Otho Davis (1899)

DAVIS, DRAKE, TURBETT

Posted By: Kent Transier
Date: 11/13/2007 at 13:58:21

The Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, March 22, 1899
Page 1

Death of Otho Davis.

Otho Davis, one of the oldest and best known of the pioneers of Madison county, died last Sunday at his home in Webster township, at the ripe age of 81 years.

Mr. Davis was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Iowa in 1839, and to Madison county in 1850, first locating in Winterset, and afterwards in Webster township, where he laid out the town of Webster, the home in which he has resided for so long being just west of that village. For many years he was postmaster, and, it is said, he has filled at various times all the offices of his township. He was universally respected, and his long and active life was characterized by good deeds, and just dealing with his fellow man. A biographical notice is promised for next week.
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Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, March 23, 1899
Page 4

Otho Davis’ Death

Died at his home near Webster, March 19th 1899, Otho Davis, aged 81 years, 6 months and 6 days. He was born Sept. 13th 1817, in the state of Pennsylvania.

He came to Iowa when it was yet a territory in the year of 1839. Removed to Madison county in 1850 and to the present home in 1856.

He leaves three sons and three daughters all grown and married. Only one son and daughter being able to reach his bedside as the end came rather suddenly, his sickness not being thought serious until the day before his death. He leaves a widow, formerly Mrs. Amands J. Drake, to mourn the loss of a most faithful companion.

The funeral was held from the home Tuesday afternoon and the interment took place in the Winterset cemetery. As the funeral course passed through town it was joined by the Masonic lodge, which assisted in the ceremonies at the grave.
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Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, March 23, 1899
Page 3

MIDDLE RIVER

Mrs. George Turbett, of Des Moines, and Mr. John Davis, of Pilger, Nebraska, were at the bedside of their father, Otho Davis.
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The Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Wednesday, March 29, 1899
Page 1

Obituary

Otho Davis died at his home in Webster township, Madison county, Iowa, at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 6 days.

In this obituary we chronicle the life and death of one of Iowa’s oldest and most respected citizens. He was born in the state of Pennsylvania, Erie county, in the year A. D. 1817. He emigrated to the then territory of Iowa in the year 1839, and settled in Jefferson county where he built for himself a small home.

In the year 1843 he united in marriage with Miss Jane Cochran. About this time Otho exchanged his oxen for horses and bought himself a new wagon, and he has often told the writer of this was the happiest period of his life.

In the year 1850 he moved to Madison county and bought a home joining the town plat of Winterset on the south. In the year 1856 he moved to Webster township, to the home where he remained until his death.

In the year 1866 his wife died. To this union were born seven children, six of whom still survive him, three boys and three girls, all grown and married. He married for his second wife Mrs. Amanda J. Drake, in the year 1869. She still survives him.

In his obituary the MADISONIAN of the 22d speaks of him as filling about all the offices of the township, which is correct. He also filled the offices of recorder and sheriff and member of the board of supervisors. When we first formed an acquaintance, he was a whig and later a republican from which he never deviated. He would contend earnestly for his political principles, but never harshly.

For sociability we seldom find his equal. Before old age came upon him it was nothing uncommon to hear him singing and laughing for half a mile, and, as for his quarreling with some one, as often happens between men and neighbors, we never heard of such a thing.

In his death this community loses one of its best citizens, one who departs this life without an enemy, and we that are acquainted with him have known him as a kind father, affectionate husband and a noble citizen.

A neighbor.

Gravesite
 

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