Davison Ancestry

Davison Ancestry

This page contains information about the first nine generations of Davisons (through my direct lines) in America. If you would like more information about the twigs and branches of the Davison family tree, please contact me by E-mail.

DAVISON CHAIN OF DESCENT

1. Daniel Davison b. Scotland, abt 1630. Came to Massachusetts in 1650. Married Margaret Low, abt 1658 d. 1693, Wenham, MA 11 children.

2. Peter Davison b. 1670. m. Ann Morgan. d. 1724, Pomfret, CT. 9 children.

3. Daniel Davison b. 3 Mar 1697. m. Martha Babcock. 6 children.

4. Paul Davison b. 30 May 1727, Mansfield, CT. Two marriages. 1. Affia Bradley 2.Mary. My line is through 2nd marriage to Mary. d. aft 1797, Herkimer Co. (?) 8 Children.

5. Dr. Peter Davison b. 1769, Montgomery Co., NY. m. Mary Rankin. d. 18 Sep 1847, while visiting his son in Lake Co., IL. 7 children.

6. Caleb Davison b. 6 Oct 1797, Montgomery Co., NY m. Elizabeth Walrath 15 Aug 1816, (lived at Palatine Bridge, NY) d. 22 Sep 1864, Lake Co., IL. 7 children.

7. William Davison b. 4 Apr 1821, Montgomery Co., NY. m. Mary Ann Gridley, 4 Apr 1846, Lake Co., IL. d. 28 Sep 1885. Antioch, Contra Costa Co., CA. 3 children.

8. Seth Davison b. 19 May 1851. m. Harriet Greuhler VonBarm, 5 Sep 1894, Contra Costa Co. CA. d. 20 Sep 1919, Contra Costa Co. 5 children.

9. Esther Leona Davison b. 27 Sep 1895. m. John Bruns, 21 Jul 1915, Contra Costa Co. CA. d. 14 Jan 1974, Contra Costa Co. CA. 3 Children.

10. Leonard H. Mettier Antioch, CA. 5 children.

*As with all genealogies, expect inaccuracies. For peace of mind, do personal research and draw your own conclusions. TM

The First Davison Generation in America

1630-1693

Daniel Davison came out of Scotland in a period of time when few records were made that have survived. Just how or when he entered the Covenanter Army of 1650 may never be known. Neither is it known whether he was made a prisoner at Dunbar, Scotland, 3 September 1650, or at one of the numerous skirmishes, as Cromwell's Army was sacking towns and butchering the people.

The only record that states that the prisoners at Dunbar were transported to Massachusetts Bay Colony is a letter written by Rev. John Cotton to General Cromwell which states that the Scots that were delivered would be taken care of and their yoke would be made easy as possible. The letter stated that there was much sickness among the Scot Prisoners. They would not become slaves, but indentured servants. After 6-8 years they would be given their liberty.

Daniel Davison, being an industrious, frugal thinking man, soon found himself able to repay his debts in the short period of six years. He became a farmer and married into a substantial English family. His children, also, were able to marry into the best families.

Daniel was not an educated man to any degree. Records indicates that he did not write. He received a deed to a farm at South Ipswich, near the Wenham line and in the present town of Hamilton, Massachusetts, not very distant from the Lynn Iron Works, where he probably worked as a Scottish prisoner.

Daniel Davison, has failed to leave a single word as to his ancestry. His earliest Ipswich record is that of his marriage, recorded on 13 April 1657. His birth date is fixed in 1630 from a court record in 1670 when he gave his age as "about 40 years".

From the beginning, he showed thrift. On 30 September 1667, the selectmen entered an order "that Daniel Davison have leave to build a house and a little fencing". Today, South Hamilton, Massachusetts is situated largely upon the lands once owned by Daniel Davison.

Will of DANIEL DAVISON

In the name of God, Amen. I, Daniel Davison of Ipswich in the County of Essex, in New England, being sick in body, but in sound and disposing memory, praise be given to God for the same do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following:

First; and principal I resign my soul into the merciful hands of almighty God my creator, asuredly hoping through the merits of my Blessed Saviour to obtain pardon and remission of all my sins and my body I commit to the earth whence it was taken, to be decently buried by the discretion of my Executor, hereinafter named, and for the worldly goods and estate the Lord hath given me, I dispose thereof as follows:

I give unto my son WILLIAM, my dwellinghouse and barne and all my outhouses and orchards together with twenty acres of upland and meadow, the house lott being and part of the upland and the rest of the upland adjoining to the house lott on the west and northwest to my son William's at my beloved wifes decease or when she marries.

