RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => United States of America => Topic started by: TomGad on Monday 24 November 25 13:50 GMT (UK)
-
Let me give you what information I have that is 100% confirmed to begin with so we do not get too lost.
Robert E Lee Davis was born on June 6th 1875 in Dexter, Missouri.
According to his marriage record his first wife Bertha and second wife Wilma his parents were listed as the following on both records.
The First Marriage:
Listed as F M Davis and Mother simply listed as Collier.
The Second Marriage:
Listed as Frank Davis and Mary Collier.
Can anybody find any other records that state Robert’s family other than this? I cannot find a birth or any records for Frank or Mary Davis. Can anybody help?
-
Just to quickly add to this, it would seem that all of the family are mainly named after American Military Figures.
Robert named a few of his sons after Military Personal just like how he is Robert E Lee after the Confederate General. His son James Pershing Davis is named after the founder of Pershing Rifles. His son Francis Marton Davis may also be named after the American military officer Francis Marion.
Francis Marion could be Robert’s fathers name aswell as the F M initials fit?
-
1880?? Living at Salem, Greene, Arkansas, USA
F. M. Davis 50 Farmer b Kentucky
Mary Davis 35 b Alabama
William Davis 20
Elizabeth Davis 16
Emily Davis 10
Robert Davis 5 b Missoiri
-
1880?? Living at Salem, Greene, Arkansas, USA
F. M. Davis 50 Farmer b Kentucky
Mary Davis 35 b Alabama
William Davis 20
Elizabeth Davis 16
Emily Davis 10
Robert Davis 5 b Missoiri
Sounds very positive, Can you find anything else?
-
Can anybody find any other records that state Robert’s family other than this? I cannot find a birth or any records for Frank or Mary Davis. Can anybody help?
Robert's siblings' marriages would be the first place to look.
By the way, familysearch is a free site, you just need to set up an account. Some records are there that aren't on ancestry.
-
Sounds very positive, Can you find anything else?
familysearch tree has 1870 and 1860.
note where the children were born as you go along. it can tell you the family's migration path.
edit to add:
tree https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/L664-QFF
also earlier thread about Robert Lee Davis himself is at
https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=895207.0
for those "just joining us" :)
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
1871? I can find 1870 but not 71
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
1871? I can find 1870 but not 71
Apologies it is 1870 - I keep thinking of UK census years :-\
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
He remarried in 1884?
-
Can anybody find any other records that state Robert’s family other than this? I cannot find a birth or any records for Frank or Mary Davis. Can anybody help?
Robert's siblings' marriages would be the first place to look.
By the way, familysearch is a free site, you just need to set up an account. Some records are there that aren't on ancestry.
Nearly all of Robert’s siblings are Ghosts. The only one I found anything for and weirdly enough found quite abit of information on is Robert’s brother William Henry Davis. There’s no doubting he is his brother as I have a photo of both of them and you can see they are clearly related. Here are the photos you should be able to see the resemblance. The colored tintype photo is William and The Oval Photo is Robert in about 1902.
-
Can anybody find any other records that state Robert’s family other than this? I cannot find a birth or any records for Frank or Mary Davis. Can anybody help?
Robert's siblings' marriages would be the first place to look.
By the way, familysearch is a free site, you just need to set up an account. Some records are there that aren't on ancestry.
Photo of William
-
Can anybody find any other records that state Robert’s family other than this? I cannot find a birth or any records for Frank or Mary Davis. Can anybody help?
Robert's siblings' marriages would be the first place to look.
By the way, familysearch is a free site, you just need to set up an account. Some records are there that aren't on ancestry.
Photo of Robert
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
1870 - Franklin born in Tennessee, Mary in Georgia. But in 1880 she says Mississippi, and parents in North Carolina.
There are two Collier families from North Carolina on the same page, one with a son born in Mississippi.
If you ever start tracing the Colliers backward, I would start with them.
Edited to add: might be mother and son, if you can read Lucretia Collier's age.
and the mother in the other family was born in Georgia. So odds are that is where "Georgia" came from in 1870 as Mary's alleged birthplace. Needs more looking at.
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
1870 - Franklin born in Tennessee, Mary in Georgia. But in 1880 she says Mississippi, and parents in North Carolina.
There are two Collier families from North Carolina on the same page, one with a son born in Mississippi.
If you ever start tracing the Colliers backward, I would start with them.
Edited to add: might be mother and son, if you can read Lucretia Collier's age.
and the mother in the other family was born in Georgia. So odds are that is where "Georgia" came from in 1870 as Mary's alleged birthplace. Needs more looking at.
Sorry, I dont think I’m quite following what you are saying. Could you explain abit more?
