West Virginia Pioneers

Wilmer Carl Davis

Male 1914 - 1937  (22 years)


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  • Name Wilmer Carl Davis 
    Born 14 Nov 1914  West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1
    Gender Male 
    Died 21 Jul 1937  Clay County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Notes 

    • Wilmer Carl Davis
      Birth: Nov. 14, 1914
      Elkhurst
      Clay County
      West Virginia, USA
      Death: Jul. 21, 1937
      Charleston
      Kanawha County
      West Virginia, USA

      Carl is buried in the Davis Cemetary located on the original family farm of Thomas and Mary Davis. A brass plaque serves as a marker, engraved and installed by Billie, son of Uncle Curt Davis.


      SADNESS ON THE "HILL"

      July 1937 , Beechy Ridge,Clay County,WV.

      The death of a loved one has always been a sad event, but when young, kind-hearted Carl Davis lost his life in a farming accident, the whole community grieved. Carl was one of Will Davis' boys and had been home just a few days on furlough from the Civilian Conservation Corps. The young man had been a member of the Corps for a couple of years working on state parks, helping to plant trees, and fighting forest fires. The work was hard but worthwhile; his food, clothing, and a place to live were provided. He was paid little money but the travel and getting to see a lot of the country, Carl thought he would stay in the Corps a few more years. But now he was home and had another week to enjoy.

      It was early Sunday morning and Carl had gone to the barn to fed the livestock. He entered a stall where one of the mules was standing, probably dozing. To reach the feed bin, Carl had to move the mule, so he said, "Stand around, Jack". Instantly, the animal kicked with both rear feet and struck Carl in the stomach, apparently causing extensive internal injury and bleeding.

      Paul, Carl's younger brother, ran the half mile to the King's house, for help. As soon as Herbert understood what was wrong, he drove to the Davis' home,got the injured young man in his car,and started to the hospital. Unfortunately, a large tree had fallen across the road and precious time was consumed, locating another carrier. When the vehicle arrived, Carl was transferred and finally continued his forty mile trip to a hospital in Charleston (WV).

      Sadly, Carl died three days later, and his body brought back to the "HILL" for his wake and funeral. The wake lasted all night, and as Carl lay in his coffin in one room, mourners spent the long night spinning tall tales, drinking coffee, and recalling humorous events in the youth's short life. That was typical of wakes then and was meant to celebrate the life of the loved one. All the mirth was gone though, when it came time for the funeral, and friends and loved ones revealed the depth of their loss.

      This story is courtesy of the Herb King family as told in the book, "Memories of the Hill".
      Burial:
      Davis Cemetery
      Clay County
      West Virginia, USA
       
      Created by: Carolyn Boggs
      Record added: May 09, 2013
      Find A Grave Memorial# 110254508
    Person ID I102708  WVPioneers
    Last Modified 30 Jun 2013 

    Father William Addison Davis,   b. 25 Jan 1874, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 16 Mar 1966, Clay County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 92 years) 
    Mother Isabelle Eunice Rhodes,   b. 25 Nov 1890, Clay County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 6 Mar 1967, Kanawha County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 76 years) 
    Married 17 May 1899  Clay County, West Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Notes 

    • Marriage Record
      Date: 17 May 1899 at Metzahs Rhodes
      Place: Clay County, West Virginia
      William Adison Davis, 25, Jefferson Co PA, Clay Co
      Isabel Rhodes, 18, Clay Co, Clay Co

      1900 Henry, Clay, WV [house before Melzah Rhodes]
      Davis, Wiliam A 1/1874 m 1y PA PA PA
      Isabelle 11/1880 m1y 1-1 child WVWVWV
      Howard son 2/1900 WV

      1910 Pleasant, Clay, WV # 270-281
      Davis, William A 30 m1- 10y WV PA PA
      Isabell 29 m1- 10y 6-6 children WVWVWV
      Howard A son 10 WV 15 Jan 1900
      Luther W son 8 WV
      Alise M da 7 WV
      Mead F son 5 WV Meade Thomas 1/18/1905
      Ethel da 2 WV Ethel Augusta 8/13/1907
      Alma J da 3/12 WV Alma Irene 12 Feb 1910

      1920 Pleasant, Clay, WV # 237-231
      Davis, William A 45 PAPAPA
      Isabell 28 WVWVWV
      Howard A son 19 WV
      Luther W son 18 WV
      Mindera A da 17
      Thomas M M son 15
      Ethel A da 12
      Alma J da 9
      Wilmer C son 5
      Loyd B son 3
      William B son 5/12

      1930 Pleasant, Clay, WV
      Davis, William A 56
      Isabell 49
      Alma I 20
      William 10
      Lloyd 13
      Willmar 10
      Paul R 7

      1940 Pleasant, Clay, WV
      Davis, William A 66 PA 1935: same house Clay WV
      Isabella 59 WV 1935: same house Clay WV
      Loyd son 23 s WV
      Burton W son 20 s WV
      Paul R son 17 WV
    Family ID F26225  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  • Sources 
    1. [S1205] Census.

    2. [S898] Gravestone or Memorial posted on Findagrave.com.

    3. [S654] Marriage Records, West Virginia Division of Culture and History.