Twitty,
Dr. B. M. Cromwell, Dr. W. P. Jennings, Dr. J. E. MacMillan, Dr. T. D.
Mathews, Dr. L. L. Strozier, Dr. E. W. Alfriend, Dr. Joe Davis, Dr.
Thomas M. Nelson, Dr. John Nelson, Dr. Sims.
DR WILLIAM L. DAVIS, SR.
Among the brave men who pushed their way through the virgin forests,
erected trading stations and became the pioneers of our ever growing
population, the physician deserves a place in the annals of every town.
Albany was in, its second decade when Dr. W. L. Davis, a graduate of the
University of Pennsylvania, cast his lot with the village. He was
enrolled in the first class at Penfield, where Mercer
University was then located, and with a good education he began the
study of medicine. To reach Philadelphia in those days was an arduous
task, and while he first enrolled as a student in the Jefferson medical
College, he found those he considered the most distinguished professors
at the University of Pennsylvania, and transferred his membership to a
class at this most eminent university of medicine in
the United States. There were found at this time the greatest teachers
of medicine in America, and under their tutelage and by diligent
application he qualified himself for the practice of medicine. In fact,
the department of anatomy at; that time was equal to any in the world,
and some of his specimens, which he carefully prepared during his
student days, would be models for teaching today. After graduating he
located in Albany, the then struggling village remote from cities and
many of the advantages that a young M. D, desired. While living in
Albany, together with several prominent physicians of the state, they
planned the organization of the Medical Association of Georgia, thereby
making themselves charter members.
Born in 1821 of good Welsh and English stock at the family home in
Wilkes County, son of William Lewis Davis and Velinda Gardner, of
Augusta, Ga., daughter of Colonel Gardner, of the English army, he grew
with five brothers and one sister on his father's plantation in a home
where duty and honor were the keynotes in their daily lives. His father
was noted for his unquestionable veracity and as one whose name was
sufficient to a promise. It was from such an atmosphere and training
that the young M. D. came to wrest fortune from a pioneer section.
He established himself in an office on Broad street, north side, in what
is now known as the 100 block. Patients consulted him from far and wide,
at a distance of 60 miles or more. To go east the river must be ferried,
to go north, west or south the roads were almost impassable--and many
times no roads at all. Creeks to be forded and long stretches of country
to be covered between the homes of settlers.
Sometimes the young doctor on horseback with his saddlebags filled with
medicines and necessities would be gone three days or more on calls. His
tender sympathy for the sick, resourcefulness when in need of medicines
or instruments not to be had, his fidelity to his patients, received
their reward when on his death in 1872 every business house in the town
was closed and all classes mourned the loss of the skilled surgeon and
family friend. One who knew him told of this fidelity to his patients
and his intrepid courage of purpose: Arriving at the river's bank on a
cold and bitter night, finding the ferry on the opposite side of the
river, he called to the ferryman. The ferryman having retired to his
home for the night, the physician vainly called to him to bring the
ferry over to transport him and his horse on the way to the sick bed of
some patient. Finding that he could not arouse the sleeping ferryman, he
disrobed and by the aid of the ferry rope and his determination swam
across the stream, warmed himself over some smouldering coals and
brought the ferry back, replaced his clothes and ferried his horse
across the stream. After rebuilding the fire and getting himself warm,
he continued his journey to the patient, who received him most
gratefully, and for a long time no one knew the sacrifice the physician
made in order to reach his patient's sick bed.
In 1849 Dr. Davis married Ella Catherine Winkler, of Savannah. From this
union there were four children who reached maturity: Abby Howe, William
Lewis Gardner, a practitioner in Albany, Edward Campbell, at this time a
surgeon in Atlanta, and Edwina Theodore Lamar, of Albany, Ga.
When the Civil War began he offered himself as a private, stating that
he preferred to be in the line rather than occupy any position in the
medical department or behind the line, but his medical skill was of such
a character that he was urged to accept a position as assistant surgeon
in the 25th Georgia Regiment. He soon was made surgeon and promoted to a
position as brigade surgeon with the rank of
major, in the brigade commanded by General Walker. After the promotion
of General Walker he still remained in the brigade as chief surgeon
under Colonel Wilson. He was in active service during the entire four
years, and at the conclusion of the war, with tears streaming from his
eyes, he stated that he was far from defeat, and desired to go on to the
consummation of his most ardent wish, namely, the
success of the Confederate Army. An instance still related by one of the
soldiers rather characterizes the sympathetic nature of Dr. Davis. Once
a former soldier on asking one of his sons if he was in any way related
to Dr. W. L. Davis, whom he remembered as a surgeon in the Confederate
Army, and who, he stated, always rode a little white horse while in the
army, and being informed that he was the father
of this young man, turned and with tears in his eyes stated: "My life is
due to his kindness. In Mississippi it was thought that I was fatally
wounded and was left on the field to die, as most of the transportation
for the sick and wounded was overburdened, and only those for whom hope
was entertained for their recovery were sent back to the hospital, I
being so badly wounded, that as previously stated I was left to die in
the blazing sun of a hot Mississippi day." He also stated that he
could well recall the physician on the little white horse with his feet
almost dragging the ground, and hearing groans he stopped, placing a
canteen of water to the soldier's parched and almost famished lips gave
him some drugs to relieve him of suffering, and pinned upon him a little
card directing the ambulance driver to take him to a hospital. The
ambulance came within a few minutes and carried him to a hospital, and
he made a complete recovery.