-
1871? Living at Liberty, Stoddard, Missouri - I can't read the parents birthplaces
Franklin Davis 40 Farmer
Mary Davis 30
Wm Davis 10
Thos Davis 8
Elizabeth Davis 6
1870 - Franklin born in Tennessee, Mary in Georgia. But in 1880 she says Mississippi, and parents in North Carolina.
There are two Collier families from North Carolina on the same page, one with a son born in Mississippi.
If you ever start tracing the Colliers backward, I would start with them.
Edited to add: might be mother and son, if you can read Lucretia Collier's age.
and the mother in the other family was born in Georgia. So odds are that is where "Georgia" came from in 1870 as Mary's alleged birthplace. Needs more looking at.
Looks like Mary married Daniel Sortor, This info is relevant as they had a daughter named Lucretia Sortor. Maybe named after her grandmother making the Lucretia Collier entry the correct entry?
-
Looks like Mary married Daniel Sortor, This info is relevant as they had a daughter named Lucretia Sortor. Maybe named after her grandmother making the Lucretia Collier entry the correct entry?
I completely missed the Sorters in that household. That ties them all together. The older Lucretia's age is transcribed by familysearch as 70. So she would be the mother of Mary Collier who married Francis M Davis. Charles (44) and the older Frances (42) listed after Lucretia would be Mary's siblings, born in NC before the family moved west.
Another of Mary's sisters was probably the wife of a Sorter, making Thomas, Jane, and Lucretia (10) Mary's nephew and nieces. The sister dies, Mr Sorter remarries, and the kids go to the wife's family
Mary (Collier) Davis' birthplace being given as Georgia in 1870 might just be a mistake. Charles' wife Mahala was born in Georgia so I thought the Collier family might have touched down there for a while on their way to Mississippi and then to Missouri, but not necessarily so.
At any rate you have another generation backward, Lucretia (70), without much effort. Nice when the families all live together.
-
Looks like Mary married Daniel Sortor, This info is relevant as they had a daughter named Lucretia Sortor. Maybe named after her grandmother making the Lucretia Collier entry the correct entry?
I completely missed the Sorters in that household. That ties them all together. The older Lucretia's age is transcribed by familysearch as 70. So she would be the mother of Mary Collier who married Francis M Davis. Charles (44) and the older Frances (42) listed after Lucretia would be Mary's siblings, born in NC before the family moved west.
Another of Mary's sisters was probably the wife of a Sorter, making Thomas, Jane, and Lucretia (10) Mary's nephew and nieces. The sister dies, Mr Sorter remarries, and the kids go to the wife's family
Mary (Collier) Davis' birthplace being given as Georgia in 1870 might just be a mistake. Charles' wife Mahala was born in Georgia so I thought the Collier family might have touched down there for a while on their way to Mississippi and then to Missouri, but not necessarily so.
At any rate you have another generation backward, Lucretia (70), without much effort. Nice when the families all live together.
Should I make a new thread for the Colliers?
-
Better to stick to one family at a time and do them thoroughly. I mentioned the Colliers so you would take note of them for when you got around to working on them later.
-
Better to stick to one family at a time and do them thoroughly. I mentioned the Colliers so you would take note of them for when you got around to working on them later.
I can’t find anything before the 1870 Census for Frank Davis. The issue is his name is different on the two census’ I do have. 1870 he is Franklin Davis and in 1880 he is just F M Davis.
Can anybody find anything before 1870?
-
I found 1860. I'll post it later. He should be on the 1850 census also. Everyone in the household was listed, so even if he's with his parents he should be there. From 1840 and back it only listed the heads of the household.
-
1860 Township 18 N Range 13 E, Pemiscot County, Missouri
P.O. Caruthersville
July 13, 1860
Page 39, family 289
Francis M Davis, age not known, levee builder, personal estate: $200, born in Kentucky
Josephine Davis, age not known, housewife, born in Missouri
Alex Devlin, age not known, female, no occupation, real estate: 200, born in Missouri
William H Davis, 1, born in Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH8M-C3W?lang=en
-
These are not him in 1850.
1850 Caldwell County, Kentucky
not him. mother born in Caldwell County
Francis M Davis, 16, born in Kentucky
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65B-74K?lang=en
1850 District 1, Bourbon County, Kentucky not him.
is this him? no. in 1860 he is still with Catherine Canady. And in 1870 he is still in Bourbon County, as a farm laborer.
family 424
William Canady, 63, farmer, real estate: $12,000, born in Kentucky
Catherine Canady, 60, born in Maryland
Francis M Davis, 16, born in Kentucky
Levi, 23, black, laborer, born in Kentucky
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65T-5M5?lang=en
-
1860 Township 18 N Range 13 E, Pemiscot County, Missouri
P.O. Caruthersville
July 13, 1860
Page 39, family 289
Francis M Davis, age not known, levee builder, personal estate: $200, born in Kentucky
Josephine Davis, age not known, housewife, born in Missouri
Alex Devlin, age not known, female, no occupation, real estate: 200, born in Missouri
William H Davis, 1, born in Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH8M-C3W?lang=en
Ancestry has Francis’ birth year listed as 1832 for this entry. Also, Who is Josephine?
