Father: Thomas Evans, Sr.
Mother: Jane Howerton
Spouse: Abner D. Davidson - b: ~1784 - Gloucester
Co., VA
d: 18/Jan/1849 - Fentress Co., TN
m: 18/Aug/1802 - Grainger Co., TN
Child-1: Thomas - b: 1804 - Jackson Co., TN
d: ~1885 - Cumberland Co., KY
m: Margaret (Peggy) Francis - m: Mrs. Mary Rich Lewis - ~1852
2: James
- b: 1806 - Overton Co., TN
d: 1881 - Clinton Co., KY - bur: J. Davidson Family Farm Cem
m: Mary (Polly) Rohanna Francis - 11/Dec/1839 - Wayne Co., KY
3: John
- b: 1807/1808 - TN - d: ~1883 - m: Catherine *****
4: Archibald
- b: 1811 - TN - nra: 1860 - m: Emeline *****
5: William
Arthur - b: 1/Jun/1813 - TN
d: 21/Sep/1901 - Montgomery Co., KS - bur: Parker Cem.
m: Margaret Owen - 1/Jan//1842
6: Joseph
- b: 18/Sep/1818 - Overton Co., TN
d: 4/Sep/1895 - bur: Abner Davidson Cem., Pickett Co., TN
m: Catherine Harmon - ~1847
7: Mary
(Polly) - b: 1824 - TN - m: John Francis
8: Sarah
- b: 1825 - TN
9: Samuel
R. - b: Nov/1826 - Fentress Co., TN - d: 1908
m: Mary Angeline Kogar - m: Malissa Young - 1884/1885
Biographical Details:
Anna (or Sussannah) Evans can be identified as the fourth surviving child of Thomas, Sr., and Jane Howerton Evans. Accordingly, a birth year of 1785 may be inferred from her age, given as sixty-five in the 1850 US Census for Fentress County, Tennessee. In addition, her birthplace is indicated as Tennessee in this population schedule; however, this is probably incorrect (perhaps, on account of an unjustified assumption on the part of the census taker) and she was more likely born in Montgomery County, Virginia, since it is almost certain that Thomas and Jane Evans did not move to Tennessee until after 1810. (In addition, it is possible that the Evans family had lived for some time in Franklin County, Virginia.) Moreover, there is some confusion regarding her exact name, which is alternatively asserted by some researchers as "Susan". (Although, as a head of household she evidently identified herself as "Anna" for the population schedule of the 1850 census.) A plausible explanation is that her name was actually "Sussanah" from which, either Susan or Anna can be derived as an obvious familiar diminuative.Source Notes and Citations:Abner D. Davidson and Anna Evans were married in Grainger County, Tennessee, on August 18, 1802.1 He has commonly been identfied as a son of John Abner Davidson, an immigrant from Scotland, but there seems to be no substantial support for this.2 Concomitantly, it is not known why Anna would have been living in or at least present in Grainger County at this time since her family was apparently then still resident in Virginia. (However, various explanations are plausible and this should not be regarded as representing any serious chronological difficulty.) Even so, it seems that the newly married couple subsequently settled in the eastern portion of Jackson County, Tennessee, which became Overton County in 1806 and then Fentress County in 1823. The household of Abner Davidson appears in the population schedule of the 1820 US Census for Overton County and also in population schedules of both the 1830 and the 1840 US Census for Fentress County. (The name of Abner Davidson also appears in the 1833 Fentress County Tax List.) Moreover, the implied family composition accords reasonably well with known surviving children, although there is some indication that there might have been some additional unknown children that died young. Of course, this would not have been unusual on the early American frontier. Abner Davidson apparently died sometime in the 1840's, but Anna Evans Davidson evidently survived into the 1850's; however, she appears to have died before 1860, presumably in Fentress County, but no burial place is known. Abner D. and Anna Evans Davidson had (and apparently still have) numerous descendents in Fentress and Pickett Counties, especially in the vicinity of Forbus and Travisville.3 (Pickett County was formed from northern portions of Fentress and Overton Counties in 1879.) In addition, several intermarriages between spouses surnamed "Davidson" and "Evans" are documented and, although no links with the family of Thomas and Jane Howerton Evans have been substantiated, it is plausible to suppose that at least some of them may have been related. Furthermore, as a place name, "Davidson" still remains associated with locations in Pickett and Fentress Counties, viz., one in close proximity to Forbus and another a few miles further south. Likewise, there are several "Davidson Cemeteries" located in Fentress and Pickett Counties, as well as in nearby Clinton County, Kentucky.4 Even so, a number of descendants of Abner and Anna Davidson subsequently migrated westward to Texas and Kansas.
1. State of Tennessee, Grainger County
Know all me by there presents, that we Abner Davidson and Joseph Davidson, all of the county and State aforesaid, our heirs &c. are jointly and severally held, and firmly bound unto his Excellency the Governor, and his successors in office in the penal sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars, void on condition there be no lawful objection why Abner Davidson and Anney Evans may not be joined together as man and wife in the holy state of matrimonty. Witness our hands and seals, the 10th day of August A.D. 1802 and of our Independence the xx7 /s/Abner (his mark) Davidson and Joseph (his mark) DavidsonSubsequently, it is reported that Anne Davidson stated on an affidavit for a Revolutionary War pension application that they have lived next to Abner's brother James for about forty-five years and that Abner's brothers, Alexander and Francis, witnessed her marriage to Abner and that Joseph Davidson was Abner's security in the bond for the license.
back to bio.2. Recent y-chromosome DNA testing of descendants of various putative Davidson progenitors indicates that the Davidson family of Fentress County, Tennessee, does not descend from John Abner Davidson, who was reportedly born in Scotland in January of 1738 and died either in Kentucky or Tennessee in 1833. Accordingly, the parentage of Abner Davidson (as well as his brothers, Joseph, Francis, Alexander, and James, must be properly regarded as unknown. Unfortunately, this erroneous pedigree has become widely propagated.
back to bio.3. A detailed descendancy for the family of Abner D. and Anna Evans Davidson is constructed from civil, census, and cemetery records:
First Generation
Abner D. Davidson, born ~1785 in Gloucester Co., VA, died 18 Jan 1849 in Fentress County, TN; married on 18 Aug 1802 in Grainger Co., TN, Sussannah or Anna Evans, born 1785 in VA, died TN.
1. Thomas Davidson, born 1804 in Jackson Co., TN, died after 1880 in Cumberland Co., KY; married (1) Margaret (Peggy) Francis, born 11 Nov 1801 in NC, died ~1850 in Fentress Co., TN; married (2) 1851/1852, Mrs. Mary Rich Lewis (or Mary Daniel Rich), born 1819/1820 in TN..*Census records of 1850 imply a birth year of 1818 or 1819 for Archibald Davidson and those of 1860 imply 1810 or 1811. Unfortunately, nothing further is known; however, considering the composition of the family of Abner and Anna Evans Davidson, the earlier date would seem more probable.
2. James Davidson, born 1806 in Overton Co., TN, died 1881, buried J. Davidson Family Farm Cem., Clinton Co., KY; married on 11 Dec 1839 in Wayne Co., KY, Mary (Polly) Rohanna Francis, born 1815 in Wayne Co., KY, died 1871, buried J. Davidson Family Farm Cem., Clinton Co.
3. John Davidson, born 1807/1808 in TN, died about 1883 in Clinton Co., KY; married Catherine *****, born 1806/1807 in Cumberland Co., KY.
4. Archibald Davidson*, born 1811 in TN; married Emeline*****, born Dec 1819 in TN.
5. William Arthur Davidson, born 1 Jun 1813 in TN, died 21 Sep 1901 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Parker Cem.; married 1 Jan 1842, Margaret Owen, born 8 Mar1817 in Clinton Co., KY, died 10 Mar 1894 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Parker Cem.