At the beginning of the war Dr. Davis had moved from Albany to the city
of Savannah, seeking a larger field for his profession, and once each
year he spent from one to two months in the city of New York. Most of
these periods were spent in the office of Dr. Carnachan, one of the most
eminent surgeons of America at that time, and whose original operations
are still quoted in surgical literature. He was a professor of surgery
in the medical department of Columbia University. So much did Dr.
Carnachan admire Dr. Davis's work that he offered him a position in his
office at what was then considered a very good salary, if he would
locate in New York City, but having such strong affection for the South
he declined this offer and went to a little town wherein he spent the
balance of his life. He had formed several partnerships during his
residence in Albany, and he finally took as his partner his younger and
affectionate brother, Joseph, whom he had educated, and the two enjoyed
a large and lucrative practice.
In 1872 Dr. W. L. Davis died from pneumonia, and was buried in Oakview
Cemetery, honored by the entire populace of Southwest Georgia.
Judy Bennett - May 28, 2001 Albany, Georgia Newspaper Clippings
The Albany News, clipping, dated Friday, November, 7, 1873, LEGAL
NOTICES: Georgia, Dougherty County; Mrs. Ella C. Davis apply (applies)
to me for letters administration on the estate of W. L. Davis, deceased.
These are, therefore, to cite and admonish all and singular, the kindred
and creditors of said deceased, to be and appear at my office within the
time prescribed by law, to show cause, if any
they have, why said letters shall not be granted. (Signed) A. Sterne,
Ordinary.
The Albany News, clipping dated Thursday, November 27, 1873; LEGAL
NOTICES: Georgia, Dougherty County; All those indebted to the estate of
Dr. W. L. Davis, deceased, or owed money by that estate, must make
immediate payment or present their notes for payment. (Signed) Mrs. Ella
C. Davis, Admx.
Sextons Book for the City of Albany 1872--4
Civil War Records
48738 Davis W.L. F&S 25th Inf. Reg't. Assistant Surgeon Assistant
Surgeon
ROSTER OF THE MEDICAL OFFICERS OF THE ARMY OF TENNESSEE.
During the Civil War Between the Northern and Southern States,
1861-1865. Consolidated from the Original Medical- Director's Records.
By JOSEPH JONES, M. D., LL. D.
Page192 Southern Historical Society Papers
DAVIS, WILLIAM LEWIS, Surgeon, appointed by Secretary of War July 29,
'62 to rank July 29, '62. Ordered to report to General Mercer. Passed
Board at Savannah, Ga., March 10, '62. Aug. 31, '63, 25th Georgia
Regiment, October 31, '63, to April 30, '64, 25th Georgia Regiment.
This was article written and typed by Angeline Knapp Davis Lanier (NSMcF)
Note: did not change the typos when OCR. Naomi McFadden
William Lewis Davis (Dr.) Sr.--- Born 1821 Wilkes County,Ga.
(Washington, Ga,)
Son of William Lewis .and Verlinda Gardner Davis of Augusta,Ga. Enrolled
in first class at Penfield where Mercer University was then located. He
attended Jefferson Medical College then went to University of Penn. He
with other Albany doctors began the Medical Association of Georgia. He
was an excellent doctor and performed every major operation of that day.
At age 31 he enlisted in Civil War in Savannah as a private. Later he
was made Lieutenant and Army Surgeon subsequently became Major under
General Walkers staff. He also served in Gen. Joseph E. Johnson's Staff
and was in the Battle of Atlanta. He contracted blood-poison and was
sent home to die, but he recovered and returned to duty in an Augusta
hospital. Once while in charge of camp in Virginia where hundreds were
dying of measles he countermanded orders of previous doctor in charge
and made men remove "choke" clothes around their necks, He then had the
flaps lifted on the tents. Officers on duty reported his actions to tho
commanding officer. The commander asked how many more deaths had occured
since Dr. Davis took charge, the report was that none had occured. Thus,
the Commander put Dr. Davis in charge of hospitals. He had four brothers
Joseph, Gasaway, Obdiah ("Ob") and Edward and one sister Matilda(or
Martha) Rachael. In l849 he married Elvira "Ella" Catherine Winkler of
Savannah. At the beginning of the war he moved from Albany to Savannah.