-
1860 Township 18 N Range 13 E, Pemiscot County, Missouri
P.O. Caruthersville
July 13, 1860
Page 39, family 289
Francis M Davis, age not known, levee builder, personal estate: $200, born in Kentucky
Josephine Davis, age not known, housewife, born in Missouri
Alex Devlin, age not known, female, no occupation, real estate: 200, born in Missouri
William H Davis, 1, born in Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH8M-C3W?lang=en
I think I have figured it out going through Lee Davis’ Tree on Ancestry. Francis must have been with or married Josephine at some point. Lee has her listed as Josephine Celisbeast.
Josephine was also married to a Mr Thomas Doolin and they had a son Alex Doolin. Now whether this is a relation to the Doolin on the Davis Census I believe could be true. Does this link it all together do you think?
-
I think I have figured it out going through Lee Davis’ Tree on Ancestry. Francis must have been with or married Josephine at some point. Lee has her listed as Josephine Celisbeast.
Josephine was also married to a Mr Thomas Doolin and they had a son Alex Doolin. Now whether this is a relation to the Doolin on the Davis Census I believe could be true. Does this link it all together do you think?
Makes sense to me and it explains who Alex is on the 1860 and 1870 censuses. I couldn't read the last name on either sheet.
-
Should I make a new thread for the Colliers?
Here are the Colliers back to England, if the research is correct.
They have Mary Collier's marriage to Daniel Sorter, who died in 1862, and their 3 children found with F.M. Davis and Mary in 1870. They don't have her marriage to Francis Marion Davis.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/L63L-T5S
-
On your findagrave page for Robert E Lee Davis you say that his father, Francis Marion Davis, died sometime between 1930 and 1940. How do you know? If you have his censuses after 1900 could you post them? Also his wife if she survived him.
Phoebe is a widow in 1910.
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/7884/records/176915782?tid=&pid=&queryId=0cd91843-a870-4a65-bf2b-4c2f6adf0ad5&_phsrc=Xuz504&_phstart=successSource
I hope I converted the link from U.S. to UK correctly. If not, just look for Phebe Davis, b 1852, living in Stoddard County in 1910.
-
Missouri death records start in 1910 on their state site, so no death record for Francis Marion Davis. Too bad, it might have included his parents' names if his survivors knew them.
Here is Phoebe's for reference:
her death: https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1925/1925_00003613.PDF
parents: David Humphrey, b Jonesboro TN, Siss. Rilly, b Jonesboro, TN
so her maiden name was Humphrey. She must have married a Mr. Barber before marrying Francis M.
-
On your findagrave page for Robert E Lee Davis you say that his father, Francis Marion Davis, died sometime between 1930 and 1940. How do you know? If you have his censuses after 1900 could you post them? Also his wife if she survived him.
Phoebe is a widow in 1910.
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/7884/records/176915782?tid=&pid=&queryId=0cd91843-a870-4a65-bf2b-4c2f6adf0ad5&_phsrc=Xuz504&_phstart=successSource
I hope I converted the link from U.S. to UK correctly. If not, just look for Phebe Davis, b 1852, living in Stoddard County in 1910.
Not sure where that find a grave info is from as its incorrect
-
1860 Township 18 N Range 13 E, Pemiscot County, Missouri
P.O. Caruthersville
July 13, 1860
Page 39, family 289
Francis M Davis, age not known, levee builder, personal estate: $200, born in Kentucky
Josephine Davis, age not known, housewife, born in Missouri
Alex Devlin, age not known, female, no occupation, real estate: 200, born in Missouri
William H Davis, 1, born in Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH8M-C3W?lang=en
Love how scuffed these census’ are at times. Here in 1860 Josephine’s birth location is set as Missouri but on her son’s death certificate it states her birth as being in France!
-
I think I have figured it out going through Lee Davis’ Tree on Ancestry. Francis must have been with or married Josephine at some point. Lee has her listed as Josephine Celisbeast.
Josephine was also married to a Mr Thomas Doolin and they had a son Alex Doolin. Now whether this is a relation to the Doolin on the Davis Census I believe could be true. Does this link it all together do you think?
Where did the Doolins marry, live, be born and die, do you know? It might be another place to look for Francis Marion Davis.
