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- James Freeman Davis - September 5, 1825 - November 19, 1903. Son of Freeman and Rebecca Heald Davis. Husband of Amelia Abigail Stowell Davis. Married March 26, 1850 in Oswego County, New York.
Newspaper Obituary - Wednesday, December 2, 1903 Pulaski Democrat - Pulaski, New York - James F. Davis - A good man being asked during his last illness whether he thought himself dying, answered: “Really, friend, I care not, whether I am or not; for if I die, I shall be with God, or if I live, He will be with me.” Such was the case with our departed brother, James F. Davis, of Orwell, New York, whose death occurred November 19, 1903. Death to him was not loss, but gain, and had God added more time to the nearly fourscore years which he so faithfully lived, not a moment of it would have been withheld from his Divine Master and Lord. The supreme passion of his life was to live in tune with God's will, and thus when death came it was simply a passage out of the prison into a palace; out of a sea of turmoil and storm into a haven of rest; out of a world of pain and weeping into a world of boundless peace and joy without end. Those privileged to enter into the inner sanctuary of his character knew him to love him, and it being generally felt that his departure has made a gap in the religious life of a large circle of friends that cannot soon be filled. Few men in Oswego county played a more important part on the stage of public affairs than he, and for more than a half century he expended his time, money and labor in the interest of measures that were for the public good. Being a reformer by nature, as well as by choice, he instinctively championed progress and reform everywhere, and his convictions never failed to materialize into action in their behalf. He had the good fortune of being wellborn. On his paternal and maternal side he could trace his genealogy for about eight generations, to that sturdy and stalwart New England race which has given moral tone and color and has made the American republic what it is today. He was a typical New England man, energetic, progressive, liberty loving and religious. The best traditions of his New England ancestors had formed and moulded his character. It was on September 5, 1825, at Temple, Hillsboro county, New Hampshire, that his advent into the world occurred. His parents were Freeman and Rebecca (Heald) Davis. His mother died in his infancy and his father's family, when he was twelve years of age, came to New York state. His father is spoken of by those who remember him as a man of genial temperament, diligent in business, active and public spirited, which characteristics were reproduced in the life of the departed. After arriving at Orwell we find him engaged in farm, school teaching, and utilizing every opportunity for self-improvement and usefulness. At the age of twenty he entered Mexico Academy where he availed himself with avidity of the privilege of that institution. On March 26, 1850, he was married to Amelia A., daughter of Deacon Elon Stowell, who survives him together with four children, Clayton H., Ellen A., Lavina B. and Freelon J., all of whom are occupying positions of usefulness and responsibility in the world. In 1851 he studied dental surgery in the office of his cousin, Jeremiah Fish, and also in the office of Dr. Palmer, D.D.S., of Baltimore Dental College, one of the earliest practitioners in the country. In his chosen profession Mr. Davis had few equals and none better in the northern part of the state, and his skill and proficiency brought him a large and lucrative practice. After practicing dentistry in Pulaski for many years he returned to his farm on the hill south of Orwell village, where he remained, conducting his farm and practicing his profession until his Lord said unto him, “Brother, come up higher.” He was a remarkable man in many respects. His mind was alert and active and well stored with facts and information. He was a born student and it was his delight to impart his knowledge to others. Few men were better first in the topics of the day than he, and there were but few questions before the public mind to which he had not given thought and attention. In the church he held a conspicuous place and took the lead in every good work. He loved the sanctuary; and communion with God was his meat and drink; the Bible was his daily companion and its teachings had become a part of his very being. Truly he was a great Christian, a disciple whom Jesus loved. The immediate cause of his death was erysipelas, resulting from a burn inflicted on his arm two weeks previous to his death. His funeral, which was unusually large and impressive, was held at the Union church in Orwell, Monday afternoon, November 23, Rev. W. H. Seed, his former pastor, assisted by Revs. T. T. Davies and A. F. Locke, officiating. The sermon was founded on texts selected by the departed. “He being dead yet speaketh,” and “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his _.” Many tears fell on his casket and hearts were sad _ of his departure. “He had fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith, and there was laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give him in that day.” Interment in the family lot at the Orwell cemetery.
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1825 - 1903 (78 years)