He spent one or two months of the year (after the war) in New York and
studied under Dr. Carnachan a world famous surgeon. Dr. Carnachan
offered him a position but Dr. Drvis declined and eventually returned to
Ablany to practise with his younger brother Joseph.
He and Ella Catherine had four children to reach maturity -- Abigale
(Abbey) Howe, William Lewis, Edward Campbell, Edwina Theodore Lamar. In
1872 he died of pneumonia and is buried in Oakview cmemtery in Albany,
Ga.
More About WILLIAM LEWIS GARDNER DAVIS, (DR.):
Burial: Albany, Georgia, buried in Oakview Cemetery
Cause of Death: pneumonia
Notes for "ELLA" ELVIRA CATHERINE WINKLER:
J
More About "ELLA" ELVIRA CATHERINE WINKLER:
Burial: Possibly Albany, Georgia
Marriage Notes for WILLIAM DAVIS and "ELLA" WINKLER:
Subject: Re: Winkler
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001
From: Lindenmay@webtv.net (Lewis and/or Lucy Little)
To: naomi@ctc.com.na (Naomi McFadden)
Lucy and I inspected the records of the Chatham County Probate Court .
In Chatham County Index to Marriage Licenses 1806 to 1950 it says that
Davis, William L. m Miss Ella C. Winkler 19 Nov. 1849/20 Nov. 1849;
Josiah P. Tustin. This means that they got the license on the 19th,
married on the 20th,
and were married by Tustin.
Judy Bennett - May 28, 2001 Albany, Georgia Newspaper Clippings
Miss Ella Catharine Winkler "The Albany Patriot" dated Friday, November
30. 1849: In the city of Savannah, on the 20th instant, by Rev. J. P.
Tustin, William L. Davis, M. D., of Albany, to Miss Ella Catharine
Winkler of that city.
Children of WILLIAM DAVIS and "ELLA" WINKLER are:
i. WILLIAM LEWIS GARDNER3 DAVIS, (DR.), b. 1864, Georgia; d. Aft. 1910,
Unknown; m. ANNIE WILLIAMS SMITH, Bef. 1896, Unknown; b. Abt. 1866,
Georgia; d. Aft. 1910, Unknown.
More About WILLIAM LEWIS GARDNER DAVIS, (DR.):
Event 1: 1888, A.B. DEGREE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Event 2: 1892, MEDICAL DEGREE FROM UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
Notes for ANNIE WILLIAMS SMITH:
CENSUS YR: 1870 STATE or TERRITORY: GA COUNTY: Dougherty DIVISION: City
of Albany REEL NO: M593-147 PAGE NO: 467A
23 328 360 Smith Wm. E. 41 M W Lawyer 21,000 7,000 Geo. . X
24 328 360 Smith Samuel 9 M W Going to School . . Geo. X
25 328 360 Smith Annie 4 F W At Home . . Geo. . .
26 328 360 Smith Carrie 1 F W At Home . . Geo. . .
27 328 360 Smith Susan 60 F W Keeping House 5,000 . No. Carolina
More About ANNIE WILLIAMS SMITH:
Burial: Unknown, UNKNOWN
ii. ABBY HOWE DAVIS, b. May 1865, Georgia; d. Bet. 1910 - 1930, Atlanta,
Georgia; m. JACOB W. "JAKE" YANKEY, Bef. 1880, Unknown; b. Abt. 1851,
Perryhill, Boyle County, Kentucky; d. 10 Apr 1896, Albany, Georgia.
Notes for ABBY HOWE DAVIS:
No Date
Newspaper reads like Atlanta
Mrs. A. G. Yankey of Albany Georgia, died at the home of her brother,
Dr. Will Davis in Albany Friday. Mrs. Yankey was a sister of Dr. E. C.
Davis of Atlanta, and through her frequent visits to him had many
friends here. She is survived by two sons, Dr. Worth Yankey of Atlanta,
and Lewis Yankey of Savannah, and by one sister, Miss Edwina Davis of
Albany. The funeral and interment will take place in Albany Sunday.
More About ABBY HOWE DAVIS:
Burial: Unknown, Albany, Georgia
More About JACOB W. "JAKE" YANKEY:
Burial: 11 Apr 1896, Albany, Georgia
Cause of Death: Consumpstion
iii. DOCTOR EDWARD CAMPBELL DAVIS, b. 11 Oct 1868, Albany, Georgia; d.
11 Mar 1931, Atlanta Georgia; m. MARIA ROSALIE CARTER, 14 Jun 1899,
Albany, Georgia, Dougherty County; b. 02 Dec 1873, Albany, Georgia; d.