-
Love how scuffed these census’ are at times. Here in 1860 Josephine’s birth location is set as Missouri but on her son’s death certificate it states her birth as being in France!
Information depends on the person giving it. But sometimes a wrong location can tell you something. Was Josephine French? France owned Louisiana, Arkansas and a whole lot more of North America until 1803. I haven't looked up the name Celisbeast yet.
Also U.S. censuses are not done the same as the U.K. An enumerator goes around, tries to find everyone, and talks to whoever answers the door. So if the wife answers and she knows her husband's family was from North Carolina, she might assume he was born there also. Sometimes a neighbor might provide the information. You never know what you will get, so you have to factor in the answers and see if they are telling you anything after all.
-
I think I have figured it out going through Lee Davis’ Tree on Ancestry. Francis must have been with or married Josephine at some point. Lee has her listed as Josephine Celisbeast.
Josephine was also married to a Mr Thomas Doolin and they had a son Alex Doolin. Now whether this is a relation to the Doolin on the Davis Census I believe could be true. Does this link it all together do you think?
Where did the Doolins marry, live, be born and die, do you know? It might be another place to look for Francis Marion Davis.
Thomas Doolin Married Werrmaford Custus (Josephine apparently) in Jefferson Missouri on February 27th 1854. Thomas was seemingly from Ireland
-
Love how scuffed these census’ are at times. Here in 1860 Josephine’s birth location is set as Missouri but on her son’s death certificate it states her birth as being in France!
Information depends on the person giving it. But sometimes a wrong location can tell you something. Was Josephine French? France owned Louisiana, Arkansas and a whole lot more of North America until 1803. I haven't looked up the name Celisbeast yet.
Also U.S. censuses are not done the same as the U.K. An enumerator goes around, tries to find everyone, and talks to whoever answers the door. So if the wife answers and she knows her husband's family was from North Carolina, she might assume he was born there also. Sometimes a neighbor might provide the information. You never know what you will get, so you have to factor in the answers and see if they are telling you anything after all.
Just checked Lee’s tree again, he has Francis Marion Davis down as a Brick Wall. He hasn’t got any info on his parents either. There must be something we can find? Surely
-
Love how scuffed these census’ are at times. Here in 1860 Josephine’s birth location is set as Missouri but on her son’s death certificate it states her birth as being in France!
Information depends on the person giving it. But sometimes a wrong location can tell you something. Was Josephine French? France owned Louisiana, Arkansas and a whole lot more of North America until 1803. I haven't looked up the name Celisbeast yet.
Also U.S. censuses are not done the same as the U.K. An enumerator goes around, tries to find everyone, and talks to whoever answers the door. So if the wife answers and she knows her husband's family was from North Carolina, she might assume he was born there also. Sometimes a neighbor might provide the information. You never know what you will get, so you have to factor in the answers and see if they are telling you anything after all.
I have just found this from 1847 meaning if Francis was born in 1830 he would be 17. Surely he couldn’t have had this many marriages though right? Interesting it mentions Jefferson as I’m sure I have heard that mentioned somewhere else in this mess.
-
I think I have figured it out going through Lee Davis’ Tree on Ancestry. Francis must have been with or married Josephine at some point. Lee has her listed as Josephine Celisbeast.
Josephine was also married to a Mr Thomas Doolin and they had a son Alex Doolin. Now whether this is a relation to the Doolin on the Davis Census I believe could be true. Does this link it all together do you think?
Where did the Doolins marry, live, be born and die, do you know? It might be another place to look for Francis Marion Davis.
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/2525/records/961037?tid=192997417&pid=312533785736&queryId=97614b88-551a-440b-970f-6dd16ae9ec42&_phsrc=Qzo67&_phstart=successSource
Could be Francis? It is F M just mistranscribed as P M if so this confirms he was still alive at least in 1887
-
not him. Neelyville, MO is 50 miles from Liberty Township, MO
he was alive in 1900
1900 Census Liberty Township, Stoddard Co, Missouri
Dudley Village crossed out
June 8, 1900, ED 125, family 99
Frank M Davis, 64, married 17 years, born April 1836 in North Carolina, parents in North Carolina, farmer, owns the mortgaged farm
Jane F Davis, 47, married 17 years, born June 1852, 2 children, 2 alive, born in Tennessee, father also, mother in Alabama
Thomas Davis, 13, son, born September 1886, Missouri
Leora E Davis, 11, daughter, born August 1888, Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3DV-XWV?lang=en
-
not him. Neelyville, MO is 50 miles from Liberty Township, MO
he was alive in 1900
1900 Census Liberty Township, Stoddard Co, Missouri
Dudley Village crossed out
June 8, 1900, ED 125, family 99
Frank M Davis, 64, married 17 years, born April 1836 in North Carolina, parents in North Carolina, farmer, owns the mortgaged farm
Jane F Davis, 47, married 17 years, born June 1852, 2 children, 2 alive, born in Tennessee, father also, mother in Alabama
Thomas Davis, 13, son, born September 1886, Missouri
Leora E Davis, 11, daughter, born August 1888, Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3DV-XWV?lang=en
What proof do you have this 1900 one is him? I dont see how it matches anything at all really
-
death of Pheba Jane Davis, wife of Francis Marion Davis, in Stoddard County, 1925
https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1925/1925_00003613.PDF
death of their son Tommy Estes Davis, son of Francis Marion Davis and Phebe Jane Humphrey, 1959 in Stoddard County. mother's birthplace not asked.