6. Joseph Davidson, born 18 Sep 1818 in Overton County, TN, died 4 Sep 1895; buried Abner Davidson Cem., Pickett Co., TN; married Catherine Harmon, born 31 Dec 1825, died 26 Jun 1903, buried Abner Davidson Cem., Pickett Co., TN.
7. Mary (Polly) Davidson was born 1824 in Tennessee. Mary married John Francis.
8. Sarah Davidson was born 1825/1826 in Tennessee.
9. Samuel R. Davidson was born Nov 1826 or 1827 in Fentress Co., Tennessee, died 1908. Samuel married (1) Mary Angeline Kogar, born 1841; married (2) in 1884/1885, Malissa Young, born Jul 1850 in KY.Second Generation
1. Thomas Davidson married Margaret (Peggy) Francis. It would appear that she died about 1850, almost certainly in Fentress County, Tennessee. Six children are attributed to them. Thomas remarried to a widow soon after his first wife's death and was apparently the father of six more children. He evidently died after 1880; however, no date or burial place is known, although Cumberland County, Kentucky, seems probable.
1-1. James Lonzo Davidson, born 3 Apr 1828 in Fentress Co., TN, died 29 Feb 1908 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Pruitt Cem.; married on 4 Sep 1855 in Fentress Co., TN, Sarah Ann Morris, born 5 Jul 1838 in Fentress Co., TN, died 23 Sep 1916 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Pruitt Cem.Married (2) Mrs. Mary Rich Lewis (or Mary Daniel Rich). Evidently, Mrs. Lewis entered the marriage with children from a previous marriage among which were Margaret and Nancy, born about 1838 and 1840, respectively. The family was apparently resident in Cumberland County, Kentucky, in 1860; however, birthplaces and ages of children indicated in later population schedules are inconsistent. Moreover, both surnames, i.e., "Davidson" and "Lewis", appear inconsistently as well. As might be expected, this causes considerable confusion of identities. Even so, the absence of many of these individuals from subsequent civil and census records likely indicates that several of them died relatively young; howevr, this is merely conjecture.
1-2. Robert Davidson, born Apr 1830 in Fentress Co., TN; married Caroline *****, born Oct 1834 in KY They had Georgia Davidson.
1-3. Abner Davidson, born 1836/1837 in Fentress Co., TN; married M. H. *****, born about 1840. They had Jonathan Davidson.
1-4. Archibald Davidson, born 1839/1840 in Fentress Co., TN.
1-5. Alfred Davidson**, born 20 Oct 1846 in Fentress Co., TN, died 2 Sep 1932 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Poplar Cove Cem., Fentress Co., TN; married Louvenia Dooley, born 23 Mar 1843 in VA, died 31 Jan 1922 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Poplar Cove Cem., Fentress Co., TN. They had Mary Catherine, William S., and Ada F. Davidson.
1-6. William M. Davidson, born 21 May 1848 in Fentress Co., TN, died 27 Nov 1932 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Poplar Cove Cem., Fentress Co., TN; married Abigail Huddleston, born 27 Nov 1858 in Fentress Co., TN, died 21 Apr 1931 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Poplar Cove Cem., Fentress Co., TN. They had Andrew R., Thomas B., Matilda, Alvin N., Martha, Bettie Lee, and William McKinley Davidson.1-7. Martha Davidson, born Jun 1853 in Fentress Co., TN.**Many researchers attribute a son, Alfred, born 20 Oct 1846 in Fentress County, who married Louvenia Dooley with whom he had three children, and died 2 Sep 1932 in Cumberland County, Kentucky, to Thomas Davidson and his first wife. However, no such individual was listed in the 1850 population schedule and from subsequent census records, which do include a step-son, Alfred Lewis, born about 1845, in Thomas' household. Thus, it seems likely that he has been he has been confused as a son by later family researchers. Within this context, it is possible that Alfred Lewis used the Davidson surname in later life, but this has not been confirmed.
1-8. Lucinda Davidson, born Apr 1854 in Fentress Co., TN.
1-9. David Davidson, born 1855 in Fentress Co., TN.
1-10. Sarah Davidson, born 9 Feb 1856 in Fentress Co., TN.
1-11. George W. Davidson, born 8 Dec 1858 in Fentress Co., TN, died 11 Jan 1936, buried Christian Chapel Cem., Cumberland Co., KY; marreid Euna Ann Smith, born 21 May 1859, died 30 Dec 1934, buried Christian Chapel Cem., Cumberland Co., KY.
1-12. Marlinda or Marinda Davidson, born 1862 in KY or TN.
In contrast, according to the 1850 population schedule no son named William, reportedly born 21 May 1848, was included in the household of Thomas and Peggy Davidson. However, he was clearly present in the household in 1860 and was listed as age eleven. Accordingly, this suggests some error in his birth year and it is possible that he was actually born as late as 1851, although 1849 seems more probable. Even so, if this is the case, then it is not clear why he was not included in the population schedule, but errors of this kind are not unknown.
Similarly, a child identfied as "George Lewis" appears in the 1860 population schedule, only to be reidentified as "George Davidson" in 1870 and, again, as "George Lewis" in 1880. Nevertheless, it seems likely that he was Thomas' son and, furthermore, can be identified with George W. Davidson who married Euna Ann Smith. Even so, census records suggest that he was more likely born in 1858 rather than 1856 as indicated on his tombstone.a. Children of Thomas and Peggy Francis Davidson can be verified by the 1850 Fentress County population schedule. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 426A, (microfilm: roll M432_877; img. 507).)
b. Children and step-children of Thomas and Mary Lewis Davidson can be verified by the Cumberland County population schedules of 1860, 1870, and 1880. (1860 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 506, (microfilm: roll M653_364; img. 3); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 61A, (microfilm: roll M593_458; img. 122); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 193B, (microfilm: roll T9_411; img. 88).)
c. Christian Chapel Cemetery, Cumberland County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2290153&CScn=Christian+Chapel&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1017&, continuously updated).
2. James Davidson married Mary (Polly) Rohanna Francis. They reportedly lived in Clinton County, Kentucky, very close to the boundary with Tennessee. There is some uncertainty regarding her middle name which may be "Roanna" or "Ruhanna", etc. Of course, "Polly" is a common female nickname. The family evidently settled in southern Clinton County, Kentucky, near the boundary with Tennesse. Concomitantly, three of their children, Margaret Elzuria, Henry Francis, and Leo Thomas, settled with their spouses and children in northeast Kansas.
2-1. Mahala Vianah Davidson was born 18 Sep 1840 in Wayne Co., KY, died 7 Aug 1885 in Pickett Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem.; married on 14 or 24 Feb 1864, Wayne Davidson, born 10 Jul 1822 in Overton Co., TN, died 15 Nov 1904 in Pickett Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem.d. The family of James and Mary Rohanna Francis Davidson can be verified by corresponding Clinton County population schedules. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 160A, (microfilm: roll M432_197; img. 130); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 162, (microfilm: roll M653_363; img. 163); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 325B, (microfilm: roll M593_457; img. 163); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 645A, (microfilm: roll T9_410; img. 496).)
2-2. Margaret Elzuria (Babe) Davidson, born 5 Mar 1843 in Clinton Co., KY; died 21 Jan 1908 Horton, Brown Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co.; married on 6 Nov 1866, Amos Marshall Koger, born 2 Jan 1845 in Campbell Co., TN, died 22 Dec 1921 Horton, Brown Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co.
