My Genealogy Hound

MISS MARY A. DAVIS was born in Montgomery county, where she has always lived. Her father, Dr. Thomas Davis, was born March 6, 1809, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and was reared by Jones Davis, an older brother, who was the son of Dr. Roger Davis, a prominent physician of Chester county, of Welsh descent. He owned a farm besides practicing medicine, and was very successful both as a physician and as a farmer. He was a member of the Baptist church. The children of Dr. Roger Davis: Jones, a physician; Eliza (Mrs. Saylor), who died in Ohio, leaving three children, who returned to Pennsylvania, where they were reared; Morris, occupies the old homestead in Chester county; Roger, died unmarried; Maria (Mrs. Anderson); Thomas (father of Miss Davis).

Morris Davis was the guardian of Thomas Davis. Thomas was reared on a farm, and attended the common schools of the village of Mantua, now West Philadelphia, and also a seminary at that place, where he graduated, and then studied mediine with Professor Horner, of Philadelphia, as preceptor. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1834, and commenced practice in Lower Providence township, remaining there until he married, December 5, 1839. He removed to Trappe, and practiced his profession there for seven years. On account of failing health he gave up the practice of medicine temporarily and went to Whitemarsh township, where he spent four years and regained his health. He then went to Jeffersonville to practice his profession, and in 1852 located at Evansburg permanently. He practiced his profession with success, giving every attention to his patients, and enjoying the confidence of the entire community. About seven years before his death he had a severe attack of stiffness, and retired from active practice. Some of his former patients continued to call at his house and receive treatment until his death. He died January 22, 1891. He was a member of the Presbyterian church at Eagleville, and in politics was a Democrat. Mrs. Davis died November 2, 1869. She was the daughter of Joseph and Ann (Lewis) Reiff. Joseph Reiff was the son of Jacob and Mary (Detwiler) Reiff. The Detwilers are an old family of German descent, and many of them Dunkards. The children of Joseph and Ann Reiff: Enos, a miller by trade; Sarah, mother of Miss Mary A. Davis; Jacob, a farmer; Mary (Mrs. Joseph Wilson); Isaac, a farmer.

Mary A. Davis is the only child of Dr. Thomas and Sarah Davis. She received a liberal education, and is a practical business woman. She inherited the estate of her parents and is perfectly competent to handle it successfully. She has a fine farm in the valley of Skippack Creek, and other valuable property. The homestead at Evansburg contains about ten acres. She has greatly improved it, and erected upon it a commodious three-story stone mansion of modern architecture, and all conveniences to be found in a city home. She has erected at heavy cost a mausoleum in River Side cemetery at Norristown, for the burial of her parents and herself. Miss Davis is an active member of the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Davis was a Democrat.