Item: I give unto my son JOHN, fifteen acres of upland adjoining to Edward Potter and Samuel Lumass their land and so to front upon the road way to Boston also I give to my son John five acres of meadow in Bay Path meadow.

Item: I give unto my son THOMAS, fifteen acres of upland joining to the land I have given my son Daniel, and to joyne to Mr. Whipple's land; also I give to my son Thomas five acres of meadow in Bay Meadow.

Item: I give to my son PETER fifteen acres of upland joyning to the land I have given my son Daniel on the one side and joyning to John Gilbert's land - also I give to my son Peter five acres of meadow in Bay Path meadow and I do oblige my sons John, Thomas and Peter their proportions of upland and meadow to my Beloved wife in the same termes as I have obliged my son William. And whereas there is thirty acres of upland lying between William and Peter's land not disposed, which I value to be worth one hundred and twenty pounds, I doe lieue it in the hands of my Beloved wife whome I constitute and appoint to be my sole executrix of this my last will and testament, to be improved for Legacies to my daughters BRIDGET and DORCAS distributing the overplus making them all equal and I doe appoint my son William to pay ten pounds for the use of his mother in order to my daughters portions Bridget and Dorcas; and my sons Daniel, and Thomas, and Peter shall have the priviledge of a high way to the Bay Road through each others land, and if by Gods providence any of my sons dy without issue then their part of land shall be equally divided among the survivers.

In witness of this my firm act and deed I have hereunto sett my hand and seals___________________

Signed Sealed in presence of Richard Walker Senr; Isaac Swaine.

The Mark of Danll Davison(Seal)

Before ye Honoured Bartho Gedney Esq. Dec. 5, 1693 _________________

Richard Walker Senr; and Isaac Swaine the witnesses within subscribed made oath that they saw Daniel Davison sign and seal, and heard him declare the within written to be his last will and testament, and that he was then of a disposing mind. Attest Steph Sewall Regr.

Inventory of DANIEL DAVISON

From: Probate records of Salem, Mass. Vol. 303. The inventory of the Estate of Daniel Davison deceased taken this 27th day of November, 1693, by us whose names are under subscribed_________________

A Dwelling House and Barne and outhouses 70L, Home Lott and orchard and meadow belonging 110L, 12 acres of tillage land 72 L, Pasture land and Meadow 76 acres 304L, Neet cattle and sheep 34L 1s, Swine and horse and maire 12L 7s, Feather bed and stock bed with furniture 20L, Sheets, table linen and pewter 7L, Iron potts, brass kettle and warming pan 3L, Chests and boxes and three musketts 4 L 10s, Tramel fire pan tongues and frying pan, All utensells of Husbandry 21L 10s, Sadle pollion and bridle and sword 2L 10s, Spinning wheels and other lumber tables and chairs 2L, Indian corn and barley, wheat and rye 34L 14s, Hay in Barne and oates threshed 17L 12s, Sider and flax 14L 10s, Total 720L 12s, Debts due from the estate fiz, General expense 8L 5s, Other debts 8L 1s.

Richard Walker John Gilbert Davison Exrx.

Before the Honored Bartho Gedney, Esq. 12/5/1693 made oath that the above is a true perfect inventory of ye estate of her late husband Daniel Davison deceased if more comes to her knowledge she will ad the same. Attest Steph Sewall

