Ebenezer R. Davis, son of Orange Runnells Davis and Adelaide Barlow was born in 1832, in Canada and died 1909 in LeSueur Co Minnesota, burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, East St. Peter, Kasota Twp, LeSuer Co Minnesota

He married Louisa J. Pettis, November 07, 1837 in Pike Co Illinois, daughter of John and Ann Cummings Pettis, raised by her Uncle Charles Pettus. She was born in 1837, in Ohio, and died in 1923 in LeSueur Co Minnesota, burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, East St. Peter, Kasota Twp, Lesuer Co Minnesota

They did not have any children.

 

Territorial Census of Minnesota
Town 110 Range 26, Kasota Township, County of LeSueur
Enumerated 21 September 1857
Page 118 #38 / 38

E. R. Davis, age 26, born in Canada, Naturalized, Farmer
Louisa Davis, age 20, born in Ohio


1860 Census, Kasota Township, LeSueur Co Minnesota
Enumerated 14 June 1860, by William Smith, Ass't. Marshal
Page 30 #278 / 257

E. R. Davis, age 28, Farmer, $1800 / $460 , born in Canada
Louia J. Davis, age 21, born in Ohio


1865 State Census
Kasota Township, LeSueur Co Minnesota
Reel #392 Volume #6
Enumerated 01 June 1865, by Alex Pettis, Justice of Peace
page 66
Ebenezer R. Davis
Louisa Davis

1875 State Census of LeSueur Co Minnesota
KasotaTownship
Page 286 # 137

E R Davis, age 43, born in Canada, both parents born in Canada
L J Davis, age 36, both parents born in Canada
Annie Matteson, age 17, born in Norway, both parents born in Nor

Ebenezer R. Davis

The late Ebenezer R. Davis was a native of Canada, but counted among the pioneer band who found their way to LeSueur Co Minnesota.

He was born in 1832, a son of Orange Davis who left the Dominion of Canada in 1837 with his family, to escape being drafted into the army. Ebenezer R. Davis was only five years of age at the time his parents moved from his birthplace to New York state, where they spent some time, then moved on west as far as Pike Co Illinois.

Ebenezer Davis, son of Orange Davis and wife, was only a mere boy when he accompanied his parents to Illinois from New York state. In1850, during the gold excitement in far-off California, young Davis joined the throng of fortune-hunters in that country. He remained in California until 1852, when he returned to Illinois, and with his mother and the other members of the family, came to Minnesota in 1854, the father having immigrated here in 1853, preparatory to the coming of his family. Ebenezer R. remained at home until 1855, when he obtained land in his own name, the same now being known as the Gault farm, which he sold in 1858, purchasing the one he later lived on for a half century.

He was united in marriage in 1855 to Louisa J. Pettis, born on November 7, 1837, daughter of John and Ann (Cummings) Pettis. Mrs. Davis' parents, however, had died when she was yet quite young, the mother passing away in Ohio and the father was stricken by cholera in St. Louis, Missouri, the same year. The daughter was taken into the home of an uncle, Charles Pettis, who brought her with the family to LeSueur Co, where they made their home on the shores of Lake Emily. It was there that Charles Pettis made his permanent home, remaining until overtaken by death in 1857, while his wife survived him and lived to a ripe old age. In the John and Ann Pettis family there were six children born, three of whom are still living. These besides Mrs. Davis are her brother, Charles, who makes his home with her, and Thomas, who resides in Illinois.

Mr. & Mrs. Davis lived on their farm at Kasota for over fifty years, and there he died on May 11, 1909, and after that sad event, Mrs. Davis moved to St. Peter, purchased a handsome residence on North Minnesota Avenue, where she has since made her home. In numerous capacities Mr. Davis had been associated with those things which were calculated to develop this county and state. In the first instance, it was he who aided in making the original survey of the town plat of St. Peter, he having carried the chain for the surveyor in charge. In addition to operating his farm he was connected with the management of the Kasota flouring-mills. Many a pioneer recalls him as having a stirring, enterprising way about him, which caused him to be much admired by his fellow citizens.

In all charitable works, helping the worthy poor and unfortunate, Mr. Davis was ever foremost. His religion was of that type that caused others to be happy and live exemplary lives in the community. Many persons living in this and adjoining counties, have reason to cherish his name for his generosity and sterling traits of character.

No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis, but the childhood and youth of many in the community knew them as fast friends, and mourned with older ones when he passed away.

Nicollet and LeSueur Counties, Minnesota - Volume II / biographies
William Gresham 1916 - pages 264-265


Next: Louisa Davis

Background by JOD

Minnesota Index
New York Index
Canada Index
Illinois Index
Clearinghouse Index