2-3. Henry Francis (Dent) Davidson, born 17 Dec 1844 in Clinton Co., KY; died 4 Feb 1924 Horton, Brown Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co.; married Nancy Jane Brown, born 16 Dec 1860 in Hopkins Co., KY; died 28 Dec 1937 Horton, Brown Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co.
2-4. Thomas S. Davidson, born 1848 in KY
2-5. Samuel Washington Davidson, born 1 Feb 1850 in Clinton Co., KY, died 30 Apr 1883, buried Smallwood Cem., Clinton Co.; married 20 Apr 1883, Delila Craig, born 15 Jul 1856 in KY, died 12 May 1945, buried Smallwood Cem., Clinton Co., KY. They had Sophia A. R., Melody Lu, Ody Lee, Addie E., and Rohoma Davidson.
2-6. Leo Thomas Davidson, born May 23, 1853 in Clinton Co. KY, died 4 Sep 1932, buried Netawaka Cem., Jackson Co., KS; married Amanda C. Smith, born 13 Aug 1863 in Clinton Co., KY, died 23 Aug 1926, buried Netawaka Cem., Jackson Co., KS. They had Mary C., Ollie Bell, Elenor Nora, Jesse James, John Sherman, Charles Harold, and Ray Porter Davidson.
2-7. Marion John Davidson, born 1856 in KY; married Mary Celina McDonald. They had Shirey Lee, Jodie Ann, Cora Ellen, and Charley Herbert Davidson.
2-8. Mary L. Davidson, born 1857/1858 in KY.e. Davidson Cemetery, Pickett County, Tennessee (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=11192&CScn=Davidson&CScntry=4&CSst=45&CScnty=2493&, continuously updated).
f. Spring Hill Cemetery, Jackson County, Kansas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=93829&CScn=Spring+Hill&CScntry=4&CSst=18&CScnty=926&, continuously updated).
g. Netawaka Cemetery, Jackson County, Kansas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1260085&CScn=Netawaka&, continuously updated).
h. Smallwood Cemetery, Clinton County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2418796&CScn=Smallwood&CScntry=4&CSst=19&, continuously updated).
3. John Davidson married Catherine *****; however, her maiden name is unknown. Nevertheless, they also appear to have lived in Clinton County, Kentucky. Evidently, Catherine died between 1870 and 1880 and John some time after 1880, but before the turn of the century. No burial places are known..
3-1. Mary A. (Polly Ann) Davidson, born 1839 in KY.i. Children of John and Catherine Davidson can be verified by Clinton County population schedules. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 173A, (microfilm: roll M432_197; img. 156); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 183-4, (microfilm: roll M653_363; imgs. 184-5); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 326B, (microfilm: roll M593_457; img. 165); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 645A, (microfilm: roll T9_410; img. 496).)
3-2. Elizabeth Davidson, born 3 May 1840 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 18 May 1909 in Clinton Co., KY, buried Beech Bottom Cem.; married on 4 Aug 1863 in Clinton Co., KY, Joel Wilburn Rodgers, born 8 Jun 1833, died 7 Apr 1897, buried Beech Bottom Cem., Clinton Co., KY.
3-3. Amanda M. Davidson, born 1842 in KY.
3-4. William C. Davidson, born 1843/1844 in KY.
3-5. Hannah Davidson, born 1846/1847 in KY, died 2 Oct 1851, buried Looper Cem., Clinton Co., KY.
3-6. Samuel Davidson, born 29 Nov 1848 in KY, died 23 Aug 1900, buried Looper Cem., Clinton Co., KY.4. Archibald Davidson married Emeline*****. Unfortunately, her maiden name remains unknown; however, the family evidently lived in Fentress County, Tennessee, during the last two-thirds of the nineteenth century. Even so, no record of the family is included in census records of 1870. Nevertheless, in 1880 "Emaline" Davidson appeared as a widow living with her daughter and son-in-law, Philip and Sarah Smith, in Fentress County. Moreover, Emeline Davidson evidently survived until 1900 since in the Fentress County population schedule of that year, she appeared as a boarder in the home of Ana Gould, a widow aged thirty-seven. It is not known if Emeline and Ana were related; however, it would seem plausible.
4-1. Alexander Davidson, born 1836 in KY.# Although Rebecca's tombstone indicates that she was born in 1865, the 1860 population schedule for Fentress County clearly indicates that she was born in 1859.
4-2. Artema Davidson, born 1841 in KY.
4-3. Abner Davidson, born 1844 in TN.
4-4. Martha Davidson, born 1846 in TN.
4-5. John C. Davidson, born Dec 1848 in TN, died 3 Mar 1949; married 1870/1871, Virginia A. Lawhorn, born Nov 1853 in TN They had Mack Bryant, Mary L., Carolina Lee, Jesse, and Iddell Davidson.
4-6. Sarah P. Davidson, born Mar 1849 in Fentress Co., TN; married Philip A. Smith. They had Nancy E. and Martha Elizabeth Smith.
4-7. William T. Davidson, born 1853 in TN.
4-8. Mary M. Davidson, born 1854/1855 in Fentress Co., TN; married Louis Henry Polston, born 4 Aug 1855 in KY, died 28 Sep 1919 in Knoxville, Knox Co., TN, buried Oak Grove Cem., Roane Co., TN. They had Martha and Emma Jane Polston.
4-9. Ruth Rohanna Davidson, born 14 Jul 1857 in KY, died 7 Mar 1932 in Barren Co., KY, buried Moore B. Gnd.; married on 23 Dec 1877 in Fentress Co., TN, George Ambrose Davidson, born 3 Jan 1853 in Fentress County, TN, died 8 Jan 1933 in Barren County, KY, buried Moore B. Gnd. They had Mary Belle, Lola Mae, John Wesley, Lewis Curtis, snd Shirly Freeman Davidson. He ws the son of Pearson H. Davidson and Matilda Walker.
4-10. Rebecca Elizabeth Davidson#, born 6 Oct 1859 in TN, died 29 Mar 1941, buried Oak Grove Cem., Roane Co., TN; married (1) Thomas Jones; married (2) Louis Henry Polston, widower of her sister. They had William Henry, Mary Rohaney, General A. Edom, Joseph Daniel, Maggie E., Minnie Belle, and Homer Lonzo Polston.
4-11. Louvisa B. Davidson, born 1862/1863 in TN.j. Children of Archibald and Emeline Davidson can be verified by Fentress County population schedules. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 383A, (microfilm: roll M432_877; img. 419); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 43A, (microfilm: roll M653_1249; img. 88); 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 520B, (microfilm: roll T9_1254; img. 283); & 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 28B, (microfilm: roll T623_1569; img. 384).)
k. Moore Cemetery, Barren County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2207966&CScn=Moore&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=993&, continuously updated).
l. Oak Grove Cemetery, Roane County, Tennessee (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=16486&CScn=Oak+Grove&CScntry=4&CSst=45&CScnty=2497&, continuously updated).
5. William Arthur Davidson married Margaret Owen#* in 1842. They evidently lived in Kentucky and Tennessee after their marriage, but migrated with their children to southeastern Kansas in 1871, where they remained for the rest of their lives.