https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/60382/records/76903912
daughter Leora married George W Riddle, who is on the same census page in 1900
her death:
Name Leora Estella Riddle
Leora E Riddle
Sex Female
Birth Date 18 Aug 1888
Birthplace Bernie Stodd*, Missouri, United States
Residence Place Malden, Dunklin, Missouri, United States
Death Date Oct 1988
Father's Name Francis M Davis
Father's Sex Male
Mother's Name Phebe J Humphrey
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K71-N2JR?lang=en
-
death of Pheba Jane Davis, wife of Francis Marion Davis, in Stoddard County, 1925
https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1925/1925_00003613.PDF
death of their son Tommy Estes Davis, son of Francis Marion Davis and Phebe Jane Humphrey, 1959 in Stoddard County. mother's birthplace not asked.
https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/60382/records/76903912
daughter Leora married George W Riddle, who is on the same census page in 1900
her death:
Name Leora Estella Riddle
Leora E Riddle
Sex Female
Birth Date 18 Aug 1888
Birthplace Bernie Stodd*, Missouri, United States
Residence Place Malden, Dunklin, Missouri, United States
Death Date Oct 1988
Father's Name Francis M Davis
Father's Sex Male
Mother's Name Phebe J Humphrey
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K71-N2JR?lang=en
I’ll have to add this to my tree thank you
-
not him. Neelyville, MO is 50 miles from Liberty Township, MO
he was alive in 1900
1900 Census Liberty Township, Stoddard Co, Missouri
Dudley Village crossed out
June 8, 1900, ED 125, family 99
Frank M Davis, 64, married 17 years, born April 1836 in North Carolina, parents in North Carolina, farmer, owns the mortgaged farm
Jane F Davis, 47, married 17 years, born June 1852, 2 children, 2 alive, born in Tennessee, father also, mother in Alabama
Thomas Davis, 13, son, born September 1886, Missouri
Leora E Davis, 11, daughter, born August 1888, Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3DV-XWV?lang=en
Who is Jane F Davis? Is this the correct Frank M Davis? Do the details match up?
-
not him. Neelyville, MO is 50 miles from Liberty Township, MO
he was alive in 1900
1900 Census Liberty Township, Stoddard Co, Missouri
Dudley Village crossed out
June 8, 1900, ED 125, family 99
Frank M Davis, 64, married 17 years, born April 1836 in North Carolina, parents in North Carolina, farmer, owns the mortgaged farm
Jane F Davis, 47, married 17 years, born June 1852, 2 children, 2 alive, born in Tennessee, father also, mother in Alabama
Thomas Davis, 13, son, born September 1886, Missouri
Leora E Davis, 11, daughter, born August 1888, Missouri
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M3DV-XWV?lang=en
This cant be him, He wasnt born April 1836 thats for sure. He was born 1830 from what I know and have seen in the past I believe. He was also born in Kentucky I believe.
-
death of Pheba Jane Davis, wife of Francis Marion Davis, in Stoddard County, 1925
https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1925/1925_00003613.PDF
death of their son Tommy Estes Davis, son of Francis Marion Davis and Phebe Jane Humphrey, 1959 in Stoddard County. mother's birthplace not asked.
https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/60382/records/76903912
daughter Leora married George W Riddle, who is on the same census page in 1900
her death:
Name Leora Estella Riddle
Leora E Riddle
Sex Female
Birth Date 18 Aug 1888
Birthplace Bernie Stodd*, Missouri, United States
Residence Place Malden, Dunklin, Missouri, United States
Death Date Oct 1988
Father's Name Francis M Davis
Father's Sex Male
Mother's Name Phebe J Humphrey
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K71-N2JR?lang=en
Could this whole Phebe/Pheba/Phoeba lady be a Red Herring and this all has nothing to do with my Francis Davis? I feel like something doesnt add with it all
-
death of Pheba Jane Davis, wife of Francis Marion Davis, in Stoddard County, 1925
https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1925/1925_00003613.PDF
death of their son Tommy Estes Davis, son of Francis Marion Davis and Phebe Jane Humphrey, 1959 in Stoddard County. mother's birthplace not asked.