Children of DANIEL DAVISON and wife MARGARET LOW Married April 13, 1657

1. Margaret, b. 24 Sep 1658, d. Jul 1666

2. Sarah, b. 30 Mar 1660, m. Anthony Dike

3. Daniel, b. 1662, m. 28 Jun 1685 to Sarah Dodge, who d. 1703

4. William, b. 1664, d. 17 Jan 1730 (Hamilton headstone, but he may have d. 16 Jan 1728) m. Mary.

5. PETER (2) b. 1670, m. 16 Jan 1695-6 to Anne Morgan, d/o Joseph Morgan of Preston or Norwich, Connecticut.

6. Thomas, d. 2 Dec 1724, m. 18 Nov 1695 Hanna Tracey (Johnathan, Liet. Thomas) of Norwich, Connecticut.

7. John, d. Nov 1735, m. Martha Dodge

8. Bridget, mentioned in her father's will.

9. Dorcas, mentioned in her father's will

10. Elizabeth, not in her father's will, m. 23 Mar 1681 to Daniel Reddington.

11. Margaret, b. 26 Jan 1669, (mentioned in will of her grandfather, Thomas Low, 1677, but not in will of her father in 1692.)

Wenham Cemetery

In 1693 and for a half century thereafter, the Davisons lived in the "Hamlet of Ipswich" which was in a part of Wenham. Here they attended church and school and buried their dead. In the southwest corner of the ancient part of the Wenham Cemetery today is a triangular tract that has no markings of burials. Just outside this area are found the most ancient markers in the cemetery. In this triangle are buried the 57 church members named in Rev. Gerrish's record of those buried since he came 1674-1719. Daniel Davison was number 33 on that list, and a memorial to him and his wife has been erected in the middle of the triangular area, which may have been his resting place. The inscription reads:

In memory of Daniel Davison, born in Scotland, 1630-1693

and of his wife, Margaret Low.

Ancestors of the most numerous family of the name in America.

Buried 1693 by Rev. Joseph Gerrish.

PETER DAVISON

The Second Generation in America.

Peter Davison was the eighth child born to Daniel Davison and Margaret Lowe of Ipswich, Massachusetts. He married at Preston, Connecticut, Ann Morgan, the daughter of Joseph and Dorothy (Parke) Morgan, of Preston, CT. They were married on 6 Jan 1696. Their children were as follows:

1. DANIEL (3) b. 3 Mar 1697; bp. Stonington First Church, 12 Sep 1697.

2. HANNAH bp. Stonington First Church, 12 Sep 1697.

3. DOROTHY b. 6 Jan 1700; bp. Preston, 2 Feb 1700-1; m. 8 Nov 1726 Phinehas Reddington. d. 2 Jul 1784.

4. JOSEPH b. 20 Jan 1703; bp. Preston, 21 Feb 1703. d. 21 Jul 1757.

5. WILLIAM b. 15 Mar 1705; bp. Preston, 22 Apr 1705.

6. PETER b. 9 Aug 1709; bp. at Norwich, CT., 11 Sep 1709

7. PAUL b. 5 Apr 1711; bp. at Mansfield, First Church, 20 May 1711

8. ANN b. 25 Apr 1714; bp. at Mansfield, 3 May 1714; m. Isaac Warner of Windham, CT.

9. DEBORAH b. 27 Dec 1717; bp. at Mansfield, 2 Feb 1718; m. 2 Jul 1746, Samuel Webb of Windham, CT

*Note-- that children Joseph, Dorothy, Ann, and Deborah are names passed down from the Morgan family.

From Davison History written by A. Davison

DANIEL DAVISON

The Third Generation in America.

Daniel Davison, was born in New London County, Connecticut on March 3, 1697. He was baptized at First Church at Stonington, on the 12th of September, 1697. The Family were residents of Preston, but the church at Preston, known as East Society of Norwich at first, was not established until the next year, 1698.

Daniel married Martha Babcock, on March 7, 1721. She was the daughter of Jonathan and Mary Babcock. They resided at Mansfield.

Their children were all baptized at First Church in Mansfield, Connecticut. The family later appears in Dutchess County, New York, about 1750. There are many Davisons and Davidsons in the area at this time.

The children of Daniel and Martha were as follows:

1. DANIEL b. 31 Nov 1721; bp. 12 Dec 1731

2. PETER b. 30 Jan 1723-4; bp. 12 Dec 1731

3. PAUL (4) b. 30 May 1727; bp. 12 Dec 1731

4. MARY b. May 1732; bp. 12 Dec 1731 m. Wm. Ford, 19 Aug 1755 at Rombout Church Dutchess Co., N.Y., "both of Poughkeepsie".

