This is an obituary from the Clayton Enterprise for Nancy Chipman Davis. Her husband, Washington Jackson Davis, was the oldest son of one of Clayton Township’s earliest settlers, Edward Davis. Nancy and Washington’s children were Joseph W. Davis, David A. Davis, William J. Davis, Harriet Ellen Davis Logue, and Julia Davis Watson Smith.

DIED- In Clayton, Adams county, Ill. at the residence of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Robt. Smith, Mrs. Nancy C. Davis, aged 66 yrs., 6 mo. and 28 days. Mrs. Davis was the daughter of Jesse and Harriet Chipman and was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, January 12, 1820.

She moved with her parents to Schuyler county, Ill., in 1835, uniting with the Baptist church in Rushville. She was married to Washington Davis, March 16th, 1843. They
moved to Clayton the same year , where she has since resided up to the time of her death, uniting at that time with the old Centerville, now Clayton Baptist church.

The fruit of this marriage has been 3 sons and 2 daughters, all of whom are living and with us today. Sister Davis was left a widow, Oct. 9th, 1857- 29 years ago- yet she who trusted in the widow’s God has not been disappointed in his merciful love and watchful care. All the children have come to the measure of manhood and womanhood, and all have taken the parents place in the family household and most of them stand registered with father and mother in the church of God.

Her end was peace. She died as she had lived, leaning on the strong arm of her Saviour and the Christian maiden of 15, passed away the sainted grandmother of more than 66 years. She was laid away in the Howes graveyard by the side of her husband, from the Baptist church. The sermon was preached by Rev. G. D. Kent, who was assisted by the resident pastors of the place, while the large congregation attested the deep felt bereavement of the community.  GDK”

Thanks to Pamela Smith Clark for sharing the obituary of her gg grandmother, Nancy Davis.

SourceClayton Enterprise, Thursday, 12 August 1886