Ida May (Jordan) Davis (1879-1938)

JORDAN, DAVIS, TAYLOR, MAY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/5/2014 at 22:31:34

From Nevada Evening Journal August 24, 1938

Nevada Woman Drowned In Cistern at Home

Mrs. Elwood Davis, age about 55 years, was found dead in the cistern under the kitchen of her home in the northwest part of Nevada at an early hour today, by the husband and neighbors when they sought her after being missed form her bed by the husband shortly before 6:00 a. m.

The rug was found moved back and the small trap door to the cistern open. By the use of a flash light, the body was found floating face downward on the top of the six feet of water in the cistern.

Mrs. Davis had not been well for some time and it was thought that the condition which led to suicide, was due to the extreme temperatures of the past few days climaxed by Tuesday nearly 100 in the shade.

Sheriff McGriff and County Attorney Lounsberry were called to the scene of the tragedy, Joe Phillips and ther neighbors assisted in removing the body from the watery grave and Coroner Mills was called down from McCallsburg. After looking the situation over the coroner decided that it was an evident case of suicide and no inquest was held.

The body was removed to the Morfoot Funeral home to be prepared for burial.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis lived on the east side of First street, north of Q avenue. The husband is a retired farmer, coming to Grant township originally from Tama county, but for some time living in Nevada.

Definite arrangements for the funeral and burial had not been arranged at 2:00 this afternoon pending word from relatives at a distance.

From Nevada Evening Journal August 25, 1938

Funeral Services Friday Afternoon for Mrs. Elwood Davis

Funeral services for Mrs. Elwood Davis, 59, Nevada woman found dead early Wednesday morning in the cistern under the floor of the kitchen of her First street home will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 at the Morfoot Funeral home, while burial will follow in the Nevada cemetery.

Mrs. Davis, mother of Joe Davis of Nevada and Frank Davis of the Ontario neighborhood, also leaves two daughters, Mrs. Jay Taylor and Mrs. Orrie May, both of near Ames.