5. JOSHUA bp. 26 Mar 1728

6. PRINCE 20 Jul 1740

From Davison History written by A. Davison

PAUL DAVISON

The Fourth Generation in America.

Paul Davison, was born at Mansfield, Connecticut on May 30, 1727. He was baptized on Dec. 12, 1731. He had two marriages. His first marriage was to Affia Bradley. They were married at the Presbyterian Church at Rombout, Dutchess Co., New York on Aug. 19, 1751. His second marriage was to a woman named Mary. Tradition says Mary was of Dutch descent.

The first Davison settlement in Dutchess County was near Fishkill Plains, half way from Fishkill to Poughkeepsie, but they were near enough to the early Rombout Church to attend the same. This church is now locally forgotten, and its records are in the library of the New York Historical Society at New York City. Family tradition is he resided at Poughkeepsie until about 1788, he then moved to Poeymans, in S.E. Albany County, and about 1797 to Salisbury, Herkimer Co. His grave has not been located.

There seem to be no children from his first marriage, and it is not certain that all of the children from his second marriage are listed here:

1. PETER (5) b. at Albany, N.Y., 1769. d. at Barrington, IL while on a visit to his son, in 1847. m. Mary Rankin. He was a physician at Albany, N.Y.

2. CALEB Resided at Salisbury, Herkimer Co., N.Y., had five children.

3. PHEBE b. 1773. d. 1859. m. Abraham Rundell and had 13 children.

4. DEBORAH b. 1776. d. 1833. m. Samuel Rundell and had 10 children, resided

From Davison History written by A. Davison

Dr. PETER DAVISON

The Fifth Generation in America

Peter Davison (5) was born at Albany, N.Y. in 1769, six years before the start of the Revolutionary War. He married Mary Rankin. Mary died about 1840 at Albany, N.Y. Peter died at Crystal Lake, Lake Co., Illinois on Sept. 18, 1847 while visiting his son, Caleb. He was buried in New York.

Dr. Davison was a prominent physician of his period and retired from practice about the time of the death of his wife. He was noted for a cancer treatment which is mentioned in Dunglinson's Medical Dictionary as "Davison's Remedy for Cancer".

Their children were all born at Albany, New York:

1. CALEB (6) b. 6 Oct 1797; d. 22 Sep 1864; m. Elizabeth Walrath, at Palatine Bridge, N.Y.; seven children.

2. WILLIAM R. d. 4 Jul 1843; one son; William R. resided in Wisconsin.

3. PETER d. 4 Jul 1849.

4. PHOEBE m. Abram Pettinger of Albany. 2 children; Abraham and James.

5. JEANETT m. Andrew Abel at Albany; four children; Charles, Esther, Henry, Mary.

6. EMELINE m. James Bennett; resided at Buffalo, N.Y.

7. __________ m. McDougal, N.Y. City; two children.

From Davison History written by A. Davison

Caleb Davison

When Caleb Davison was born, George Washington was just ending his second term as President of the United States, and John Adams was soon to be inaugurated. Caleb was born in Albany, Montgomery Co., New York on 6 Oct 1797. He married Elizabeth (Betsy) Walrath, the daughter of Peter and Eva Walrath, at Palatine Bridge, along the Mohawk River in Montgomery Co., New York. They were married on 15 Aug 1815 at the Dutch Reformed Church in the town of Minden. Improvements in transportation hastened immigration to the northern counties of Illinois, and in April of 1836 they moved their family to Lake County Illinois and settled at Lake Zurich. Elizabeth died 29 Apr 1861. Caleb died 22 Sep 1864. (Just five month after his son William left for California.) They are both buried at White Cemetery in Barrington, Lake Co., Illinois. (Commentary written by Toni Mann)

Their children were all born at Palatine Bridge, Montgomery Co., New York.

1. Andrew b. Feb 1818; d. in Indiana. m. April 1848 Abia Welden.

2. William b. Apr 1821; d. 28 Sep 1885 in Antioch, Contra Costa, CA. m. 4 Apr 1847 to Mary Ann Gridley.

3. Mary Eveline b. Oct 1823. d. 17 Sep 1847. Died a single person. Buried at White Cemetery, Barrington, IL.

4. Peter b. 19 Apr 1826. d. 4 Feb 1892, Buried at White Cemetery with his wife and child. m. 13 Feb 1850 to Martha Maria Whedon. Children Eugene, 1852-1854, Charles b. 13 Jan 1858, became a surgeon (and Peter's grandson, Charles Marshall also became a surgeon in Chicago, IL.)

