Asa Davidson

Revision 4/26/2017: Added a copy of death certificate End of revision

Revision 12/7/2011: Added an announcement in a Putnam Valley newspaper dated April, 1911. I found this little gem and thought you would like to see it. Click the "media" tab above to find the doc. You will need to zoom in and squint :-) End of revision.

Revision 4/26/2011 - Added draft registration card. Select "media" tab above to view. ... end of revision.

1880 US Census information taken the 8th and 9th days of June:

Asa's surname is listed in the 1880 U.S. Census as DAVISON. Both Davison and Davidson are used throughout the family documentation (ie: see profile of Charles E.) and seems to be interchangeable in many cases . In this case, it is unclear whether it is purposeful or simple a spelling error on the part of the census taker. As an adult, Asa settles on DAVIDSON.

Asa Davison/Davidson's estimated birth year in 1880 is "abt 1877". He is listed as 3 years old, living in Kent, CT. with his mother Edna (age 24), father Charles E. (age 27) and (likely twin) sisters Carra and Katie, age 2. A note about his birth date: WWI Draft Card Registration records document his birthday as 15 Oct 1875 so he could have been 5 years old at this time.

The occupation of his father Charles is described as "works on farm". His mother's job is "keeping house".

The census dwelling number/family number for the Davison/Davidson household is Dwelling 97/Family 102. Immediate neighbors are farmers. The farm on one side, Dwelling 96/family 101 is owned by William S. and Sylvia Edward. They have two sons, ages 15 and 12, that work on the farm. The neighbor on the other side, Dwelling 98/Family 103 is a farm owned by Charles and Mary Chase. They have a young son, age 4, and no other apparent farm hands. Next farm is Dwelling 99/Family 194, owned by Catherine and Martin Carroll. They are both 55 years old and have three sons working on the farm. (A supposition: the closest farm that appears to need outside help would be the Chase farm. Perhaps Charles worked there?)

The 1890 U.S. Census records were destroyed in a fire at the storage facility in Washington DC and precious few records were saved. At this time, no records between the years 1880 and1900 for Asa (and family) have surfaced. How unfortunate to have a 20 year gap in their lives.

1900 U.S. Census : living in Kent, CT as a boarder in the home of George & Lena Hallock Profession: Day Laborer

Married Phebe Jenette (Jane) Ett abt 1904

1920 U.S. Census : living in New Milford, Ct. in the home of Howard & Bertha Oviatt with wife, Pheobe, daughter Alice, and brother-in-law Ernest Ett. Profession: Carpenter

1930 U.S. Census: living in Dover Plains, Dutchess County, NY with wife, Phoebe. Profession: Carpenter

(Other) Certificate of Death information:

• Asa's birthday is listed as 15 Oct. 1877
• He was 63 yrs., 4 months 1 day old at time of death
• Death is said to have occurred on Feb. 16, 1941 at 7am
• Occupation: Carpenter "Worked for contractor"
• Father: Charles Davidson, birth place unknown
• Mother: Edna Hallock, birth place unknown
• Funeral arrangements by Lillis Funeral Home, Joseph Lillis signed as undertaker
• Physician's signature: Howard G. Stevens, MD
• Informant (of Asa's death) Mrs. Phoebe Davidson

New information 28 August 2010:

The following is a copy of the obituary of Asa. I have copied it exactly as it was printed in the newspaper. Some comments are added by me at the end of the article.

Obituary of Asa C. Davidson

February 23, 1941

The New Milford Times

                          ASA C. DAVIDSON

  Asa C. Davidson, died at his home on Middle Street, Sunday at 8:30 A.M.  He was born in South Kent October 15, 1877, a son of the late Charles and Edna (Hallock) Davidson.  Mr. Davidson was a carpenter by trade.  He was a member of the New Milford Methodist Church.

  Mr. Davidson is survived by his wife, the former Phoebe Ett; one daughter, Mrs. Joseph Thompson of New Milford; two brothers, Walter Davidson of Meriden; Chas. Davidson of Middletown; five sisters: Mrs. Carrie Shaw of Stratford; Mrs. Harry Proudman of Plainville, Mrs. Everett Graham, Mrs. John Shipke and Mrs. George Green, all of Meriden.

  The body was removed to the Lillis Funeral Home and on Monday evening the place was open for the convenience of relatives and friends who wished to pay their respects to the deceased.

  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. Jack Grenfall, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating.

  The bearers were Frederick Stebbins, Joseph Thompson, Ernest Ett, Edward Shipke, Harry Proudman and Donald Graham. The body was placed in the receiving vault at Center Cemetery, to await burial when weather permits.

Comments:

• There is no record (yet) of a brother Charles Davidson. He is a mystery.
• Mrs. Harry Proudman is sister Minnie
• Mrs. Everett Graham is sister Irene
• Mrs. John Shipke is sister Beatrice. Her husband's name is not John but Edwin. They live on John Street.
• Mrs. George Green is sister Annie.
• There is no mention of sister Katie. It is possible that she is deceased.
• Donald Graham is the son of Everett and Irene.