Robert Earl B.C. Davis1

b. 24 May 1820, d. 8 August 1885
FatherRobert Davis2,3 b. 26 Apr 1778, d. bef 20 Oct 1830
MotherNancy McMillan d. 1824
Birth24 May 1820 Robert Earl B.C. Davis was born on 24 May 1820 near Abingdon, Washington County, Virginia.4,5,6 
Name Other  Robert's full name may have been Robert Earl Bourn Clapp Davis. He may have been named for a Dr. Earl Bourn Clapp who was a physician in the early days of Washington County.7 
Ward20 Oct 1830 On 20 Oct 1830, following the death of their father, Robert and his brothers John, Francis and William, along with their sister Margaret, became the wards of their older brother James.3 
  It is possible that their mother was also deceased as no clear mention of her has been located in later records. 
Land-Sell2 Feb 1833  In Feb. 1833 the heirs of Robert Davis sold 65 acres of their father's land in Washington County to Peter Minnick. Although he was underage, Robert E.C. Davis signed on the deed. James signed the deed in his own right but is not stated to have signed on Robert's behalf as his guardian.8 
Cens-18401840  It also appears that besides being Robert's guardian, James may have provided a home for his younger sibling. The 1840 census for Washington County lists James as the head of a household that included 2 young adults who were too old to be James's children but were of the appropriate ages to represent Robert and his younger sister Margaret.9 
  In addition, a letter written by Robert's brother Francis during this time period stated that "Earl and Margaret are living with brother James."10 
Migration3 Oct 1843  In the late fall of 1843 Robert left Virginia in the company of his sister Margaret and her husband Hervey Maxwell. They intended to settle in southern Missouri and hence followed a path that first led them south into Tennessee. They traveled westward through Knoxville, Kingston and Sparta [TN], then turned northwards toward Gallatin. They crossed into southern Kentucky, traveling to Hopkinsville. Continuing to veer northwest they crossed the Ohio River into Illinois at Golconda, then traveled across southern Illinois. The group crossed the Mississipi about 100 miles below Ft. Lewis and then reached Washington County, Missouri where they visited family and friends (Maxwells and Carsons).

At some point in their travels the trio made the decision to work their way further north so they could settle closer to navigable waterways. Hence, after spending a few days in Washington County they headed out again. Their intention was to go to Green County, but as Robert put it: "as we were used to twisting about we turned and went to Jefferson City and from there to Boonville" [Cooper County on the Missouri River]. They settled at Georgetown in neighboring Pettis County on December 3rd, having been prevented from reaching the hoped for destination (VanBuren County) due to the winter cold.