5. Margaret b. 23 Sep 1829. d. 10 Mar 1880, buried in Edgewood, IL. m. May 1850 to John Ralfh; four children: Mary, Martha, Eva, ...

6. Martha b. Feb 1830 in New York.

7. Elizabeth Walrath b. Jun 1834. d. at Edgewood, IL. m. Warren Turner; two children, Ernest and Warren.

From Davison History written by A. Davison

WILLIAM DAVISON

The SeventhGeneration in America.

James Monroe was President when William Davison was born on April 4, 1821 at Palatine Bridge, Montgomery Co., New York. This area is located along the Mohawk River, in an area that was largely settled by German immigrants. In 1836 he traveled with his family to eventually settle in Lake County, Illinois. He met a neighbor girl who was also from New York. Her name was Mary Ann Gridley, the daughter of John Gridley and Nancy Seely Gridley. They were married on Williams' birthday, April 4, 1846. They had three children when they too, decided to move their family to far away places. In 1864, three years into the Civil War, they left Illinois for California. William died on September 28 1885. Mary Ann died on August 31, 1908. Her grandchildren called her "Bammy". (Commentary written by Toni Mann)

Their children were:

1. ELLEN SEELY b. 28 Feb 1847; d. 2 Sep 1915, never married. Buried, Antioch, Contra Costa Co., California.

2. EVELINE WALRATH b. 6 Dec 1849; d. 21 Feb 1911, never married. Buried, Antioch, Contra Costa Co., California

3. SETH (8) b. 19 May 1851; m. 5 Sep 1894 to Harriet vonBarm (1877-1913), d. 20 Sep 1919. Buried, Antioch, Contra Costa Co., California.

The Davison family at their ranch in Antioch, CA.

SETH DAVISON

The Eighth Generation in America.

Seth Davison was born on May 19, 1851 in Lake Zurich, Lake Co., Illinois. He crossed the plains to California in 1864. On September 5, 1894 he married, Harriet vonBarm, whose family had immigrated from Germany. They had five children. Harriet or "Hattie" as she was called, died on September 3, 1913, shortly after the birth of their fifth child, Marion. She was only 36 years old. Seth died six years later on September 20, 1919.

The children of Seth and Hattie Davison were:

1. ESTHER LEONA b. 27 Sep 1895; m. John Bruns, 21 Jul 1915; d. 14 Jan 1974, Concord, CA. Buried in Antioch, Contra Costa, California.

2. RUTH BLISS b. 17 Sep 1897; m. James E. Williamson, 9 Jun 1920; d. 4 Jun 1960; Buried in Antioch, California.

3. ALIDA HARRIET b. 12 Mar 1901; m. Lester F. Bower, 9 Jun 1920; d. 1990; Buried in Antioch, California.

4. LELAND LINCOLN b. 14 Nov 1905; m. Minerva Ligon; d. 23 Dec 1965; Buried in Antioch, California.

5. MARION G. b. 3 Sep 1913; d. 3 Sep 1913

Esther Leona Davison

Esther Leona Davison was my grandmother. She was born near Antioch on 27 Sep 1895. The oldest child of Seth and Hattie Davison. She was raised on a ranch just outside of Antioch. Esther's mother Hattie died when Esther was a teenager and she was left to take over her mother's responsibilities in the home. She met and married John Bruns, a young man from a neighboring town, with a future of hope and promise. They were married on 21 Jul 1915. Four years later, John was tragically killed while helping a stranded motorist. (see obituary below) The tractor he was driving flipped oved and on top of him as he was pulling the other man's car out of a ditch. Esther was left a widow with two small children to raise. Life after John would not be easy for her. She married four more times, but never found another man to match her first love. Esther died in Concord, CA, on 14 Jan 1974.