5-1. John B. Davidson##, born 13 Nov 1849 in KY, died 2 Feb 1928 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Oak Hill Cem. Never married.#* "Margaret Davidson died at her home four miles east of Elk City on Saturday March 10th. She was born in Clinton County, Ky., on March 8, 1817 and was married to W. A. Davidson Jan 1st, 1842. She came to Kansas in the fall of 1871 and resided here until called from labor and suffering to the reward that awaits those who love God and keep His Commandments. She was converted in the fall of 1887, and we learn that she maintained her Christian character until the summons came. From cause she did not connect herself with any church (which we think a great mistake). Rev. C. W. Thorp preached the funeral services at the residence, a very large gathering of friends being present. She leaves an aged companion, several children and brothers and sisters to mourn her absence. May the good Lord sustain the sorrowing ones and bring them all to meet where the trail of the serpent has never been, and where they will never say good bye." (obituary: Newspaper unknown)
5-2. Robert Owen Davidson, born 9 Jul 1853 in Fentress Co., TN, died 7 Feb 1944 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Oak Hill Cem.; married on 9 Sep 1885, Rebecca Jane Berry, born 20 Aug 1857 in Wayne Co., IL, died 2 Sep 1939 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Oak Hill Cem. They had William A., Laura Isabelle, Louvenia or LaVerna, George Edward, Joseph Smith, Thomas Allen, Sallie Ann, and Charles John Davidson.
5-3. Leann Davidson, born 23 Jun 1856 in TN, died 13 Jan 1941 in Siloam Springs, Benton Co., AR; married ~1901, Frank Leon McCrary.
5-4. George Edward Davidson, born 1 Jan 1859 in Fentress Co., TN, died 1930 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Parker Cem.; married Mary Ellen Thompson, born Dec 1863 in KS, died 1937 in Montgomery Co., KS, buried Oak Hill Cem. They had Celesta, Frederick, Alma, Alta, and Julie Davidson.## "John Davidson of Elk City, Passed Away Last Thursday. John B Davidson, well known Elk City resident, died Thursday morning at 4:30 o'clock at the home of his brother, R.O. Davidson, east of Elk City. Uncle John, as he was familiarly known to his friends was 79 years of age, and was among the early settlers to Montgomery County, as he came here in 1881. He remained here for 9 years at that time and located at Protection, Kansas, where he lived for about 19 years. Leaving Protection he returned to Montgomery County and lived in and near Elk City ever since. Uncle John never married and is survived by one sister, Mrs. Frank McCreary, of Gentry, Ark., and two brothers G. E. Davidson of Independence and R.O. of Elk City, with whom he made his home since his health failed last summer. Funeral services were held from the Church in Elk City and burial was in Oak Hill cemetery in Elk City." Although his obituary implies that the family moved to Kansas in 1881, his mother's obituary instead affirms 1871. Moreover, the earlier date is consistent with census records of 1880. (obituary: South Kansas Tribune, Independence, Kansas, Thur., Feb. 2, 1928.)
m. Children of William and Margaret Owen Davidson can be verified by Fentress and Montgomery County population schedules. (1860 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 43B, (microfilm: roll M653_1249; img. 89); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 564B, (microfilm: roll M593_1526; img. 763); 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Montgomery County, Kansas, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 301A, (microfilm: roll T9_390; img. 103); & 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Montgomery County, Kansas, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 247A, (microfilm: roll T623_491; img. 1078).)
n. Oak Hill Cemetery, Montgomery County, Kansas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=93212&CScn=Oak+Hill&CScntry=4&CSst=18&CScnty=946&, continuously updated).
6. Joseph Davidson married Catherine Harmon, daughter of John and Margaret Ramsey Harmon. They had eleven children, eight of whome evidently were still living in 1900. Of these, at least one son moved to Broen County, Kansas, and later to Buchanan County, Missouri. Both Joseph and Catherine davidson are buried in the Davidson Cemetery near Travisville, Tennessee.
6-1. Margaret Jane Davidson, born 17 Jun 1848 in Fentress Co., TN, died 22 May 1910; buried Abner Davidson Cem., Pickett Co., TN. She was living with her younger brother, William, in 1900 and apparently never married§ "J.V. Davidson's wife died suddenly and was buried last Friday in the Claytonville Cemetery. She leaves a husband and 3 children, one of whom was only a few days old at the time of her death. Mr. Davidson and children have the sympathy of the entire community. They live on the Chas. Knabb farm 2 miles out of town." (death notice: Brown County World, Hiawatha, KS, Fri., May 1, 1903.)
6-2. Alvin Davidson, born Jan 1850 in Fentress Co., TN.
6-3. Sanford Davidson, born 27 Nov 1851 in Fentress Co., TN, died 27 Jun 1943 in Pickett Co., TN, buried Maupin Cem., Clinton Co., KY; married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Russell, born 3 Sep 1862 in TN, died 9 Jul 1954, buried Maupin Cem., Clinton Co., KY. They had George W., Virgie K., Dorsey A., Prentis C., and Quinn Russell Davidson.
6-4. (unnamed son), born 18 Jan 1853, died 18 Apr 1855, buried Abner Davidson Cem., Pickett (then Fentress) Co., TN
6-5. Emerson M. Davidson, born 25 Jan 1854 in Fentress Co., TN, died 14 Feb 1922 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Maupin Cem., Clinton Co., KY; married (1), Armilda Dishman, born 1 Sep 1865 in Fentress Co., TN, died 13 Jun 1888 in Pickett Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem.; married (2), Monia or Maria Susan Cross, born 2 Jul 1867 in TN, died 17 Oct 1892 in Fentress Co., TN; buried Davidson Cem.; married (3) in 1894, Hettie Griffin, born 24 May 1878 in TN. They had Bonnie, Lawrence, Lucille, Louise, and Marjorie Davidson.
6-6. John D. Davidson, born 1856 in Fentress Co., TN, died 3 Mar 1949; married on 13 Apr 1885 in Albany, Clinton Co., KY, Virginia Harris. They had John, Sarah, Alta, Mary Alva, George Horace, and Bonnie Davidson.
6-7. Sarah Ann Davidson, born 23 Aug 1859 in Fentress Co., TN, died 7 Oct 1883 in Pickett Co., TN; buried Abner Davidson Cem.
6-8. Samuel Bell Davidson, born 1861/1862 in TN; married Melissa C. Young. They had William K. and Susan Davidson.
6-9. Joseph Van Davidson, born Apr 1865 in TN, died 6 Jun 1942 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, buried Sugar Creek Cem; married (1) on 22 Jan 1893, Laura Lucinda Crouch§, born 14 Dec 1873 in Fentress Co., TN, died 23 Apr 1903 in Brown Co., KS, buried Claytonville Cem. She was the granddaughter of George Washington Crouch and, therefore, a distant cousin of her husband. They had Spencer and Abbie Davidson. Married (2) ~1905, Laura (Jova) Crouch§*, born 26 Jan 1872 in TN, died 23 Aug 1917 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, buried Sugar Creek Cem.; married (3) Mrs. Ermine Koger Flowers, born 9 Oct 1864 in Clinton Co., KY, died 19 Jun 1936 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO.
6-10. James A. Davidson, born 13 Aug 1866 in Fentress Co., TN, died 27 Jul 1948 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem; married Nanny Pearl Davidson, born 2 Feb 1894 in Pickett Co., TN, died 22 Jul 1976 in Fentress Co, TN, buried Davidson Cem. She was the daughter of Melvin A. and Arizona (Zonie) Crouch Davidson anf, therefore, the grandaughter of George Washington Crouch. They had Melvina and Joseph Oakley Davidson.
