Thomas Davies

Son of Edward and Ellen Wright Davies.

Married Jessie Benton Ross Davies on October 28, 1875 in Jefferson County, Iowa.

Note: Originally buried in the Fairfield Abbey Mausoleum; removed to this lot on July 22, 1968 as the Fairfield Abbey Mausoleum was being closed due to poor facility conditions.

Fairfield Daily Ledger Wednesday August 19, 1925

DAVIES FUNERAL HELD YESTERDAY

Many Attended the Rites At Methodist Church. Interment in Abbey

Funeral services for Thomas DAVIES were held yesterday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the Methodist church and were conducted by Rev. T.S. Pool of Mr. Pleasant assisted by Dr. C.L. Tennant of Fairfield. They were largely attended and the floral offerings were profuse. Inerment was at Fairfield Abbey.

The pallbearers were J.W. DOLE, W.D. SHIRK, Col. W.G. HEATON, Frank MOYER, Harry KILPATRICK, and R.W. LAMSON.

Thomas DAVIES was born in North Wales Hawarden, on the River Dee, in Flintshire, on March 24, 1844. With his parents he came to Burlington in 1849. About two years later they moved to Jefferson county, entering the land in Blackhawk township, which was the family home for more than a generation and a part of which Mr. DAVIES owned at the time of his death.

He grew up on the farm and received his education in the common schools and in Axline's Academy. For a short time after his schooling he was employed by his uncle, Thomas DAVIES, in a grocery store in Omaha. He returned to the farm in Blackhawk township where he made his home until 1907, when he came to Fairfield, which had been his home since.

In politics, he was always a Republican and took active interest in the affairs of his party in the township and county and for many years was one of its recognized leaders. He held various township offices and later was elected a member of the county board of supervisors in which position he served for six years and rendered notable service for the county. During his term in co-operation with the other members, there was established the system which is working out for better roads. Also during his term the levy was made for the county hospital and the building constructed.

He was always a forward looking man and every enterprise for the betterment of the community received his cordial and intelligent support. Though small in stature and modest in bearing, he was a natural leader and his influence was always felt in and body or association with which he was connected.

A thoughtful man of more than ordinary reading and experience, he was successful in business and his advice was sought by others in economic affairs and also in many matters that concerned them as individuals. He was of upright character and of the strictest integrity. Fair and just in all his dealings and naturally he had the entire confidence of the community. He was of cheerful dispostion, kindly in his nature and all who knew him were his friends.

He was raised a Congregationalist and his first connection was with the Congregational church at Monticello in Blackhawk township. Later he joined the Pleasant Grove Methodist church and for many years was one of the leading members of this congregation. When he moved to Fairfield his membership was transferred to the First Methodist church here and he was active in church affairs as long as his health permitted. For a time he was a member of the board of stewards. His whole life was an exemplification of his stalwart belief in the truths of Christianity.

On October 28, 1875, he was married to Jessie F. ROSS daughter of the late John ROSS of Center township. To them were born three children; Mrs. Mary RIDER of Buchanan township, Mrs. W.B. PICKEN now of Lavoye, Wyo., and Mrs. John A. HANNA of Des Moines. There are also three grandchildren, the children of the daughter, Mrs. RIDER.

He was a great home man and had unusual joy in his devotion to his wife, to his children and to his grandchildren.

He leaves one brother, John DAVIES, of Spokane, Wash., who was well known in this county and who for six years was county treasurer here.

Mr. DAVIES had been in failing health for the past two years, having been confined to his home for the past six months, though not bedfast. On August 13, he had a turn for the worse. On Saturday morning, of the 15th, he seemed better but falling asleep after his lunch at noon he passed quietly away at 12:45 o'clock without a struggle.* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Sep 6 2020, 15:01:34 UTC

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Sep 6 2020, 15:05:57 UTC