In a letter to his sister Mary in Adair County, dated Dec. 28th 1843, Robert stated that during their travels they had a lot of wet weather and that the roads were the worst he ever saw. Robert commented that during the trip he often wished he had never left Virginia. The letter also expressed an interest in other areas of Missouri. Robert wrote Mary: " I want to know what is your County seat for I can't find any body that knows any thing about Adair County."11 
20 Feb 1846  It appears that over the next few years Robert walked a good deal of Missouri in search of a place to settle. In a letter to Mary and her husband dated 20 Feb. 1846, he wrote: "I do not think that ever I will settle in Missouri. I have been in some thirty five or forty counties in this state and am not satisfied yet" The letter continued with descriptions of how sore his feet were and how pleased he was with a pair of buffalo overshoes. He also commented that when the weather improved he planned to return by land to Memphis. It would appear that he must have followed through on this plan as he married in Tennessee later that year.12 
Marriage24 Sep 1846 He married Amanda Melvina Fitzallen Carmack, daughter of John Carmack and Mary Gray, on 24 Sep 1846, probably in Marion County, Tennessee. [They were first cousins, once removed]13 
 A few months after Robert and Amanda married he wrote a letter to his sister Mary describing Amanda as the prettiest, the smartest, and the best girl in Tennessee.13 
  The letter also stated that he was living with his mother in the Sequachy valley of Tennessee [letter was addressed from Marion County, TN with directions to send return mail to Cheeksville in Marion County] but would move to Missouri the following fall. On the surface this would seem to suggest that Robert's mother, Nancy (McMillan) Davis was still living. However it is my opinion that Robert was actually referring to his mother-in-law, Mary Carmack. It is also not clear that Robert and Amanda ever moved to Missouri. If they made the move they did not stay long as an infant daughter born to them in early January 1848 died soon after birth and was buried in Marion County, Tennessee.13 
Cens-185030 Sep 1850 Also, Robert and Amanda were enumerated living in Marion County in 1850. Robert was 36 and owned property valued at $350, which he was farming. "Manda" was 25.14 
Land  In the years following the 1850 census Robert purchased several tracts of land in Marion County. He acquired five parcels as the assignee of Aaron Grigsby in 1854. Robert quickly sold 3 of the parcels - two he held for a few years and then sold. The total acreage when he sold the tracts was 50 acres short of the purchase acreage; it is possible the 50 acres was retained and incorporated into Robert's home farm.15,16,17,18  
Land4 Dec 1854  Robert also acquired 2 additional tracts of land in late 1854. One was 220 acres and the other was 11 acres. They were deeded to him by a special commissioner appointed by the Marion County Court. No payment was mentioned in the deed which was witnessed by Harvey Richards and Edwin Duke. The land was located in the 5th district of the county.19  
Land-Buy21 Sep 1855  The following year Robert purchased 54 1/2 acres from Harvey Richards for which he paid $300. The land was described as adjoining the lands of Richards, E. Duke and R.E.C. Davis. Several of the "line calls" used to describe the boundaries of the land followed the wagon road and match line calls recorded in later deeds when Robert's sons sold his land after his death.20 
  The description of the land in this 1855 deed for 54 1/2 acres also suggests that it sat adjacent to the 220 acres Robert acquired in late 1854, suggesting these parcels made up at least a portion of the approximately 360 acres he held at his death. 
Cens-186019 Jun 1860  Three sons were added to the family between 1850 and 1860. They were listed on the 1860 census as: John L. (9), Robert E. (6) and James K. (3). Robert's worth had also increased substantially. His real property (land) was now valued at $4,000 and his personal property at $5,000.21 
Cens-18701870  The first census enumeration following the Civil War reflected the impact of the war on the southern farmer. Although Robert still claimed land valued at $4,000, his personal property was now valued at $700. The household consisted of Robert (50), Amanda (44), John (18), Robert (16), James (12) and William 7. Also included as a Davis was Rutha, age seven.22 
  Rutha's marriage record lists her maiden name as Carmack which is more likely correct. She was no doubt related to Amanda although the nature of that relationship is not known to me at present. Robert and Amanda did have a daughter, Mary, who was born in 1865 but died in 1866. 
Land-Buy25 Nov 1873  Some years later Robert and John Davis purchased a tract of 25 acres in the 3rd district from Alfred Smith for $650. This parcel began on the southeast side of the Sequatchie River; also mentioned was Slough Creek, Picketts corner and Teague's line.23 
Cens-18801 Jun 1880  In 1880 the three younger sons (Robert, James and William) were still at home with Robert Sr. (enumerated as R.E.C.) and Amanda (enumerated as Manda). In addition, a Mr. Hall and his 9 year old son John boarded with the Davis family.24 
Land  Following Robert's death his land was divided among his sons. These records establish that Robert and Amanda's land sat just west of the East Valley Rd. in Marion County. 
Religion Robert was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.25 
Death8 Aug 1885 Robert died on 8 Aug 1885 in Marion County, Tennessee, at age 65.5,4 
Burial He was buried at Davis Cemetery in Marion County, Tennessee.4,5 
Probate Recd5 Sep 1887  James Davis served as administer of his father's estate. In September 1887 he filed a settlement report in Marion County court which showed a distribution of $50 to W.E. Davis, R.E. Davis, J.L. Davis and also to himself. Other expenses included $20 for a coffin and $10 in attorney fees.26 