6-11. William M. Davidson, born 1 Sep 1867 in Fentress Co., TN, died 21 Aug 1950, buried Chanute Campbell Cem., Pickett Co., TN; married (1) Halley Luster, born 18 Aug 1853 in TN, died 4 Nov 1933, buried Chanute Campbell Cem., Pickett Co., TN; married (2) Jewell Mayola Zachary, born 4 Feb 1917 in Pickett Co., TN, died 4 Apr 1997 in Livingston, Overton Co., TN, buried Story Cem., Pickett Co. They had Marvin R. Davidson§* After the death of his first wife, Joseph Van Davidson married again and, coincidentally, the name of his second wife was also Laura Crouch (although she seems to have been known familiarly as "Jova"). Moreover, she was about the same age as his first wife, which, understandably, has caused considerable confusion of identity. Nevertheless, census and civil records clearly establish that these were two different individuals, viz., Laura Lucinda Crouch, daughter of James A. Crouch, and Laura, daughter of Dudley Crouch, but both were evidently born in Tennessee.) Sadly, joseph's second wife died in 1917 and he married yet a third time to Ermine (Erma) Flowers (nee Koger), who died in 1936.
o. The family of Joseph and Catherine Harmon Davidson can be confirmed by Fentress and Picket County population schedules. (1880 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 548B, (microfilm: roll T9_1254; img. 339) & 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Pickett County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 146A, (microfilm: roll T623_1592; img. 294).)
p. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 20676 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO & Death Certificate No. 22109 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).
q. Maupin Cemetery, Clinton County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1986944&CScn=Maupin&CScntry=4&CSst=19&, continuously updated).
r. Sugar Creek Cemetery, Buchanan County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=31834&CScn=Sugar+Creek&CScntry=4&CSst=26&, continuously updated).
s. Claytonville Cemetery, Brown County, Kansas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=92207&CScn=Claytonville&CScntry=4&CSst=18&, continuously updated).
t. Story Cemetery, Pickett County, Tennessee (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=19006&CScn=Story&CScntry=4&CSst=45&, continuously updated).
9. Samuel R. Davidson married (1) Mary Angeline Kogar, daughter of Anderson Kogar and Agnes Crouch. Many researchers affirm his middle name as "Rainey"; however, there seems to be no documentary support for this. Samuel's first wife died about 1882.
9-1. Thomas Sherman Davidson, born 1864/1865 in TN.Married (2) Malissa Young. She was about twnety-five years younger than her husband.
9-2. James Wilford Davidson, born 14 Jul 1867 in TN, died 12 Apr 1925, buried Williams Chapel Cem., Pickett Co. TN; married Mrs. Lillie Alice Poor Campbell, born 4 Feb 1880 in TN, died 24 Jul 1936 in Pickett Co., TN, buried Williams Chapel Cem. They had Ida Mae, Joe Denton, Mary, Cosby, Curtis F., James Ernest, Dean, Ruby Jane, and Rosure Manson Davidson. Dean Davidson was a sergeant in Company K, 35th Infantry Division of the United States Army and was killed in action on Luzon Island in the Phillipines on April 10, 1945.
9-3. Martha J. Davidson, born Mar 1870 in Fentress Co., TN.
9-4. Sarah Ann or S. Davidson, born 1871 in TN; married Timothy Pyle. They had one known child, Gertrude Pyle.
9-5. Joseph Denton Davidson, born 22 Sep 1872 in Travisville, Fentress Co., TN, died 5 Feb 1962 in Jamestown, Fentress Co., TN, buried Chanute Campbell Cem., Pickett Co., TN; married on 20 Mar 1934 in Albany, Clinton Co., KY, Josephine Beaty, bor 6 May 1911, died 29 Oct 1981 in Jamestown, Fentress Co., TN, buried Chanute Campbell Cem., Pickett Co., TN. They had Joe Edd, Thomas Ray, Wilma Dean, and unnamed Davidson.
9-6. Maggie E. Davidson, born 1873/1874 in TN; married Joe Morse. They had Lyna Morse.
9-7. Eddie Davidson, born 1875/1876 in TN. He and Addie appear to have been fraternal twins.
9-8. Addie Davidson, born 1875/1876 in TN; married Mathie Smith. They had Rosier Smith.
9-9. George Alfred Davidson, born 1878/1879 in TN.
9-10. Isabell Davidson; married Marion Moody, born 18 Nov 1861 in Fentress Co., TN, died 30 Nov 1899 in TN, buried Moody Cem., Pickett Co. They had Mae, Toledo Helen, Bradley, and Hunter Moody.
9-11. Mary Vian Davidson, born 21 Mar 1882 in TN, died 28 Jun 1951 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Taylor Place Cem.; married on 13 Aug 1901 in Byrdstown, Pickett Co., TN, Odell D. Jones, born 20 Sep 1874 in Overton Co., TN, died 6 Jun 1972 in Fentress Co., TN. They had Charlie, Bradley, Hadley, Ruby, Pansie, and Doyal Jones as well as two additional unnamed children.9-12. William R. or K. Davidson, born May 1887 in TN; married Sue Kerney.§# Susan Davidson has been attributed erroneously as a child of Angeline Kogar Davidson; however, applicable census records clearly indicate that she was the daughter of Malissa Young Davidson instead.
9-13. Susan Davidson§#, born May 1892 in TN; married Thomas Marshall Rich. They had six children.u. Children of Samuel and Mary Angeline Kogar Davidson can be verified by Fentress County population schedules. Various researchers also assert that Angeline was born in 1850; however, census records clearly refute this. (1860 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 43B, (microfilm: roll M653_1249; img. 89); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 565A, (microfilm: roll M593_1526; img. 764); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 549A, (microfilm: roll T9_1254; img. 340).)
v. The marriage and children of Samuel and Malissa Young Davidson can be verified by the 1900 Pickett County population schedule. Within this context, birth dates of 2 May 1888 and 21 Nov 1893 have been given for their two children, William and Susan. However, this does not agree with census records. The source of this discrepancy is unknown. (1900 US Census Population Schedule for Pickett County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 138B-139A, (microfilm: roll T623_1592; imgs. 279-80); 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Pickett County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 225B, (microfilm: roll T624_1515; img. 457).)
w. Williams Chapel Cemetery, Pickett County, Tennessee (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1973974&CScn=Williams&CScntry=4&CSst=45&CScnty=2493&, continuously updated).
Third Generation
1-1. James Lonzo Davidson married Sarah Ann Morris. They evidently settled and remained in Cumberland County, kentucky, for the most part of their lives as did most of their children. Even so, three sons, Thomas Jefferson, Francis Marion, and Robert Ulysses Grant Davidson migrated to Collin County, Texas, just northeast of present day Dallas near the end of the nineteenth century.
1-1-1. John Calvin Davidson, born 28 Aug 1856 in Cumberland Co., KY. died 11 Feb 1927 in Cumberland Co.,KY; (1), Charity M. Scott. They had James R., William E., Mary J., Sibby P., Elizabeth, Bradley C., Bertha I, Lena, and John C. R. Davidson. Married (2), Mary Ellen Pritchard. They had Laura E., unnamed, Reunin Wesley, and Johnny Amos Davidson.§§ James Robert Davidson married Opal Flowers and their daughter was Sara A. Davidson who married Hugh H. Clark and has provided extensive research of the Davidson family. (Sara Clark; "Descendants of ABNER D. DAVIDSON and ANNIE EVANS"; homepages.rootsweb.com/~genea/Dzabnerevans.html, 2002.)y.
1-1-2. Thomas Jefferson Davidson, born 14 Apr 1858 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 13 Nov 1930 in Collin Co., TX, buried Wilson Chapel Cem.; married in Cumberland Co., KY, Barbara Katherine Rutledge, born 17 Apr 1861 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 9 Mar 1955 in Collin Co., TX, buried Wilson Chapel Cem. They had Sarah Ann, General Gasby, Robert Ulie, Hammie Montrey, India Lou, Mary Linda, Henry, and Altie Allen Davidson.
1-1-3. Francis Marion Davidson, born 11 Apr 1860 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 9 Jan 1921 in Collin Co., TX, buried Wilson Chapel Cem.; married (1) on 1 Feb 1883 in Cumberland Co., KY, Mary Jane Rutledge, born 1856, died 30 May 1982 in Collin Co., TX. They had Hunter and William Curtis Davidson and then apparently divorced. Married (2), Mattie Fielder, born 17 May 1884 in Collin Co., TX, died 5 Mar 1915 in Collin Co., TX, buried Wilson Chapel Cem. They had Carl, Jewell Frank, and Gracie Davidson.