The children of Esther and John Bruns:

1. John Donald Bruns b.6 Dec 1916 in Antioch, CA.

2. Leona Bruns b. 13 Sep 1918 in Antioch, CA. d. 7 May 1988 and is buried in Antioch, Contra Costa Co., CA.

3. Leonard Hayes Mettier

The Davisons of Lake County, Illinois

The Davisons lived in an area of Lake Co., Illinois, known as Indian Creek Precinct. It embraced what now comprises the townships of Vernon, Ela, Fremont and Libertyville, and portions of Cuba and Wauconda.

Caleb Davison moved to Lake Co., from northern New York, with his family, in 1837. The Eerie Canal had just been opened and many families were emigrating west. "Chicago was but a small village when the family settled on government land, thirty miles out in a most beautiful and rich country, composed of prairie and timber land about evenly distributed; an ideal country for new beginners who yet had their fortunes to make." (Quoted from, Crossing The Plains in '64, by Seth Davison, grandson of Caleb Davison.)

Caleb Davison is remembered as building the first school house in Ela Township, in 1838. In 1839 he is found in the records as being an elections judge, with the polling place being held at the home of M. T. White. In 1840, Caleb Davison is noted as a juror at the first session of the Circuit Court of the seventh Circuit held in Lake County. This was held at the schoolhouse at Burlington and Judge Pearson presided.

The land in Lake County had not been surveyed and made ready for sale until 1840. People lived on the land prior to that time and the Illinois government recognized and protected the settlers' claims. Generally those living on the land were given preference when purchase time came. The Davisons would have traveled to the land office in Chicago to purchase their land at $2.00 per acre. Terms of payment extended over a period of time. According to land maps, the Davisons owned several sections of land, each section being one square mile or 640 acres.

At the beginning of the Civil War, all men under the age of 45 needed to register for the military, although, older men most likely would not be drafted. On the 1862 Lake County Military Census Peter Davison (age 35), and William Davison (age 41), are listed as "farmers". They were not drafted.

In May of 1864, Caleb's son William left Illinois for California. Caleb died four months later. Elizabeth, Caleb's wife, had died three years previously. In a letter written to Mary, William's wife, from her father, John Gridley, it is noted that William desired to take his family to California because he was having health problems, and thought a more mild climate would help. As families packed up their belongings and headed west they knew there would be many dangers, and they also knew that they most likely would never again see the family they left behind.

Caleb Davison, his wife Elizabeth, their son Peter, daughter Mary and grandson, Eugene are buried at White Cemetery in Barrington, Lake County, Illinois. In September of 1994 their graves were visited by a member of the local historical society. The only legible stone was that of Eugene Davison who was two years old when he died. The other stones were broken and badly weathered. They were made of sandstone, which does not usually last for more than seventy years. (The above commentary was written by Toni Mann)

Illinois GenWeb

Genealogy and Family History in Illinois

The Davisons

of Contra Costa County California

William and Mary Davison crossed over the Nevada/California border one year after leaving Illinois. They marveled at their first glimpses of the gigantic California redwoods and the beauty of Lake Tahoe.

They found a home in Sonoma County and lived there for about a year, but were not please with the area. William and Seth traveled throughout the countryside, looking for a place that would suit them. They eventually found such a place "at the mouth of the San Joaquin river, where ocean-going vessels frequent and the climate is about perfect". (From, Crossing the Plains in '64, by Seth Davison.) Four years after leaving their Illinois home, they were now happy to finally settle in their new home, Antioch. On October 27, 1874, they were able to pay off the mortgage on their ranch home, to finally "be in debt to no man", as they were counseled by Mary's father, John Gridley.

Seth grew to manhood and married Hattie vonBarm, a local girl whose family had emigrated from Germany. Ellen went to school in San Francisco. Eva stayed on the ranch and kept a diary of the daily events in the Davison household. Neither Eva nor Ellen ever married. After William's death, Seth maintained the ranch, with his mother and sisters. Seth and Hattie had four children that grew up on the ranch.

Seth was a community leader, respected and admired by all. For a time he was President of the Bank of Antioch. He enjoyed his family and is remembered as especially loving children.

Sadness struck the family when Hattie died, along with their fifth child, Marion, due to complications at childbirth. She was only 36 years old and was loved by all those that knew her. After her heath, family ties were broken between the vonBarms (Hattie's parents) and the Davisons.