11 Feb 1967, Atlanta Georgia.
Notes for DOCTOR EDWARD CAMPBELL DAVIS:
From the Fulton County Medical Society Bulletin (date unknow)
Edward Campbell Davis, M.D., F,A.C.S.
BY EDGAR H. GREENE, M.D.
When our country declared war on Germany in April 1917, the nation
feverishly went about the business of preparing for a fierce conflict
that was destined to terminate victoriously for us nineteen months
later.
The medical profession, realizing the role it would be called upon to
play in the grim drama, quickly began organizing. Physicians volunteered
for duty in the army and navy. Many were already serving with the
British, Canadian and French armies. Ambulance companies, field and Red
Cross Hospitals were rapidly organized and training instituted.
A group of Atlanta doctors on the faculty of Emory's Medical School met
in the college building on Butler Street and planned a Red Cross
Hospital which, when organized, would be turned over the War Department
for duty in the held. Emory University offered the group any facilities
available and full cooperation. The decision made, next came the big
question!
Where in Atlanta, was the man with sufficient medical and military
training to do the job of organizing the officer, nurse and enlisted
personnel for a Base Hospital?
Edward Campbell Davis was born October 11, 1868 in Albany, Georgia where
he attended the public school. His college work was completed at the
University of Georgia. In 1892 he received his M. D. degree from the
University of Louisville.
He served as surgeon with the rank of Major in the Spanish American War
and following the termination of that conflict returned to Atlanta. He
and his associates practiced in the homes of Atlanta and performed
surgical operations in the Old Presbyterian Hospital. For several years
after the Spanish American War,
Dr. Davis was senior Medical officer for the Georgia Militia.
The military knowledge and ripe experience gained in War and Peace
prepared him for the emergency which came in 1917, and he was chosen to
organize and command the hospital to be known as The Emory Unit. When
the unit was ready and mobilized at Camp Gordon, Georgia, it was given
the official designation of Base Hospital No. 43.
At this time Dr. Davis was professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at
Emory and from that faculty were selected the doctors to make up the
officer personnel of the unit. The Emory Unit made a remarkable record
in-France, and is said to have finished its service with the lowest
mortality record of any similar hospital in the A,E.F.
The official history of the Emory Unit, Base Hospital No. 43, was
dedicated to Dr. Davis and opposite his picture in uniform appears this
legend: "Dedicated to Lt. Col. Edward Campbell Davis, M. C. who values
even more than the citation from the Commander-in-Chief of the American
Expeditionary Forces his soubriquet,'The Daddy of The Emory Unit'."
On April 2, 1919 at Camp Gordon, near Chamblee, Georgia·the last
official meeting of the unit was held just prior to demobilization. Dr.
Davis having been previously discharged and returned to Atlanta went to
Camp Gordon to attend the final meeting. On this occasion the enlisted
men of the unit presented him with a loving cup appropriately engraved
with expression of love and esteem.
In 1908 Dr. Davis and Dr.. Luther C. Fischer established a small
sanatorium on Crew Street in Atlanta. Later they bought a lot on Linden
Avenue between the Peachtrees and erected a four story brick and
concrete building. In 1913 this building was opened as the most modern
hospital in the city. From this beginning another building was added
about 1920 and subsequently the name of the hospital
changed from Davis-Fischer Sanatorium to the Crawford W. Long Memorial
Hospital.·Since Dr. Davis' death in 1931, Dr. Fischer has continued to
acquire more land and erect more buildings until now this large and well
equipped institution stands as a living memorial to these two men who
had the great vision and who worked tirelessly to make it a reality. The
good that the erection and operation of the
Crawford W. Long Hospital continues to accomplish cannot be claimed by
Atlantians only because this splendid institution's beneficences extend
throughout this entire section.
Dr. Davis was a man of magnetic personality. His engaging and courtly
manner in conversation, in his work and in his daily routine won for him
a host of friends. Probably no physician in Georgia's contemporary
history had more friends in the medical profession. He was a profound
student of the art and science of medicine and was a frequent visitor to
the best surgical clinics of the nation. Dr. Davis wrote extensively on
surgical and gynecological subjects. He possessed an unlimited
vocabulary and was an able and forceful speaker. As a teacher he was
without a peer and his lectures on obstetrics were a bright spot on the
students' calender. He was keenly interested in organized medicine and
numerous committees claimed his attention during a busy career. In 1928
he was president of the Fulton County Medical Society having served in
1910-1911 as president of the Medical Association of Georgia.
He was a member of many surgical and gynecological societies and was a
Fellow of The American College of Surgeons.
A member of the Baptist Church, his Christian character was an
inspiration to many. Dr. Davis married Maria Carter of Albany in 1899.