1-1-4. Dorothy Davidson, born 11 May 1862 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 1904 in KY. Apparently never married.
1-1-5. Martha Ann Davidson, born 9 Feb, 1864, in Cumberland Co., KY, died 1 Feb 1944 in Cumberland Co., KY. No spouse is known, but she is attributed six children, viz., Burr, Ada Francis, Margaret M., Cora E., John, and James L. Davidson.
1-1-6. Robert Ulyses Grant Davidson, born 1865 or 20 Dec 1867 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 8 Feb 1947 in Collin Co., TX, buried Wilson Chapel Cem.; married Ellen Hudson, born 1870, died 1927, buried Wilson Chapel Cem. They had B. H., John, Walter, Sebe, Eura Mattie, Homer E., Ed, Willie Vernon, Sallie Clovis, and Cora Davidson, as well as three additional unnamed children.
1-1-7. Lucinda Elizabeth Davidson, born 27 Dec 1868 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 25 Nov 1943 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Pruitt Cem.; married Robert Gilbert Jones, born 13 May 1867, died 3 Feb 1941 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried Pruitt Cem. No children are attributed to them.
1-1-8. George Washington Davidson, born 2 May 1871 in Cumberland County, KY, died 26 Jun 1946 in Madison Co., IN; married on 9 Mar 1894 in Cumberland Co., KY, Georgia Anna Finley, born 7 Jun 1877 in Cumberland Co., KY, died 19 Nov 1948 in Madison Co., IN. They had Sarah Ellen, Ruthie Mae, John Osby, Lida Glwee, Millred Wagner, Ora Ethel, Clayton and Clyde (twins), Amos Jefferson, Rosa Lee, Charles Leslie, Obie Alexander, James Robert§§, and Osco and Roscoe (twins) Davidson.
1-1-9. Nancy Roberta or Rebecca Davidson, born 7 Dec 1872 in KY.
1-1-10. James Alvin Davidson, born May 3, 1880 in Cumberland Co., KY, 2 Aug 1955 in Cumberland Co., KY, buried F. F. Smith Cem.; married (1) on 30 Mar 1899 in Cumberland Co., KY, Arminty Belle Perdew. They had Marion and Effie M. Davidson. Married (2) Susan E. Johnson, born 6 May 1873, died 12 Aug 1942 in Cumberland Co., KY. They had Cinda Elizabeth Anis and Sarah Ann Davidson.x. Children of James Lonzo and Sarah Ann Morris Davidson can be identified from population schedules of Cumberland County. (1860 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 506, (microfilm: roll M653_364; img. 3); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 61B, (microfilm: roll M593_458; img. 123); 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 194A, (microfilm: roll T9_411; img. 89); & 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Cumberland County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 223A, (microfilm: roll T623_517; img. 450).)
y. Wilson Chapel Cemetery, Collin County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=499895&CScn=Wilson+Chapel&CScntry=4&CSst=46&CScnty=2562&, continuously updated).
2-1. Mahala Viannah Davidson married Wayne Davidson. He was her distant cousin. they evidently lived in Fentress and Pickett Counties near Forbus and Travisville for their entire lives. Even so, two sons, Elmore and Melvin, moved near relatives in northeastern Kansas.
2-1-1. Elizabeth (Babe) Davidson, born 25 Jun 1865 in Fentress Co., TN, died 24 Aug 1919 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Upchurch Cem. Elizabeth married George Washington West, born 1 Jan 1856 in TN, died 21 Jul 1931 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Upchurch Cem..z. Children of Wayne and Mahala Viannah Davidson can be verified by Fentress County population schedules. (1870 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 569B, (microfilm: roll M593_1526; img. 773); 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 550B, (microfilm: roll T9_1254; img. 343); & 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Pickett County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 145B, (microfilm: roll T623_1592; img. 291).)
2-1-2. Rohanna Jane Davidson, born 15 Sep 1866 in Fentress Co., TN, died 19 Sep 1947 in Fentress Co., TN; married Archibald Dishman, born 28 Feb 1860 in Fentress Co., TN, died 13 Jun 1935 in Fentress Co., TN. They had Mary Vian, Samuel, Ermine, Armilda Ellen, Otha, Otis, Fannie Wayne, Florence, Dora, William Oakley, and Arza Dishman.
2-1-3. Jonathan Elmore Davidson, born 14 Sep 1868 in Fentress Co., TN, died 29 Aug 1947 at Hiawatha, Brown Co., KS, buried Mt. Hope Cem.; married Julia Sallabank, born 1872. died 1957, buried Mt. Hope Cem., Brown Co., KS.
2-1-4. Melvin A. Davidson, born 17 Oct 1870 in Fentress Co., TN, died 17 Feb 1942 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem., Pickett Co., married Margaret Arizaon (Zonie) Crouch, born 2 Aug 1872 in Fentress Co., TN, died 14 Apr 1939 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem., Pickett Co. She was the granddaughter of George Washington Crouch and, therefore, a distant cousin of her husband. They had Marion Hammock, Nannie Pearl, Melissa Vian, Leo Hayden, Laura Elzuria, Martha Jane, Charley Roosevelt, Maude, Porter P., Albert Berton, David Martin, and Hilary Davidson.
2-1-5. Ellen Davidson, born 25 Jun 1873 in TN, married James Taylor.
2-1-6. James Marshall Davidson, born 28 Aug 1875 in Fentress Co., TN, died 29 Aug 1958 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem., Pickett Co.; married on 26 Dec 1899 in Fentress Co., TN, Mary Penina Story, born 15 Aug 1880 in Pickett Co., TN, died 4 Oct 1958 in Fentress Co., TN, buried Davidson Cem., Pickett Co. They had Dortha, Coy, Othniel, Gifford White, Tophat, Emmett, Walden, Vernon Astor, Nola, and Hessie Davidson.
2-1-7. Delila Abigail Davidson, born 27 Jan 1880 in Fentress Co., TN, died 1948 Phoenix, Maricopa Co., AZ; married (1), Reece Davidson; married (2), Frank Hunter.aa. Mt. Hope Cemetery, Brown County, Kansas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=93119&CScn=Mt.+Hope&CScntry=4&CSst=18&CScnty=890&, continuously updated).
2-2. Margaret Elzuria (Babe) Davidson§§* married Amos Marshall Koger almost certainly in Clinton County, Kentucky, and migrated with him and their surviving children to Brown County, Kansas, about 1880, although it is possible that they spent a few years between 1870 and 1880 with other members of their extended family who were then living in southeast Kansas. The family evidently remained resisdent in Brown County or nearby Jackson County for the rest of their lives.
2-2-1. Amos L. Koger, born 1 Nov 1867, .died ~1871§§* "Margaret E. Davidson Koger was born at Albany, Clinton County, Kentucky, March 5, 1843, and died January 21, 1908, at the age of 64 years, 10 months, 16 days. She was married to Amos M. Koger, November 6, 1866. Six children were born to this union. Amos L. Koger, died at age 4; Nancy Mrs. George Reahm; Laura Mrs. C. H. Rosedahl; Martha Mrs. Clinton (sic - Clayton) Johnson J. Walter Koger; and William D. Koger. Mrs. Koger was a member of the M. E. Church, Ken., and at M. E. Church in Everest, Kansas. Buried at Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, Kansas " Names of daughters added in italics." (obituary: Newspaper unknown.)
