William E Davis

Info compiled from Phil Davis dated July 2007.

William Davis, our great grandfather, was the son of John Davis (who was born in Swansea, Wales) and Anna Owens (who was born in Abadare, Wales). His father, John, was a cattle dealer in Wales. Anna's father was a farmer.

William Davis was born on February 19, 1847 in Cardiff, Wales. He married Harriet Goodman in early 1861. (the 1 is written over with what looks like an 8 but this may be wrong.) Their marriage is recorded in the records of a place called Merthyr Tydril, Wales. In 1871 William immigrated to the United States, along with his wife and three children, Maggie, Mary Ann, and Fannie. They left Swansea, Wales in early March to sail to America. They arrived in Western Pennsylvania in early April, 1871. A brother, George, later came to reside in the United States and lived in Greensburg. He was one of 7 brothers and 2 sisters. I have been unable to determine were they lived between 1871 and October, 1879. However, the 1880 Federal Census records them as living in the Shafton District of North Huntingdon Township and lists William's occupation as Coal Miner.

Later Census records from around 1900 onward show William and his family living in the United District of Mount Pleasant Township. Census records [show] his occupation as Fire Boss. (A Fire Boss was the person responsible for insuring safety in the mines and generally entered and inspected the mines at the beginning of each shift.) On a web site dedicated to old mine records and history I have discovered that in 1909 he was the Superintendent of the Margurite Mine in Unity Township. William died on May 21, 1927 at the home of his daughter, Fannie Tumalty in Pleasant Unity. According to an obituary I have his funeral was conducted at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Trauger, PA.

Note: Additional information regarding other family members is recorded on their personal profiles.