To his wife he attributed in great measure any achievements that were
credited to him. Mrs. Davis, who still maintains her residence in
Atlanta, is a member of the distinguished Virginia families of Carter,
Randolph, Evelyn and Byrd. Of the eight children two, Shelley C. and
Robert C. are physicians in Atlanta, They are carrying on in a manner
that would win a devoted father's admiration were he with us now.
Emory University conferred on. Dr. Davis the L.L.D. degree and the
officers of the Emory Unit presented Emory with a portrait of him which
hangs in the main hall of the University Hospital. The beautiful
chandelier in the rotunda of the Academy of Medicine is a memorial to
his memory. After the war he practiced for over ten years when ill
health caused him to retire.
He was a kindly gentlemen and a learned physician; a skillful surgeon
and gynecologist. His death on March 11, 1931 brought to an end the
career of one of Georgia's most able and beloved doctors.
From the Fulton County Medical Society Bulletin (date unknow)
1930 Fulton Co. ed 117 sheet 4 census
Edward C. Davis 62 Ga Ga GA head Surgeon Hospital
Maria C. 56 Ga Ga Ga wife
Shelley C. 28 Ga Ga GA daughter
Catherine 27 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Maria N. 21 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Robert C. 18 Ga Ga Ga son
Sarah 16 Ga Ga GA daughter
Theodore 14 Ga Ga GA daughter
Worth E. Yankey Jr. 14 Ga GA GA nephew
Edward Campbell Davis, M. D.
(1867-1931)
Isabella Arnold Bunce
Atlanta
A Reprint from
The Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia
July, 1950
Edward Campbell Davis, M. D.
In the year 1867 America, the land of the free and the home of the
brave, had much to occupy
her time. One of her many problems was the badly crippled South left so
from the War Between
the States. Notwithstanding the sad condition of the fallen South, the
Reconstruction Act was
passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson who had always
attempted to befriend her.
It was into this perilous period of carpetbaggers, scalawags and freed
slaves that Edward
Campbell Davis was born on the llth day of October, 1867, in Albany,
Georgia. His parents were
Ella Catherine Winkle r Davis and Dr. William Lewis Gardner Davis. Thus
it came about that
his heritage was the blend of the blood of England, Scotland and Wales.
Campbell, as his family called him, had dark brown hair and deep blue
eyes that were enhanced by a direct straightforward gaze. In family
sequence, he was next to the youngest of eight children; therefore, he
had an opportunity to profit by the experiences and companionship of the
older ones. In consequence, he led the happy life most small boys are
privileged to experience.
Unfortunately, his father, who had always maintained a heavy practice,
contracted pneumonia and died when Campbell was five years old. His
mother shouldered the responsibility of the family and the large
plantation on which they lived. The trades people of Albany never
hesitated to lend her money or furnish her with supplies, for well they
knew that when her crops came in, they would have their money.
Therefore, Mrs. Davis had the respect and admiration of her community.
Campbell received his fundamentals of education in Albany. Then he
entered the University of
Georgia where he received his A.B. degree in 1888.
Besides having a father who was a doctor, Campbell also had a brother,
W. L., who practiced in
Albany. The medical strain in the Davis issue was and is a rather
dominant one. Therefore, Campbell decided to study medicine. He then
entered the University of Louisville in Kentucky for that purpose. It
was there he graduated in medicine in '92.
From then on Edward Campbell Davis was professionally known as Dr. E. C.
Davis. He had always liked Atlanta, so there, on a summer's day, he came
to pursue the practice of surgery. Without delay, Dr. Davis entered into
an association with Dr. C. D. Hurt.
While Dr. Davis was laying the foundation of his practice, he took some
time out to fulfill his social engagements. It was due to this fact that
a very lovely girl, with hair of yellow gold, eyes the color of the sea,
fair of skin and beautifully curved, met her fortune. She was none other
than Maria Carter, a direct descendent of the famous King Carter of
colonial days in Virginia. Strange as it may seem, tho' Maria lived on
the same street as Dr. Davis in Albany, they had never met.
Maria was educated at Lucy Cobb and among the many friends she made
there was Carolyn Sisson, of Wisteria Hall, Kirkwood. These girls became
good friends and continued to keep up their friendship after leaving
college. Carolyn wrote to Maria of a young surgeon, Dr. E. C. Davis, of
Albany, whom she would like for her to meet. So, with the aid of Carolyn
and Wisteria Hall, they met.
The setting for the wooing of Maria Carter by Dr. E. C. Davis was ideal.
Hence, it was in a mellow month, aglow with the fiery flames of fall
subdued only by the light of a harvest moon, that Venus fanned a
smouldering ember on the altar of love for them. From then on there
arose between them a comfortable correspondence, but, due to Maria's
indecision, it dwindled and disappeared.