2-2-2. Nancy Rohanie Elizabeth Koger, born 26 Mar 1869; married George Reahm
2-2-3. Laura Lee Koger§§#, born 12 Feb 1872 in Clinton Co., KY, died 19 Jun 1960 in Nortonville, Jefferson Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co.; married on 10 Oct 1897, Carl Herman Rosdahl, born 10 Oct 1870 in Bates Co., MO. died Sep 1969, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS. They had Ruby, Gladys, Lily, Elsie L., and Lyle A. Rosdahl.
2-2-4. Martha Jane Koger, born 31 Dec 1874 in Clinton Co., KY, died 19 Nov 1944 in Holton, Jackson Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem.; married Clayton A. Johnson, born 1865, died 1956, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS. They had Iva Nell, Lauretta May, and Helen Irene Johnson
2-2-5. James Walter Koger, born Aug 1878 in KY, died 1950, buried Horton Cem., Brown Co., KS; married Laura S. Niehaus, born 15 Aug 1882 in Jackson Co., KS, died 12 Jan 1975 in Hiawatha, Brown Co., KS, buried Horton Cem. They had Grace Anise Koger.
2-2-6. William Daniel Koger, born Oct 1885 in KS, died 1956, buried Horton Cem., Brown Co., KS; married Hulda Niehaus, born 27 Jan 1886 in Jackson Co., KS, died 15 Dec 1972 in Horton, Brown Co., KS, buried Horton Cem. They had Edwin, Harold, Walter Amos, and Margaret Koger.§§# "Mrs. Laura L. Rosdahl, 88, wife of Carl Herman Rosdahl, died yesterday at the home of her son, Lyle A. Rosdahl, in Nortonville. She had resided there ten years.
Funeral services will be held at the Farmington Christian Church at 2 p.m. tomorrow, the Rev. C. B. Dennison officiating. Burial will be in the Whiting cemetery. Pallbearers will be Albert Hall, Alfred Heidrich, Tommy Dockweiler, Donald Cowley, Clan Leighton, and Bill Higley.
Besides her husband, she leaves four daughters, Mrs. Cecile M. Beaman, Whiting; Mrs. Ruby F. Stroup, and Mrs. Gladys M. Willis, both of Kansas City, Kas., and Mrs. Elsie L. Smith, Kansas City; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren
She was born near Albany, Ky., Feb. 12, 1872, a daughter of Amos M. and Margaret Davidson Koger. At the age of nine she moved with her parents to Willis. She was married to Carl Herman Rosdahl of Whiting on Oct. 10, 1897. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary last year.
Her parents, two brothers, Walter and William Koger of Horton, and two sisters, Nan Reahm and Jane Johnson, are deceased. A daughter, Lily, died in infancy.
She was a member of the Farmington Christian Church. (obituary: The Atchison Daily Globe, Atchison, Kansas, Mon., June.20, 1960.)""GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Rosdahl, who live 3½ miles north of Nortonville, will observe their golden wedding anniversary with an open house from 2 to 3 p.m. at their home on Sunday Oct. 6.
Mrs. Rosdahl, who before her marriage was Miss Laura Lee Koger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amos M. Koger, was born in Albany, Ky., 75 years ago. Her husband, 76, was born in Butler, Mo., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Rosdahl. They lived in Whiting immediately after their wedding, later moving to Hiawatha, and finally to their farm home north of Nortonville, where they have resided the past 12 years.
They have four daughters: Mrs. Cecile Beaman, Whiting [stepdaughter of Mr Rosdahl]; Mrs. Ruby Stroup, Augusta; Mrs. Gladys Willis, Hiawatha; and Miss Elsie Rosdahl, Kansas City; one son, Lyle Rosdahl, Effingham; three granddaughters, and two grandsons." (anniversary notice: The Atchison Daily Globe, Atchison, Kansas, Mon., Sept.15, 1947.)bb. Children and moves of Amos and Margaret Koger can be verified by census records from Kentucky, Kansas, and Washington. (1880 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 645A, (microfilm: roll T9_410; img. 496); 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Jackson County, Kansas, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 162B, (microfilm: roll T623_483; img. 333); 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Pickett County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 252B, (microfilm: roll T623_1754; img. 141); & 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Jackson County, Kansas, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 161B, (microfilm: roll T624_442; img. 328).)
cc. Horton Cemetery, Brown County, Kansas (/www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=158248&CScn=Horton&CScntry=4&CSst=18&, continuously updated).
2-3. Henry Francis (Dent) Davidson married Nancy Jane Brown. She was born in Hopkins County, Kentucky, which is located in the central western part of the state, reasonably distant from Clinton County. Even so, they were living in Clinton County in 1880; however, by 1900 they had moved to the Cherokee Nation in the Indian Territory. This corresponds to present day northeastern Oklahoma and is consistent with their later residence in 1910 in Montgomery County, Kansas, which is just north of the present boundary between Kansas and Oklahoma. Indeed, Henry's uncle, William Arthur Davidson had already settled in Montgomery County. Nevertheless, by 1920 they had evidently settled in northeastern Kansas near his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Amos Koger.§§§
2-3-1. Delilah Belle Davidson, born 11 Jan 1886 in Wayne Co., KY died 4 Feb 1932 in Brown Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem.; married in Montgomery Co., KS, Charles Emmet Wheeler, born 25 Jan 1880 in Montgomery Co., KS, died 9 Mar 1954 in Coffeyville, Montgomery Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS. They had Ernest, Henry F., Ruth Charlotte, May Violett, Mildred, Walter W., Hazel B., and Mary Wheeler.§§§ These obituaries for the children of Henry Francis Davidson were published electronically without reference to the original newspaper. nevertheless, it is believed that they are reasonably accurate.
2-3-2. Joseph B. Davidson, born 26 Sep 1887 in Clinton Co., KY, died 8 Dec 1966 in Jackson Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem.; married Dorothy Marie Mink, born 31 Oct 1911 in Doniphan Co., KS, died 5 Oct 1984 in Franklin Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS.
2-3-3. John Henry Davidson, born 6 Jun 1890 in Montgomery Co., KS, died 9 Nov 1954 in Jackson Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem.; married Mary Eunice Fisher, born 3 Jun 1892 in Putnam Co., OH, died 4 Apr 1974 in Franklin Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS. They had Francis Newton, Geneva Irene, Doris Lorraine, Wilma Louise, Emmaline Viola, and Lawrence Lee Davidson.
2-3-4. Joseph Abner Davidson, born 19 Sep 1892 in Montgomery Co., KS, died 11 Sep 1928 in Brown Co., KS, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co.; married on 21 Aug 1922, Johanna Brackhahn. They had two children.
2-3-5. Maude E. Davidson, born 31 Dec 1894 in Montgomery Co., KS, died 19 Jun 1938, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS; married (1) on 13 Aug 1930, James G. Smith, born 7 Apr 1881, died 20 Sep 1935, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS, married (2) on 21 Jul 1937, George J. Miller.
2-3-6. Lee Roy Davidson, born 3 Apr 1897 in Indian Terr., died 1 Oct 1953 in Vermilion Co., IL, buried Sunset Memorial Park, Danville; married Neva E. Howes, born 15 Feb 1903 in MO, died 16 Jun 1996, buried in Sunset Memorial Park, Danville, Vermilion Co., IL They had Theola Davidson.
2-3-7. Chester Arthur Davidson, born 5 Mar 1900 in Indian Terr., died 7 Feb 1995 in Florissant, St. Louis Co., MO, buried Spring Hill Cem., Jackson Co., KS; married on 15 Mar 1928, Eula Brashear, died 1984. They had Jayne Arrow and Jerry Davidson.