https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/60382/records/76903912
daughter Leora married George W Riddle, who is on the same census page in 1900
her death:
Name Leora Estella Riddle
Leora E Riddle
Sex Female
Birth Date 18 Aug 1888
Birthplace Bernie Stodd*, Missouri, United States
Residence Place Malden, Dunklin, Missouri, United States
Death Date Oct 1988
Father's Name Francis M Davis
Father's Sex Male
Mother's Name Phebe J Humphrey
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K71-N2JR?lang=en
Lets make a chart to show what details we have that have been noted on these census to help build a picture perhaps.
Francis Birth:
1860 Census: Born 1832 Born Kentucky
1870 Census: Born 1830 Born Tennessee
1880 Census: Born 1830 Born Kentucky
Going off this knowledge it seems likely he was probably born in 1830 and the 1860 census is just a couple years out for some reason. Should we try and search for any birth records in Tennessee for Francis/Franklin/F M Davis?
-
Hi. I’m not at the desk right now so this might be a little approximate. Blame all bad grammar on the voice recognition software.
Regarding the red herring questions - there would really have to be more records available to settle the question completely. But they’re not there. You’d have to find death records for your Francis Marion’s wives. The 1890 census which was destroyed would help. Property records would be nice.
I’m pretty sure that Phoebe Jane is the same person as Jane F on that 1900 census. She was probably going by her middle name Jane. And the enumerated did not know how to spell Phoebe. Whether she’s married to your Francis Marion Davis or not, as I said, I can’t be positive. However, there was only one Francis Marion Davis in Stoddard county from 1860 to 1880. Namely your man. He may have died soon after the census, and another Francis Marion Davis moves in and marries Phoebe, whatever her name was at the time, but is it likely?
The three death records I posted, in my opinion, match Jane F and the two children with her in 1900. All of them say that her husband and their father was named Francis Marion Davis. Again, whether or not that is your man or not I can’t be positive. My guess is that it is, but if you find another Francis Marion Davis in the area at the same time, then all bets are off.
Francis Marion Davis‘s age on the 1900 census is a bit of a problem. But a lot of times people‘s ages vary from census to census. If you expect the American vital records and censuses to be too much more than historical fiction, you never get anywhere with your research.
-
Hi. I’m not at the desk right now so this might be a little approximate. Blame all bad grammar on the voice recognition software.
Regarding the red herring questions - there would really have to be more records available to settle the question completely. But they’re not there. You’d have to find death records for your Francis Marion’s wives. The 1890 census which was destroyed would help. Property records would be nice.
I’m pretty sure that Phoebe Jane is the same person as Jane F on that 1900 census. She was probably going by her middle name Jane. And the enumerated did not know how to spell Phoebe. Whether she’s married to your Francis Marion Davis or not, as I said, I can’t be positive. However, there was only one Francis Marion Davis in Stoddard county from 1860 to 1880. Namely your man. He may have died soon after the census, and another Francis Marion Davis moves in and marries Phoebe, whatever her name was at the time, but is it likely?
The three death records I posted, in my opinion, match Jane F and the two children with her in 1900. All of them say that her husband and their father was named Francis Marion Davis. Again, whether or not that is your man or not I can’t be positive. My guess is that it is, but if you find another Francis Marion Davis in the area at the same time, then all bets are off.
Francis Marion Davis‘s age on the 1900 census is a bit of a problem. But a lot of times people‘s ages vary from census to census. If you expect the American vital records and censuses to be too much more than historical fiction, you never get anywhere with your research.
I still think Phebe is abit of a stretch but at the same time I don’t want my tree to be incorrect. Really unsure what to do from here now
-
Should we try and search for any birth records in Tennessee for Francis/Franklin/F M Davis?
That would be a good idea. When you do, also search for his father. Look in the 1850 census for any male named Davis, born say 1770 to 1810, who was living in Tennessee but was born in North Carolina. That allows for his father being anywhere between 20 and 60 when Francis was born. If there is a son named Francis in the household about the right age, make a note of the family. See if their Francis was still in the household in 1860. If so, they aren't the right family, since we know your Francis was on his own by then with a son William - whom you are sure of.
If Francis is not there, then research the family like it was your own and see if it lines up. Were they in NC in 1840 and before? Where? near the Colliers by any chance? A negative answer to that question wouldn't rule them out, but a positive answer might make them a little more likely. Did the parents end up in Stoddard County like your Francis did? etc.