While Maria remained thus in maiden meditation, Dr. Davis was asked to
join Governor Atkinson's party on a good will trip to Mexico. Although
he was delayed and missed the Governor's train, he managed to catch up
with the party in Louisiana and made a memorable trip of it. In this
manner and in other pursuits, he was able to bide his time as he waited
around for Maria. Destiny now played her hand for this young couple. The
Maine, while lying languidly in the waters of Havana harbor, was sunk.
So, then, there was the Maine for the Americans to remember. Of course,
war was declared. Governor Atkinson immediately appointed Dr. Davis as
Captain of the Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry in 1898.
On his way to serve his country in the Spanish-American War, Captain
Davis was sent by way of his home, Albany, to his station in Florida.
Here, Maria, with many others of his town's people, was there to wish
him God's speed. Then it was that the sight of dashing Dr. Davis in the
decorative uniform of his country began to make up Maria's mind for her
and win her heart. Therefore, their discontinued correspondence was
resumed in earnest. Dr. Davis often laughingly said he had to go to Cuba
to get her for his wife.
While he was stationed near Tampa, an epidemic of typhoid fever raged
among his soldiers. He immediately began the organization of a hospital
to give adequate care to the sick. He worked tirelessly day and night
only taking a few hours of rest and these limited by the clock or the
call of his orderly. During the peak of this crisis, General O'Reilly
sent word for him to report to his office for some routine matter. Dr.
Davis sent the general a message stating he would come only if a doctor
was sent to relieve him. There was marked apprehension by the staff that
he might be severely reprimanded or even court-martialed. However, he
was not. Dr. Davis was a firm believer in doing his duty no matter what
the cost to himself. A promotion to Major was given Captain Davis for
his outstanding work during this time.
A grateful brother of one of the doctor's patients presented him with a
United States flag. This flag is now a Davis family treasure. Major
Davis served his country from the spring until fall; he was then
mustered out at Piedmont Park.
Back again he went to his Atlanta practice now working with Dr. J. B. S.
Holmes at his sanatorium on Cain Street.
In June, the month of brides and roses, in the year 1899, Dr. E. C.
Davis took Maria Carter for his wife. After their honeymoon they lived
for a short time at the Sanatorium. From there, they moved into their
first home Pine Street. With these two there was such a perfect
surrender to their love that the beautiful words of Edgar Alien Poe's
poem "Annabel Lee" are comparable, thus quoting "But we loved with a
love that was more than love I and my Annabel Lee".
Dr. Davis' practice continued to grow rapidly. After a short period of
being out for himself, Dr. L. C. Fischer became associated with him.
Their offices were located in the English American Building at Peachtree
and Broad Streets. There it was that these two young surgeons had the
vision of their great hospital to serve the sick as a haven of help,
health, hope and happiness. Drs. Davis and Fischer opened their hospital
on Crew Street in 1908. From this cornerstone, Davis-Fischer Sanatorium
arose. A few years later they moved their hospital to Linden Street and
the growth of Davis-Fischer Sanatorium was miraculous. Their hospital,
still located on the same site in this year of 1949, occupies almost an
entire city block in the heart of Atlanta. However, it is now known as
the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.
The skill of Dr. Davis was such that even his family would have no other
doctor to operate upon them. Mrs. Davis' sister had had an attack of
appendicitis while on a stay in Paris but refused surgical aid so as to
have him remove her appendix. During the same week of her operation, he
also operated on his own sister.
Dr. E. C. Davis always kept pace with the progress of his profession. He
bought the first Kimble tube used here for direct transfusion. It was
immediately put into use where a life was despaired of, resulting in the
recovery of the patient. He also bought and installed the first freezing
microtome used here. Henceforth, fresh tissue sections could immediately
be prepared and diagnosed on all cases of suspected cancer, to determine
the extent of the surgery needed while the patient was still on the
operating table.
Furthermore, he was one of the earliest believers in and users of the
aseptic and antiseptic technic in surgery. He learned to use rubber
gloves with dexterity while most surgeons of those days felt clumsy and
deprived of the sense of feeling during an operation when wearing them,
on account of their thickness.
His greatest feats were accomplished by his skill and originality in
gynecologic and abdominal surgery.
Dr. Davis was always prompt in the operating room. He began his surgery
at or before 8 o'clock each morning. He could easily conclude five or
more operations before noon. In addition, he would have numerous
emergencies carried in day or night from a radius of 300 miles or more.
It was not uncommon for him to operate on a patient brought from a great
distance with an acute suppurative appendix.
During the day Dr. Davis would take time out only for a short lunch.
Then, back to work again. He was constantly surrounded by doctors,
interns and nurses as he made his rounds where he not infrequently had
20 or more patients in the hospital. Besides being one of the South's
most distinguished surgeons, he was one of the best loved of his time.