2-3-8. Treva Elizabeth Davidson, born 26 May 1903 in Montgomery Co., KS, died 7 Jul 1977 in Hiawatha, Brown Co., KS, buried St. Louis Catholic Cem.; married Adam P. Arnold, born 1 Jun 1891 in Nemaha Co., KS, died 1 Jan 1951 in Brown Co., KS They had Norma H. Arnold."Delilah Davidson married Charles Emmet Wheeler on Jan 3, 1906, near Coffeyville, Montgomery County, Kansas. They lived in the vicinity of Coffeyville and Tyro, Kansas, until about 1926, when they moved to the vicinity of Horton, Brown County, Kansas. Delilah was survived by eight children: Ernest, Henry, Ruth, May, Mildred, Walter, Hazel and Mary; four brothers, Jim, John, Roy and Chester; two sisters, Maud Smith and Treva Davidson; and her mother Mrs. H. F. Davidson.
Funeral: Baptist Church, Whiting, Kansas, Saturday, February 6. Burial: Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, Kansas.""James B. Davidson was born September 26, 1887, in Kentucky. He married Dorothy Marie Mink on 08 April 8,1931. Jim was survived by his wife, a son Joseph, a daughter, Anna Meier, 7 grandchildren, his brother Chester Davidson, and a sister Treva Arnold. He was predeceased by a daughter, Ruth Ann (1932-1933).
Jim had lived in the Netawaka and Whiting communities for 30 years. He was a retired farmer and veteran of World War I.
Services at Mercer Funeral Home, Holton, with burial in the Whiting Cemetery.""John Davidson, 64, Horton carpenter, a patient in the Horton hospital for the past week, died yesterday and funeral services will be held Friday 15 2 p.m. at the Rake mortuary in Horton. Burial will be at Whiting.
Survivors include his wife and the following children: Francis Davidson, Holden, Mo.; Irene Gill, Muscotah; Doris, at the home; Wilma Cooper, Independence, Mo.; Emmeline Whitney, Catlin, Ill.; and Lawrence, of Horton.""Joseph Abner Davidson died at Horton, Kansas, at age 35. He was born at Elk City, in Montgomery County, to Henry Francis and Jane Brown Davidson. He served as a soldier in France with Company 'K,' 352d Infantry in the 88th Division.
He married Johanna Brackhahn, granddaughter of Ernest and Sophie Brackhahn of Falls City, Nebraska on August 21, 1922. They had two children.
Survived by his wife and children, his mother, Mrs. H. F. Davidson, five brothers and three sisters: Mrs. Emmett Wheeler and James B. Davidson of Horton, John H. Davidson of Ponca City, Okla., Miss Maude of Horton, Roy of Whiting, Chester of St. Louis, and Miss Treva of Horton.
Services: Methodist Episcopal Church in Whiting, Thursday, September 13. Burial: Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, Kansas.""Maude Ethel Davidson was born on a farm near Tyro, Montgomery County, Kans. on December 31, 1894. Her parents were Henry F. and Nancy Jane Brown Davidson. In 1916 she moved with her parents to a farm near Whiting, Kansas.
She was married to James G. Smith on August 13, 1930. He passed away in September 1935. On July 21, 1937, she married George J. Miller.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister. She is survived by her husband; one sister, Mrs. Adam Arnold of Mayetta; four brothers: John Davidson of Horton, James B. Davidson of Netawaka, Roy Davidson of Whiting and Chester Davidson of St. Louis, Mo.; relatives and friends.
Funeral services: Whiting Baptist Church. Burial: Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, Kansas.""Lee Roy Davidson, last residing in Danville, Illinois, died at age 56. He was born Apr. 3, 1897, in Oklahoma, the son of Henry F. and Nancy Brown Davidson.
Survived by his wife, Neva; two sons, four daughters, three brothers, John, James and Chester, a sister, Treva Arnold, and eight grandchildren.
Burial: Sunset Memorial Park in Danville.""Chester was born in Tyro, Montgomery, Kansas, to Henry F. and Nancy J. Brown Davidson. He married Eula Brashear on March 15, 1928. They lived for many years in the St. Louis area where Chet owned a barber shop. Eula died in 1984. At the time of his death, Chet was residing at a Florissant health-care center. Also preceding him were his daughter, Jayne Arrow; his son, Jerry; three sisters; and four brothers. He was survived by six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Graveside service and burial: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Spring Hill Cemetery, Whiting, Kansas. Arrangements by Maple-Chaney Funeral Home, Horton, Kansas." According to census population schedules, Chester Davidson was, in fact, born in the Indian Territory, kater, Oklahoma."Treva Elizabeth Davidson was born May 26, 1903, in Tyro, Montgomery County, Kansas. Her parents were Henry F. and Nancy Jane Brown Davidson. Treva married Adam Arnold on April 11, 1934, at Hiawatha, Kansas. He preceased her.
Survivor: brother, Chester A. Davidson of Florissant, Missouri."dd. Children and moves of Henry Francis and Jane Davidson can be verified by census records from Kentucky and Kansas. (1880 US Census Population Schedule for Clinton County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 645A, (microfilm: roll T9_410; img. 496); 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 245B, (microfilm: roll T623_1843; img. 498); & 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Montgomery County, Kansas, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 248A, (microfilm: roll T624_448; img. 963); & 1920 US Census Population Schedule for Jackson County, Kansas, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 222A, (microfilm: roll T625_534; img. 992).)
ee. Bruce Yoek, Fentress County Historical Society, "York's Fentress County Tennessee", electronically published, 2012.
(unpublished notes)
back to bio.4a. Davidson Cemetery, Davidson Cemetery at Forbus, or Wayne Davison Cemetery: This cemtery was reportedly established by Wayne Davidson during the Civil War. It is located in Pickett County, Tennessee, just off of US Route 127 about a quarter of a mile west of Forbus, very near the boudary with Fentress County. (Forbus is actually located in Fentress County.) Currently, it is still active with 502 burials.
b. Abner Davidson Cemetry or Crouch Cemetery: Undoubtedly, a very old cemetery in which the last burial appears to have been in 1940. There are reportedly 25 interments. The location of the cemetery is uncertain, but it is in Pickett County in the vicinity of Travisville.
c. Davidson Cemetery or Davidson Cemetery in Fentress County: Although this cemetery is known as "Davidson Cemetery", there do not appear to be any Davidson burials. This may be because such interments were very early and no markers remain. The cemetery is located about fifteen miles southwest of Jamestown about a quarter of a mile north of Tennessee Route 85 near Wilder. Therre are 105 burials reported and the cemetery appears to be still active with the latest burial in 2012 and others in the 1980's and 1990's.
d. Davidson Cemetery or Davidson Cemetery in Clinton County: The cemetery isl ocated about six and one third miles west southwest of the town of Albany on the south side of Wisdom Dock Road. There are 58 burials, but the cemetery appears inactive with the latest burials in in the first half of the twentieth century.
e. J. Davidson Farm Cemetery: There are only two reported interments, viz., James and Polly Rohanna Davidson, although there may be other unmarked burials. The cemtery is evidently very old and the location is uncertain, but probably in southern Clinton County.
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
5. 1820 US Census Population Schedule for Overton County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 257, (microfilm: roll M33_122; img. 216).6. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 6, (microfilm: roll M19_176; img. 13).
7. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 17, (microfilm: roll M704_523; img. 33).
8. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 425A, (microfilm: roll M432_877; img. 505).
9. Fentress County Tax List of 1833, Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville, TN. (Bruce York (tr), Fentress County TNGenWeb Archives, 2000.)
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10. Larry M. Evans, "Notes by Larry M. Evans", Springfield, IL, May 7, 1979, unpublished. (non-circulating copy available in the Casey County Public Library, Liberty, KY)