-----
I found a family in Kentucky using that method but never worked any more on them. You could follow them up also.
They are:
1850 Hopkins County, Kentucky
William M Davis, 42, farmer, real estate: $800
Elizabeth Davis, 45
Frances Davis, 18, male, born in NC
Emisetta Davis, 14
Benjamin Davis, 10
Israel Davis, 8
Mason Davis, 6
all born in NC
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M654-XQJ?lang=en
That Francis is not with the family in 1860
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZBQ-5B2?lang=en
The fact that their Francis was said to be born in NC, and probably was since all the younger children are said to be born there also, does not eliminate him in my opinion. At this point I don't think we really know where he was born.
------
Here is another person I never got back to look at:
1850, Buncombe County, NC
Francis M Davis, 18
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4BW-3K7?lang=en
-
Should we try and search for any birth records in Tennessee for Francis/Franklin/F M Davis?
That would be a good idea. When you do, also search for his father. Look in the 1850 census for any male named Davis, born say 1770 to 1810, who was living in Tennessee but was born in North Carolina. That allows for his father being anywhere between 20 and 60 when Francis was born. If there is a son named Francis in the household about the right age, make a note of the family. See if their Francis was still in the household in 1860. If so, they aren't the right family, since we know your Francis was on his own by then with a son William - whom you are sure of.
If Francis is not there, then research the family like it was your own and see if it lines up. Were they in NC in 1840 and before? Where? near the Colliers by any chance? A negative answer to that question wouldn't rule them out, but a positive answer might make them a little more likely. Did the parents end up in Stoddard County like your Francis did? etc.
-----
I found a family in Kentucky using that method but never worked any more on them. You could follow them up also.
They are:
1850 Hopkins County, Kentucky
William M Davis, 42, farmer, real estate: $800
Elizabeth Davis, 45
Frances Davis, 18, male, born in NC
Emisetta Davis, 14
Benjamin Davis, 10
Israel Davis, 8
Mason Davis, 6
all born in NC
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M654-XQJ?lang=en
That Francis is not with the family in 1860
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZBQ-5B2?lang=en
The fact that their Francis was said to be born in NC, and probably was since all the younger children are said to be born there also, does not eliminate him in my opinion. At this point I don't think we really know where he was born.
------
Here is another person I never got back to look at:
1850, Buncombe County, NC
Francis M Davis, 18
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M4BW-3K7?lang=en
I think its also worth looking for Francis in Arkansas as thats where he is in 1880. Meaning he had left Stoddard by this point yet again making me skeptical of the Phebe Marriage as that was in 1884 after Francis had already left Stoddard. Why would he have moved back?
-
I still think Phebe is abit of a stretch but at the same time I don’t want my tree to be incorrect. Really unsure what to do from here now
Make a note of the Phoebe family information - marriage and 1900 census - and keep it. It might fit in later. Sometimes I just add all that kind of stuff to a note attached to the person it might go with. In this case I'd add a note to Francis Marion Davis and say "might be this man .... " or something like that. But I wouldn't enter Phoebe, the marriage or the children as actual links in the tree.
-
I think its also worth looking for Francis in Arkansas as thats where he is in 1880. Meaning he had left Stoddard by this point yet again making me skeptical of the Phebe Marriage as that was in 1884 after Francis had already left Stoddard. Why would he have moved back?
Very good point.
-
I think its also worth looking for Francis in Arkansas as thats where he is in 1880. Meaning he had left Stoddard by this point yet again making me skeptical of the Phebe Marriage as that was in 1884 after Francis had already left Stoddard. Why would he have moved back?
That 1900 census with Jane F is the only one that says Francis Marion Davis was born in NC, isn't it? So if that is not your ancestor, then there is no reason to think he was born there, and you can pay less attention to those two possibilities I just posted - the family in Kentucky, and the Francis Marion Davis, 18, in NC.
I'm starting to realize that a lot of families in North Carolina thought that the general, Francis Marion, was a good guy.:)
-
I think its also worth looking for Francis in Arkansas as thats where he is in 1880. Meaning he had left Stoddard by this point yet again making me skeptical of the Phebe Marriage as that was in 1884 after Francis had already left Stoddard. Why would he have moved back?
That 1900 census with Jane F is the only one that says Francis Marion Davis was born in NC, isn't it? So if that is not your ancestor, then there is no reason to think he was born there, and you can pay less attention to those two possibilities I just posted - the family in Kentucky, and the Francis Marion Davis, 18, in NC.
I'm starting to realize that a lot of families in North Carolina thought that the general, Francis Marion, was a good guy.:)
The 1900 is the only census that mentions North Carolina yet again making me think its not my Francis.
The 3 census I do have all say Kentucky apart from the 1870 Census where he is listed as being born in Tennessee.