To the young doctors he meant much for not only was he their surgical
hero, but friend as well.
Next to surgery his greatest medical love was obstetrics. This he
practiced with the strictest adherence to cleanliness and antiseptic
technic in both the home and delivery room. He was almost uncanny in
recognizing the signs of eclampsia and other toxemias of pregnancy. The
expectant mother under his care had constant supervision administered
through observation, examinations and laboratory checks on both urine
and blood at regular intervals.
Besides Dr. Davis' practice he held the position of Professor of
Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years at the Atlanta School of
Medicine, which is now a part of Emory University. He was nearly always
in attendance at the medical meetings held by the county, state and the
national societies. Being a master of precision, he wrote many
scientific papers and was a much sought after speaker at the medical
meetings.
In 1914, Dr. Davis took part in a Clinical Congress held in London.
While he was there World War I broke out in Europe. He had to return
home by steerage and was landed at Quebec. Little then did he know that
this same war would return him to Europe with the silver leaf of a
Lieutenant-Colonel on his shoulder.
Dr. Davis was quite a family man. He and Mrs. Davis had eight children,
namely, Shelley C., Catherine, Page, E. C., Jr., Ria, Robert Carter,
Sarah and Teddy. Never was he happier than when his children were
clustered around him. Another pleasure enjoyed by the doctor and his
children were their expeditions to Kamper's where he bought them just
anything they wanted.
As an aid to Dr. and Mrs. Davis, their nursery was adequately staffed by
a competent colored woman, who was affectionately called "Nursie" by her
charges.
Dr. Davis' whimsical sense of humor was shown by the names of his three
horses of his horse and buggy days. They were Faith, Hope and Charity.
Long after their master was using a horseless carriage in his practice,
these horses remained in the Davis stables.
At the Davis home there was always a member of the family or a friend
staying with them. Once two friends of theirs, a man and his wife, were
in need of housing. The husband asked Dr. Davis if they could stay for a
while with them. Dr. Davis told him to ask Mrs. Davis. He did. They
stayed five years. There was only once in the entire married life of Dr.
and Mrs. Davis when they were left alone for a second honeymoon without
family, friends, or the eight children.
Dr. Davis enjoyed vacationing at Pass-a-Grille, Florida. He and Mrs.
Davis would take the small children with them and leave the others at
home. During these periods of relaxation Dr. Davis asked no more of any
one of them than to catch a tarpon his favorite sport.
At the outbreak of World War I, Dr. Davis was asked by the American Red
Cross to organize the Emory Unit. He was chosen on account of his fine
record in the Spanish- American War. He, of course, took on the job and
the Emory Unit was months in the making. He was also placed on the
examining board. Dr. Davis was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel of the
Unit, and made medical director of the unit when it was named Base
Hospital 43 in its overseas duty.
As a result of Colonel Davis' capable and courageous discharge of his
duties in the theater of action, he was awarded a certificate of merit
by General John J. Pershing, decorated by King Alexander of Greece, and
given membership in the Knights of the Ancient Order of Our Saviour.
On account of Colonel Davis' strenuous work in the organization of the
Unit and his activity overseas, he became ill. He returned home and his
ship reached Newport News on November 11, 1918, the day of the signing
of the Armistice.
After a brief interlude, Dr. Davis resumed his practice. He was later
joined by his son, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, who had been thoroughly trained
in surgery at home and abroad.
Dr. E. C. Davis received many deserved honors. He was President of the
Fulton County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He
was early made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His
University of Georgia called upon him for a Commencement Oration. Emory
University conferred upon him an LL.D. Base Hospital 43 gave his
portrait in uniform to the Emory Hall of Fame.
Dr. E. C. Davis retired from the active practice of medicine in 1929 due
to his failing health. He finally lost his eyesight but in the home he
loved so well he could move about at ease with Mrs. Davis seeing to it
that everything was left just as he remembered it.
In his last illness Dr. Davis was a patient at Davis-Fischer with Mrs.
Davis constantly at his side. Despite his illness, Dr. Davis, always the
acute diagnostician, heard of the severe sickness of one of his nurses.
Her case had remained undiagnosed. On hearing of her symptoms he
recognized them as those of diphtheria and saw to it that she had
immediate attention.
Dr. E. C. Davis died at Davis-Fischer Sanatorium, Atlanta, on March 11,
1931.
He left many legacies: to his country, eight children and twenty-four
grandchildren; to his profession, his devoted disciples and two sons,
Dr. Shelley C. Davis, surgeon, and Dr. Robert Carter Davis, internist,
both practicing in Atlanta; to his children, intelligence, individuality
and integrity, and to his wife, the sweetest memory ever treasured.
