Robert Franklin Davis1,2

b. 15 September 1887, d. 3 April 1943
FatherWilliam Early Davis3 b. 6 Oct 1862, d. 28 Aug 1912
MotherMargaret Ann Smith3 b. 26 Jun 1868, d. 3 Nov 1959
Birth15 Sep 1887 Robert Franklin Davis was born on 15 Sep 1887 in Whitwell, Marion County, Tennessee.1,4 
Migration  In the early 1890s Robert's family left Tennessee and settled in Polk County, Arkansas. 
  As a young man Frank worked for his grandparents, Benjamin and Nancy Smith who owned the Bogg Springs Health and Vacation Resort. People traveled from all over to drink the water which was believed to have curative properties.5 
Marriage9 Aug 1916 He married Beulah May Bender on 9 Aug 1916 in Polk County.6,5 
Milit-Reg5 Jun 1917 On 5 Jun 1917, while living in Bogg Springs, Robert registered for the World War I draft. He stated that he was employed as a farmer and teamster. His personal description stated that he was tall, of medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair. He had a broken ankle at the time of the registration. The form also stated that he was 29 years old and married but did not have children.1 
Cens-192027 Jan 1920 The 1920 census enumeration was taken in January of that year. Robert and Beulah were recorded living in Ozark township in Polk County. At the time Frank was employed as the manager of a lumber mill.7 
  Frank, as the family knew him, was a successful business man. In addition to operating several sawmills he owned a large cattle ranch and a general merchandise store in Grannis (Polk Co.). Frank was well respected in his community and ran for State Representative for Arkansas in 1932.5 
Cens-19301930  The 1930 census recorded Robert and Beulah at ages 43 and 39. Their household also included Beulah's parents, Lineus and Hattie Bender.8 
  Robert and Beulah did not have children.5 
Will15 Jan 1937 Robert wrote his will on 15 Jan 1937 in Polk County. The terms of the will were simple. William left all his real and personal property to his wife Beulah, except for a gift of $5 to his mother, Mrs. M.A. Rollins.9 
Death3 Apr 1943 Robert died on 3 Apr 1943 at age 55.4,5 
Burial He was buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in Polk County, Arkansas.4 
Last Edited2 May 2011

Citations

  1. [S1620] "World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards 1917-1918", subscription database with images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed June 2007), data for Robert Frank Davis, Polk Co., Arkansas (5 June 1917).
  2. [S2606] The William Early Davis and Margaret (Smith) Davis Family, typed family stories and data compiled by their granddaughters Marea (Davis) McGregor and Opal (Davis) Reno. Name recorded as Robert Franklin Davis.
  3. [S1749] William Davis household, 1900 U.S. cens., Polk Co., Arkansas, pop. sched., Ozark township, ED 103, sheet 8B, dwelling 144, family 152, viewed online at Ancestry.com, June 2007, image 16 of 63. Household includes: William Davis, 37, b. Oct. 1862, marr 13 years, farmer, owns farm, b. TN, parents b. VA; Margaret A., wife, 31, b. June 1863, marr 13 yrs, mother of 4 children, all living, b. TN, parents b. TN; Robt F., son, 12, b. Sept. 1887, TN; George, son, 10, b. Oct. 1889 TN; Mary B., dau, 5, b. __ 1895 Ark; Nancy _, dau, 2, b. Jan. 1898, Ark.
  4. [S1756] Nixby Daniel Kannady and Loreda Daniel, Cemetery Inscriptions of Polk County, Arkansas, p. 221.
  5. [S2606] The William Early Davis and Margaret (Smith) Davis Family, typed family stories and data compiled by their granddaughters Marea (Davis) McGregor and Opal (Davis) Reno.
  6. [S1752] Polk Co., Arkansas Marriage Record L: 182.
  7. [S1751] Frank Davis household, 1920 U.S. cens., Polk Co., Arkansas, pop. sched., Ozark township, ED 110, sheet 11B, dwelling 209, family 214, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jun 2007, image 22 of 25. Household includes: Frank Davis, 32, marr, b. TN, parents b. TN, manager at lumber mill; Beulah, wife, 28, b. Michigan.
  8. [S2607] Robert F. Davis household, 1930 U.S. cens., Polk Co., Arkansas, pop. sched., Ozark township, ED 57-19, sheet 8B, dwelling 170, family 172, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Mar 2011. Household includes: Robert F. Davis, 43, first married at 25, owns home, worth $800, not a farm, b. TN, parents b. TN, proprietor of lumber mill; Beulah M., wife, 39, first married at 24, b. Michigan, parents b. same; Iva V. Pan, 15, lodger, b. Ark; Lineus Bender, father-in-law, 76, marr at 25, b. Michigan; Hattie L. Bender, mother-in-law, 70, b. Michigan.
  9. [S1758] Frank Davis will (recorded 1943), Polk Co., Arkansas Will Book 2: 244. The will was recorded 15 Apr. 1943.