“Lets make a chart to show what details we have that have been noted on these census to help build a picture perhaps.
Francis Birth:
1860 Census: Born 1832 Born Kentucky
1870 Census: Born 1830 Born Tennessee
1880 Census: Born 1830 Born Kentucky
Going off this knowledge it seems likely he was probably born in 1830 and the 1860 census is just a couple years out for some reason. Should we try and search for any birth records in Tennessee for Francis/Franklin/F M Davis?”
-
I think its also worth looking for Francis in Arkansas as thats where he is in 1880. Meaning he had left Stoddard by this point yet again making me skeptical of the Phebe Marriage as that was in 1884 after Francis had already left Stoddard. Why would he have moved back?
That 1900 census with Jane F is the only one that says Francis Marion Davis was born in NC, isn't it? So if that is not your ancestor, then there is no reason to think he was born there, and you can pay less attention to those two possibilities I just posted - the family in Kentucky, and the Francis Marion Davis, 18, in NC.
I'm starting to realize that a lot of families in North Carolina thought that the general, Francis Marion, was a good guy.:)
I have just found this that has peaked my interest slightly. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDZQ-1WG?lang=en
-
I think its also worth looking for Francis in Arkansas as thats where he is in 1880. Meaning he had left Stoddard by this point yet again making me skeptical of the Phebe Marriage as that was in 1884 after Francis had already left Stoddard. Why would he have moved back?
That 1900 census with Jane F is the only one that says Francis Marion Davis was born in NC, isn't it? So if that is not your ancestor, then there is no reason to think he was born there, and you can pay less attention to those two possibilities I just posted - the family in Kentucky, and the Francis Marion Davis, 18, in NC.
I'm starting to realize that a lot of families in North Carolina thought that the general, Francis Marion, was a good guy.:)
Could you think of any other male military figures from around the time Frank’s Dad could have been born to maybe help narrow down on names possibly?
-
You could look for a list of revolutionary war generals. Besides Francis Marion, all I can think of is George Washington.
Andrew Jackson was a big name from the war of 1812. Your Francis could have a sibling named Andrew Jackson Davis.
-
You could look for a list of revolutionary war generals. Besides Francis Marion, all I can think of is George Washington.
Andrew Jackson was a big name from the war of 1812. Your Francis could have a sibling named Andrew Jackson Davis.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDZD-QBH?lang=en
Could be worth something?
-
You could look for a list of revolutionary war generals. Besides Francis Marion, all I can think of is George Washington.
Andrew Jackson was a big name from the war of 1812. Your Francis could have a sibling named Andrew Jackson Davis.
Found this with a Francis M in it but the birth years are way out. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65S-F8Q?lang=en
-
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDZD-QBH?lang=en
Could be worth something?
I'd guess no, since there is no Francis M Davis in the family, and the parents' births are not North Carolina.
-
Found this with a Francis M in it but the birth years are way out. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65S-F8Q?lang=en
A George Washington Davis and a Francis M in the same family, but as you said Francis' birth is way off - he was married for at least a year or so by 1850.
-
Found this with a Francis M in it but the birth years are way out. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65S-F8Q?lang=en
A George Washington Davis and a Francis M in the same family, but as you said Francis' birth is way off - he was married for at least a year or so by 1850.
How is that the case, My DOB for Mary Collier is 1845 she would have only have been 4 when he married her in that case! Something is wrong here.
-
Found this with a Francis M in it but the birth years are way out. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65S-F8Q?lang=en
A George Washington Davis and a Francis M in the same family, but as you said Francis' birth is way off - he was married for at least a year or so by 1850.
Could this be something for 1850?
Son Frances DOB is only two years out. https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/8054/records/17207668?tid=192997417&pid=312724809599&queryId=1cb4d65e-d779-4d37-ba00-8e0109ff6c59&_phsrc=MfQ3&_phstart=successSource
-
Found this with a Francis M in it but the birth years are way out. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M65S-F8Q?lang=en
A George Washington Davis and a Francis M in the same family, but as you said Francis' birth is way off - he was married for at least a year or so by 1850.
How is that the case, My DOB for Mary Collier is 1845 she would have only have been 4 when he married her in that case! Something is wrong here.
Sorry, I meant 1860.
1860 Township 18 N Range 13 E, Pemiscot County, Missouri
P.O. Caruthersville
July 13, 1860
Page 39, family 289
Francis M Davis, age not known, levee builder, personal estate: $200, born in Kentucky
Josephine Davis, age not known, housewife, born in Missouri
Alex Devlin [Doolin], age not known, female, no occupation, real estate: 200, born in Missouri
William H Davis, 1, born in Missouri