To Dr. E. C. Davis, a monument to his profession and a dutiful son to
his country, there can be no better tribute paid than this quotation
from the Star-Spangled Banner:
"Tis the star-spangled banner, Oh long may it wave, O'er the land of the
free and the home of
the brave."
More About DOCTOR EDWARD CAMPBELL DAVIS:
Burial: Unknown, Westview Cemetery by the main road, Atlanta Georgia
More About MARIA ROSALIE CARTER:
Burial: Unknown, Westview Cemetery by the main road, Atlanta Georgia
Marriage Notes for EDWARD DAVIS and MARIA CARTER:
June 14th 1899
Albany Herald
DAVIS.CARTER
The Beautiful Home Wedding of Dr. E. C. Davis and Miss Ria Carter
At the home of the bride's parent's, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Carter, Dr.
Edwin Campbell
Davis and Miss Mariah Rosa Carter, were united in the holy bonds of
wedlock at the hour
of high noon today. The wedding was an exceedingly quiet one, only the
immediate
relatives and a few dear friends of the contracting parties being
present, but it was one of
the most beautiful and impressive marriages that ever occurred in
Albany.
The Carter home was elaborately and beautifully decorated for the
occasion, and
everywhere graceful garlands of bamboo, exquisite bunches of ferns and
beautiful clusters
of cut flowers were artistically arranged. The two parlors, especially,
were most beautifully
decorated. The front parlor, in which the marriage occurred, was
decorated in greens and
white flowers and the rear parlor, where the handsome wedding presents
were displayed,
was tastefully decorated with greens and yellow flowers.
Promptly at 12 o'clock Mrs T. N. Woolfolk sounded the first notes of
Mendelsohn
wedding march, and the bridal party entered the front parlor from the
room in the rear. First
came Mr. and Mrs. Carter and then came the bride leaning on the arm of
the groom. The
couple took their stand in front of Rev. Chas. T. Wright, who performed
the beautiful
ceremony which made them man and wife.
Never has a bride looked more pure, sweet and lovely than did Miss
Carter as she
entered the room leaning on the arm of of the man who had won her heart
and hand. She
wore a simple,but lovely gown of white China silk. The ribbon at the
neck was caught
together by a diamond and pearl pin which was the room's present to her.
In her hand she
bore a bridal bouquet of white carnations
As soon as the ceremony was over the happy couple received a shower of
congratulations and best wishes from those present.
After the ceremony the guests were ushered into the rear parlor, where
they were
served with delicious tea punch and an elegant lunch of the most dainty
and palatable
edibles.
The bride is one of Albany's fairest and most accomplished daughters.
She is the
possessor of a happy disposition and a beautiful character, and, as Miss
Carter, she has
been the recipient of many charming attentions from a host of friends
and admirers.
The groom, Dr. E. C. Davis, is one of the most prominent physicians of
the state,
being an assistant in the Holmes Sanitarium, of Atlanta. He is the son
of Mrs. E. C. Davis,
and is an Albany boy whom Albany is proud to claim.
Dr. and Mrs. Davis received a large number of beautiful and handsome
presents,
which testified to their popularity.
The happy couple left on the G. & A. train at 2:15 o'clock this
afternoon for Atlanta,
where they will make their future home at the Halcyon, Dr Holmes'
Sanitarium.
The HERALD joins their many friends in extending its congratulations and
in wishing
for then a long wedded life and a happy one.
iv. EDWINA THEODORE LAMAR DAVIS, b. Bet. 1870 - 1872, Unknown; d.
Unknown, UNKNOWN.
Notes for EDWINA THEODORE LAMAR DAVIS:
Member of N.S.D.A.R.
3. JOSEPH E.2 DAVIS, DR (WILLIAM LEWIS1) was born 1826 in Albany,
Georgia, and died Unknown in Unknown. He married SARAH ELIZABETH
MOUGHON.
Notes for JOSEPH E. DAVIS, DR:
Notes of this was article written and typed by Angeline Knapp Davis
Lanier (NSMcF)
JOSEPH DAVIS married Sarah Elizabeth Moughon the daughter of a wealthy
planter in
west .Dougherty County Joseph practiced with his older brother William
Lewis until his
death and then moved to Atlanta. This union had one son William Joseph
who became
a successful Atlanta businessman.
Found this but not sure it is our Joseph
ROSTER OF THE MEDICAL OFFICERS OF THE ARMY OF TENNESSEE.
During the Civil War Between the Northern and Southern States,
1861-1865. Consolidated from the Original Medical- Director's Records.
By JOSEPH JONES, M. D., LL. D.
Page192 Southern Historical Society Papers.
DAVIS, J., Surgeon, Sept. 30, '63. Oct. 31, '63, 50th Georgia Regiment.
Child of JOSEPH DAVIS and SARAH MOUGHON is:
i. WILLIAM JOSEPH3 DAVIS.
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