Davis, Edward 1813-1897

DAVIS, PYOTT, HARRIMAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 5/1/2010 at 09:59:40

Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa)

LIFE WORK WELL DONE

Last Tuesday afternoon Mr. Edward Davis breathed his last after an illness of fifteen weeks. In the death of Deacon Davis Grinnell loses one of its representative men, a man whose integrity was never questioned, whose private life was above suspicion, and whose Christian character stands out as a beacon light to guide younger men toward the goal of success.

Deacon Davis was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, November 22, 1813. Here he spent his younger days, uniting in early life with the Baptist Church. October 16, 1837, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Pyott, in Philadelphia. It was the privilege of this couple to enjoy together fifty-six years of married life, the death of Mrs. Davis occuring in 1893. Mr. Davis and family moved to Tippecanoe, Ohio, in 1846, and here he followed the occupation of a wheelwright. In 1853, they removed to Muscatine Co., Iowa. Thus Mr. Davis has been a resident of the Hawkeye state forty-four years. In 1865 Mr. Davis came to Grinnell, and erected the house now occupied by W.P. Jenkins. In 1866 Mr. Davis' family came to Grinnell and here they lived until 1870. Mr. Davis identified himself at once with church going people. In business here he was a grain buyer with Mr. Carmichael until 1870 when he moved to a farm in Rock Creek township. In 1878 Mr. Davis returned to Grinnell and here he has lived since.

In 1887, Mr. and Mrs. Davis celebrated their golden wedding at their home here. They had the pleasure of having with them at that time all of their living children and grand children. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, six of whom are still living--Willis, Rhodes D., Samuel K., Mrs. A.C. Harriman, and the Misses Lizzie and Edna Davis.

Mr. Davis was a member of the Masonic order, until recently when on account of advancing years he asked for and received a withdrawal card.

The funeral service was held at the Baptist Church yesterday morning at 10:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. G.M . Adams. Mr. Adams spoke at length of the Christian character of the deceased man, likening him in his exalted Christian spirit and rugged character to Elijah of old. On him had fallen the mantle of a holy purpose and an exalted ideal. Deacon Davis, he said, would be missed in prayer meeting, at the church service and in Sunday School.

A quartet consisting of Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Norris, Jr., Miss Jennie Raffety and Leroy Ricker sang a few songs, favorites of the deceased man. Long time friends in town and church assisted at the service and tenderly laid the body at rest in Hazelwood,--A.A. Williams, W.P. Raffety, M.L. Norris, G.H. Onthank, Wm. Hays and M. Blow.

The life of Mr. Davis was a quiet and simple one. His earnest Christian character and love of truth and right were known to all. His life was an inspiration to all who believe that the real purpose in living is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. No higher tribute could be paid to him than to say with Lincoln that he always did the right as God gave him to see the right. In his death, Grinnell loses one of its best citizens and the church one of its most devoted workers.