Seth died six years after Hattie. Leland, Seth's only son, inherited the ranch. After Lee's death, the ranch was inherited by Stanley Davison, his only son. Due to rising property taxes, Stanley was forced to sell the land, and today it is covered with homes. One of the major streets in the subdivision of homes was named "Davison Drive".

Genealogy in Contra Costa County

OBITUARIES

MRS. DAVISON DIES SUDDENLY

CAME AS A SHOCK TO WIDE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. Was Born in Germany But Resided Near Antioch. Funeral Services Held Yesterday.

Mrs. Seth Davison passed away at the family home south of town Wednesday evening, following an illness of several weeks, but the news of her death proved a shock to all, as she was widely known and highly respected woman.

Although born in Germany, she came to this place with her parents when quite young. "Hattie" von Barm, as she was known to all, previous to her marriage to Mr. Davison nineteen years ago yesterday, was universally popular. She possessed an affectionate disposition, was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed the friendship of a large circle of dear friends, who will sincerely mourn her death. Mrs. Davison was 36 years of age.

There are left besides a husband, three daughters and one son, being Esther, Ruth and Alyda and Leland. Also a mother, Mrs. C. von Barm of this place and four sisters, being Mrs. Elsie McNamara of Galt, Mrs. Fred Hodgson, Mrs. J. H. . Trythall and Miss Norma von Barm, all residents of this place.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church yesterday, the deceased having been a faithful member of that denomination many years. They were conducted by the pastor, Rev. L. P. Walker, assisted by Rev. A. B. Roberts of the Congregational Church, Mrs. Davison having been an attendant at the latter church during her girlhood days. The services were very impressively conducted and both ministers spoke tenderly of the noble deeds of the departed and the promise for eternal life for those who were faithful. The auditorium was well filled with neighbors and friends and all were deeply moved. A choir composed of Mrs. E. P. Rapp, Miss Grace Cole and Messrs. Christian and Schott rendered appropriate hymns.

The interment was in the Masons' and Odd Fellows' Cemetery, manager Howard Preston of the Kelley Undertaking Parlors being in charge. The pall-bearers were: W. C. Williamson, William Hornback, Carl Bonnickson, James Hines, William Uren and H. Jensen.Born in Germany But resided near Antioch.

Pioneer Passes Away

MARY A. DAVISON

Printed in Lake County, IL Independent, Friday, Sept. 25, 1908.

The following is a clipping from the Antioch Ledger of September 5th concerning Mrs. Mary A. Davison, which will be of interest to old settlers in Lake County. She was the sister of the late George Gridley of this place. Her husband, William Davison, died at his home near Antioch, Calif., in 1885.

Last Monday, Mary A. Davison, a pioneer of this county, and a woman highly esteemed by all who enjoyed the pleasure of her acquaintance, passed away at her home near Antioch, at the ripe old age of 85 years.

Crossing the plains as she did in an early day, at a time when it was a common occurrence for immigrants to be robbed and murdered by the treacherous Indians, and coming to a new country, the deceased was one of the few remaining California pioneers, who left dear friends and braved untold hardships to accompany her husband to their new home.

In early life Mrs. Davison became identified with the Methodist church and remained a faithful Christian woman all her life, beloved by all with whom she came in contact. A short service was observed at the family residence Wednesday, following which the funeral ceremonies were conducted at the Methodist church by the pastor, Rev. C. B. Sylvester, assisted by Rev. Langley, of Byron. The interment was in the Masons' and Odd Fellows' cemetery.

There is left one son and two daughters, being Seth, Ellen and Eva, all residing near Antioch.

Mary A., the daughter of John Gridley and wife was born in Onondago, N.Y., being a descendant of the Seelys, who were members of the Winthrop Colony, which came from England in 1630. Her parents in 1835 removed to Chicago, then far west, a sparsely settled country with neighbors miles distant. On April 4, 1846 she was married to William Davison and resided nearby until 1864 when they crossed the plains with teams. The winters of 1864-5 were spent in Humboldt county, Nevada, following which they came to California. The family came to Antioch in September, 1868 and have resided here ever since that time, being well known to all and especially the older residents.