JOHN P. DAVIS

Well Known Citizen Passed Away Suddenly Wednesday

SMITHVILLE

(1919)

   John Perkins Davis, a well known resident of State street, died suddenly at about 11 o'clock Wednesday morning, Feb. 25.  He had not been feeling well this winter although able to be about town.  Wednesday morning he attended to the furnace and later complained of considerable pain, and finally consented that a physician be called.  Dr. B. A. Hall was summoned and prescribed for him, advising that he remain at home for a while and rest.  About 11 o'clock he became unconscious and before assistance could be procured passed away.  Neuralgia of the heart was the cause of his demise.

   Mr. Davis was born July 1, 1839, in Smithville, and was a son of Solomon Heth and Clarinda Perkins Davis.  He gained his education in the district schools of his native town and at Oxford Academy, qualifying himself for teaching, which vocation he followed for several years.  In 1863 he married Almeda Buckley, daughter of Jacob and Clarinda Hastings Buckley, pioneer residents of Smithville.  After the death of his father, Mr. Davis took the old homestead, remaining there till 1893, when he moved into this village.

   Mr. Davis was a Universalist in religion and in politics an old time Republican, and took a deep interest in local and national events, but switched to Roosevelt in 1912.  During his residence in this village he faithfully and diligently discharged the duties of village president, trustee, assessor, collector, and for a number of years was on the Republican committee.  For the past 30 years he represented the weather bureau for this section.

   Mr. Davis was in the 75th year of his age.  He is survived by his wife and three children.  Mrs. Sackett H. Mead, of this village, Edward E. Davis, of Norwich and Charles S. Davis, of Chattanooga, Tenn.

   The funeral service was held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. George Cross Baner, of Utica officiating.  The floral offerings were beautiful.

NOTE:  THE DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.