John Davis1

b. April 1778, d. circa 1829
Father(?) Davis
BirthApr 1778 John Davis was born in Virginia in Apr 1778 but the exact date is unclear.2,3,4 
 John's niece, Mary Jane Beaty Davis Moffett, left a journal in which she recorded the dates of birth for her father, William Davis, as well as for John, his twin brother. However, she recorded the dates in two places in the journal and the dates do not agree. On one page she entered 21 April 1778 and on another page 15 April 1778. To further confuse the issue, William's headstone, at least according to a transcribed record states that he died on May 24 184[2] at [4]4years, 1 month and 2 days of age which computes to a date of birth of April 22, 1778.5,3,4 
  There is no longer a headstone visible for John that would allow verification of the dates actually recorded for him. 
Marriage9 Apr 1820 He married Jane Ryburn, daughter of Mathew Ryburn and Jane Beattie, on 9 Apr 1820 in Washington County, Virginia.6 
 John Davis was almost 42 and Jane Ryburn was 35 at the time of their marriage. Seven years earlier John's twin brother, William, had wed Jane's younger sister, Sarah. 
Residence  John and Jane lived in Washington County about 8 miles from her old home.7 
  Census records suggest their land may have been in that part of Washington County which became Smyth County in 1832. 
Deathcirca 1829 John died circa 1829 of dropsey of the chest.8 
Burial He was buried at Old Glade Spring Cemetery in Washington County, Virginia.9 
Probate Recd15 Dec 1829  John's estate was inventoried and appraised on Nov. 20, 1829. The inventory included eight slaves: Bob, Mary, Nancy, Edward, Maria, Melinda, Polly and Clary.10 
  John's death left Sarah to care for three young daughters, the oldest of whom was no more than eight years of age. 

Research Comment:

The name of John and William Davis's mother is not known at this time. However, it is of interest that both men named their second born daughter Eleanor Hays Davis. Although John and William's wives had a sister named Eleanor, the name Hays is not a familiar one on the Ryburn side. Perhaps it will provide a clue to the Davis family.

Related Links and Images:

Other interments in Old Glade Spring Cemetery
See Mary Jane's Journal for images and text from the journal of John's niece, Mary Jane (Davis) Moffett. In particular see page 5 which lists all of John's siblings; also pages 6 and 8

Family

Jane Ryburn b. 8 Dec 1784 or 9 Dec 1784, d. 17 Nov 1858
Children
Last Edited28 Apr 2013

Citations

  1. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 5.
  2. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 19. This entry listed the date of birth for John's twin brother William as 21 April 1778.
  3. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 5. This entry listed the date of birth for John and his twin brother William as 15 April 1778.
  4. [S2] Catherine McConnell, High On A Windy Hill, p. 70. Transcription records: Davis, ___ illia, d. 24 May 184_, age _4y 1m 2d (this is the tombstone of John's twin brother, William).
  5. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 19. This entry listed the date of birth for John and his twin brother William as 21 April 1778.
  6. [S4] D.E. Brown, Marriages of Washington Co., VA 1781-1853, p. 16. John Davis and Jane Ryburn, 9 Apr 1820; minister Alexander McEwen.
  7. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 8.
  8. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 6.
  9. [S10] "Journal of Mary Jane Beaty (Davis) Moffett", p. 8. John's stone was not visible in 1960 when Old Glade Spring cemetery inscriptions were recorded by Catherine McConnell, however, in her journal Mary Jane states, "John was buried in the Glade Spring grave yard."
  10. [S2289] Jack Hockett, Washington Co. VA Will Book 6 1827-1834, p. 21, abstracting Washington Co., Virginia Will Bk 6:111.
  11. [S1239] Sarah Ann Davis guardianship (1841), Smyth Co. Virginia Order Book 5: 3. "Sarah Ann Davis, orphan of John Davis, deceased... made choice of Beatie Ryburn for her guardian.."