Related Links and Images:

Robert's headstone
Diagram showing Robert's land and how it was divided among his sons after his death
This Bible may have belonged to Robert's son James as well as Robert's grandson Benjamin Davis. Although the information appears copied from an earlier record, the family record page lists data for Robert and Amanda (icons link to the following pages: births, marriages, family record)
Robert and Amanda's 4 sons; photo probably taken around 1893-9427

Family

Amanda Melvina Fitzallen Carmack b. 24 Sep 1825, d. 27 Feb 1901
Children
Last Edited28 May 2013

Citations

  1. [S3154] Jane Sewell, "Davis Reunion," e-mail to D. Powell, 21 Apr. 2012. Jane included images from a Davis Family Bible. The page titled "Family History" includes an entry: "R.E.B.C. Davis born May 24th 1820". All entries on the page, spanning events from 1820 to 1914, were recorded in the same neat, printed hand. The page may be a supplement to a Bible formerly held by Ben T. and Maud Davis.
  2. [S2289] Jack Hockett, Washington Co. VA Will Book 6 1827-1834, p. 30: distribution of the slaves of Robert Davis dec'd among his heirs, as found in Washington Co., Virginia Will Bk 6:244.
  3. [S28] Gerald H. Clark, Guardian Bonds Washington Co., VA, p. 25. Entry dated 20 Oct. 1830: James L. Davis named guardian of John, Francis M., Robert E. and Margaret Jane Davis, orphans of Robert Davis, dec'd; bond: $8,000 with John Preston, John Davis and James L. White as sureties.
  4. [S1711] Jason Kennedy, "Tombstone pics," e-mail to D. Powell, 3 May 2007. Citing Euline and Mary Harris, Marion County, Tennessee Cemetery Records, 1987.
  5. [S1715] "Davis Cemetery", transcriptions, Interment.net (http://www.interment.net/data/us/tn/marion/davis/davis.htm : accessed May 2007).
  6. [S1714] Goodspeed, "Goodspeed's Biographies of Marion County (1886)", transcription, USGenWeb: Tennessee, Marion County (http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnmario2/biosmain.html : accessed June 2007), This source uses 24 Sept. 1820 which disagrees with the headstone information.
  7. [S1711] Jason Kennedy, "Tombstone pics," e-mail to D. Powell, 4 May 2007. Jason cites an unpublished manuscript compiled by Euline Harris from items in the Davis Family file at the Whitwell Library in Marion County, Tennessee, and also from other sources. The manuscript contains a page titled "Davis History" in which an unknown author cites a letter written by Robert Howard Davis (son of Curry Davis) to Margaret Davis of Washington Co., Virginia in 1980.
  8. [S1064] Washington Co., Virginia Deed Book 13: 112.
  9. [S679] James L. Davis household, 1840 U.S. cens., Washington Co., Virginia, p. 13 (following p. 210 typed), viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jul 2007, image 25 of 115. Household includes: 1 M (5-9); 1 M (20-29); 1 M (30-39); 2F (under 5); 1F (5-9); 1F (15-19); 1F (30-39).
  10. [S1713] Letter dated 18_8 from Francis M. Davis at E.T. College, Knoxville, TN to Mary Eason at Huntsville, MO.
  11. [S1713] Letter dated 28 Dec. 1843 from Robert Davis at Pettice [sic] Co., Mo to Mrs. Mary L. Eason, Adair Co., Missouri.
  12. [S1713] Letter dated 20 Feb. 1846 from Robert Davis at Georgetown, Pettis Co., Missouri to Mrs. Mary L. Eason, Tippacanoe, Skuyler [sic] Co., Missouri.
  13. [S1713] Letter dated 13 Dec. 1846 from Robert Davis at Marion Co., Tenn to Mr. Samuel Eason at Schuyler Co., MO.
  14. [S1765] Robert E. Davis household, 1850 U.S. cens, Marion Co., TN, pop. sched., 7th district, p. 405 (stamped), dwelling 394, family 394, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Jul 2007, image 4 of 16. Household includes: Robert E. Davis, 36, farmer, real estate: $350, b. VA; Manda, 25, b. VA.
  15. [S1821] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk G: 69, 72. In 1854 the Chancery Ct. of Marion Co. awarded several tracts of land to Aaron Grigsby who had sold his interest in them to R.E.C. Davis for $400.
  16. [S1821] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk G: 108. On Aug. 24, 1854 R.E.C. sold 2 tracts of land (50 acres and 67 acres) to Harvey Richards for $382. The district was not stated.
  17. [S1821] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk G: 124. On Aug. 26, 1854 R.E.C. sold 33 acres of land to Thomas Smith for $275.
  18. [S1822] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk H: 630. On Nov. 30, 1861 R.E.C. Davis sold Philip Ealey 2 parcels of land (50 acres and 40 acres) in the 5th Civil District for $800.
  19. [S1821] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk G: 137.
  20. [S1822] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk H: 286. The deed was dated 21 Sept. 1855 and recorded 3 Jan. 1859.
  21. [S1723] Robert E.C. Davis household, 1860 U.S. cens, Marion Co., TN, pop. sched., 5th District, p. 243 (stamped), dwelling 262, family 244, viewed online at Ancestry.com, May 2007, image 4 of 13. Household includes: Robert E.C. Davis, 40, farmer, b. VA, owns real estate: $4,000 and pers. prop: $5,000; Manda M., 35, b. VA; John L., 9; Robert E., 6; James K., 3; all boys b. TN.
  22. [S1722] Robert Davis household, 1870 U.S. cens, Marion Co., TN, pop. sched., 5th District, p. 434 (stamped), dwelling 123, family 120, viewed online at Ancestry.com, May 2007, image 15 of 16. Household includes: Robert Davis, 50 farmer, b. VA, owns prop val at $4,000 & pers. prop of $700; Amanda, 44, keeping house, b. TN; John 18, farm laborer; Robert, 16, farm laborer; James, 12; William 7; Rutha, 9; all b. TN.
  23. [S1823] Marion Co., Tennessee Deed Bk K: 540. The deed was dated 25 Nov. 1873 and recorded 29 Apr 1874. Mary A. Smith, wife of Aldred Smith, released her interest.
  24. [S1721] R.E.C. Davis household, 1880 U.S. cens., Marion Co., Tennessee, pop sched., 5th district, ED 76, page 39C (p. 222 stamped), dwelling 354, family 358, viewed online at Ancestry.com, May 2007, image 14 of 17. Household includes: R.E.C. Davis, 60, marr, farmer, b. VA, parents b. VA; Manda, 55, wife, b. VA, parents b. VA; Rbt., 25, son, works on farm, b. TN; cont. next page: James K., 22, son, b. TN; William, 17, son, b. TN; all son's parents b. VA; M.R. Hall, 45, boarder, b. TN; John T. Hall, 9, son, b. TN.
  25. [S1714] Goodspeed, "Goodspeed's Biographies of Marion County (1886)", transcription, USGenWeb: Tennessee, Marion County (http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnmario2/biosmain.html).
  26. [S1824] J.K. Davis settlement account for R.E.C. Davis deceased (1887), Marion Co., Tennessee Settlement Accounts Vol. 2: 237.
  27. [S1376] Photo courtesy of Jason Kennedy.
  28. [S1714] Goodspeed, "Goodspeed's Biographies of Marion County (1886)", transcription, USGenWeb: Tennessee, Marion County (http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnmario2/biosmain.html : accessed June 2007).