George Reed Davis (1847 - 1919)

Biography

This profile is part of the Davis Name Study.

Early Life

When George Reed Davis, Also Known As Crow Davis, was born on January 17, 1847, in Maryland, New York, his father, John Davis, was 22 and his mother, Mary Brown, was 20. He was the oldest of 9 children:

1. George Reed Davis (1847-1919)
2. Jay Clay Davis (1848-1918)
3. John Penn Davis (1850-1930)
4. William Wirt Davis (1852-1916)
5. Delos Guy Davis (1852-1926)
6. Charles Sumner Davis (1856-1932)
7. Paulina Elizabeth (Davis) Wahl (1858-1943)
8. Abraham Lincoln Davis (1862-1863)
9. Ulysses Saunders Davis (1865-1912)

• Note: FindAGrave lists DOB as 1847 but death certificate shows it as 1844.

In the 1850 census he (age 5) was in Middlefield, Otsego, New York, United States.^[1]

In the 1860 census he (age 13) was in Auburn, Fayette, Iowa, United States.^[2]

Military

George Davis served in the United States Civil War.
Enlisted: 22 Sep 1862
Mustered out: 29 May 1865
Side: USA

As a residenct of Douglass, Iowa, George Enlisted on 9/22/1862 at 18 years old and became a Private. ^[3]

On 9/22/1862 he mustered into "C" Co. IA 6th Cavalry He was discharged on 5/29/1865 He also had service in: "H" Co. IA 18th Infantry (Also served) born in New York ^[4]

Military Service Co. C, IA 6th Calvary & 18th Inf 22 Sep 1862-29 May 1865 Fayette, Iowa, US Civil War^[5]

Pension 1907-1933 USA ^[6]

Burial at Custer Battlefield National Monument ^[7]

• Name: Geo R Davis
• Death: Date 2 Mar 1919
• Interment Place: Montana, USA
• Cemetery Address: 2 Miles South of Crow Agency Exit Off US 90 Crow Agency, MT 59022
• Cemetery: Custer Battlefield National Monument
• Plot: Section A Site 1441
• Notes: Pvt Co C 6th Iowa Cav

Marriages

Walks Among the Cloud

He was married five times. His first wife was Walks Among the Cloud ^[8][9], a full blood Crow woman, and they were married in 1873, and they had 12 children.

1. Lizie Davis (1864-1866)
2. Clara Ellen Davis
3. Samuel H Davis
4. Elvina E Davis
5. Charles Wort Davis (1870-abt.1903)
6. Samuel Summer Davis (1876-1947)^[10][11]
7. Mary Jane Davis
8. Margaret Ann (Davis) Howe (1880-1925)^[12][13][14]
9. Infant Davis
10. Effie Nina Davis (1887-1937)^[15][16]
11. Infant Davis
12. Blaine Reed Davis (1894-)

It is confounding that a man married to a Crow woman and with native blood in his children was noted in this newspaper article on 23 Jun 1886:

Notable Visitors

"Notable Visitors. Right Venerable Brother Flanigan, Grand Inquisitor of the Noble Order of Red Men, called at the office of the Gazette in company with Bro. George Reed Davis, the youngest, but most honored, neophyte of that influential order. Bro. Davis was arrayed in a most gorgeous costume, which he will wear at the grand celebration of Independence Day at Billings on the 3rd of July. Bro. Davis has a Piegan scalp of recent date, which he appropriated from the Indian who formerly wore it, but who, at the date of appropriation, had no further use for it. This trophy of his valor Bro. Davis will wear on the festive occasion. He will accompany Bro. Flanigan, riding in a cage of loose and living wild animals. As Bro. Flanigan is a little loose himself, and sometimes a little wild, the appropriateness of his surroundings will at once be recognized. A special meeting of the Red Men will be held on the evening of the 2d, when degrees will be conferred.^[17]

Just a month later it appears he ran to be a Sheriff possibly (Sheri?):

The Butte Weekly Miner

"If they take one of their candidates at his word and elect him, the people of Yellowstone County will no doubt have a Sheri who is capable, modest and brave. In a card announcing his candidacy George Reed Davis says: "I am strictly a man of the people and with the people in times of need, emergency and distress. I am the poor man's friend, and as such fly neither the flag of Republicanism nor the colors of Democracy, but ardently desiring the best good of all, and the survival of the fittest, I mean to represent the interests of all, and stand before you as a leader of the Independents, on whom the star of victory has never set, the sun of empire has yet to go down." If the people of Yellowstone can stand that appeal they neither admire independence, patriotism or charity."^[18]

Unfruitful Marriages

His next 4 wives bore no children:

1. George (52) married Mary Lee (23) (born about 1875 in United States; daughter of Joseph Lee and Mary Jane (Davis) Lee) on 21 Oct 1899 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, United States^[19][20].
2. George (53) married Martha Ellen Morris (49) (born on 20 Apr 1850 in Scotland, Missouri, United States; daughter of William Morris and Nancy (Harrell) Morris) on 15 Apr 1900 in Seattle, King, Washington, United States.
3. George (56) married Lucinda Mahala Robinson (68) (born about 1834 in New York, United States; daughter of John Robinson and Lucinda (Sowens) Robinson) on 3 Jul 1903 in British Columbia, Canada^[21].
4. George (60) married Ada Augusta Rogers (58) (born on 25 Feb 1849 in Monroe, Green, Wisconsin, United States; daughter of Jacob Wentworth Rogers and Sarah Jane (Simons) Rogers) on 29 Apr 1907 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, United States^[22].

This person was mentioned in the Midland Empire News on 30 Apr 1907 in Billings, Montana.^[23]

"Crow" Davis To Wed

In the 1900 census he (age 57) was the married head of household in North Billings Precinct Billings city (pt.) Ward 1-4, Yellowstone, Montana, United States, living with his 4th wife Martha Ellen Morris (1850-1930).^[24]

Late of Life

In 1905, one of his granddaughters was bit by a rattlesnake but survived:

Rattlesnake Bite

"George R. Davis of this city, has received word that his little granddaughter has almost recovered from the effects of the rattlesnake bite she received several weeks ago. The child is the daughter of Mrs. Margaret Howe, and the family lives on the Big Horn river. As soon as possible after the bite was inflicted the child was taken to St. Xavier and placed in charge of the sisters and they succeeded in saving her life."^[25]

He died on March 2, 1919, in Lodge Grass Montana, at the age of 72^[26].

Death Certificate

He was buried in Crow Agency, Montana^[27].

Headstone in Custer National Cemeter

Obituaries

In Montana's Mirror: A Real Pioneer

"A Real Pioneer. George Davis, known as "Crow Davis", aged 85 years died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dell Howe, at St. Xavier Sunday morning. Davis come to this part of Montana in the early days when only the Crows and the Sioux and very few white men roamed the country. He was born in New York of good family, but the lure of the west was strong. He took an active part in the early Indian wars and was a guide for General Miles. He was also a noted hunter and trapper. His remains were laid to rest in Custer Battlefield Cemetery. He was married to a Crow woman from which union came three children. - Hardin Correspondent Billings Gazette."^[28]

Crow Davis Dies at St. Xavier Mission

"Crow Davis Dies at St. Xavier Mission Special to the Billings Gazette. HARDIN, March 10. - George Davis, known as "Crow Davis" aged 85 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dell Howe, at St. Xavier Sunday Morning. Davis came to this part of Montana in the early days when only the Crows and Sioux and very few white men roamed the country. He was born in New York of good family, but the lure of the west was strong. He took an active part in the early Indian wars and was a guide for General Miels. He was also a noted hunter and trapper. His remains were laid to rest in Custer Battlefield cemetery. He was married to a Crow woman from which union came three children, Mrs. Dell Howe, St Xavier, Mrs. Austin Lion Shows, Pryor, and Sam Davis of Oakland, Cal.^[29]

Research Notes

I need to add the reference in the one book I have at home about how they gave him an Indian name of "Yellow Tobacco", and there is a story about him telling them not to go on a hunting trip to a certain area and he was right about something and that they generally thought well of him.

Sources

1. ↑ 1850 Census: "United States Census, 1850"
   citing Affiliate Publication Number: M432; Line: 3;
   FamilySearch Record: MC17-8FJ (accessed 19 July 2023)
   FamilySearch Image: S3HY-6723-JVF
   George R Davis (5) in Middlefield, Otsego, New York, United States. Born in New York.
2. ↑ 1860 Census: "United States Census, 1860"
   citing Page: 21; Affiliate Publication Number: M653;
   FamilySearch Record: M8LS-JBW (accessed 19 July 2023)
   FamilySearch Image: 33S7-9B9J-SRPL
   George R Davis (13) in Auburn, Fayette, Iowa, United States. Born in New York.
3. ↑ Military: "U.S., Army, Register of Enlistments, 1798-1914"
   Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 1198 #631677 (accessed 19 July 2023)
   Name: Geo R Davis; Birthyear: abt 1845; Birthplace: New York, United States; Enlistment Age: 25.
4. ↑ Military 2: "U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865"
   Historical Data Systems, Inc.; Duxbury, MA 02331; American Civil War Research Database
   Ancestry Record 1555 #3193931 (accessed 19 July 2023)
   Name: George R Davis; Enlistment Age: 18; Birth Date: abt 1844; Birth Place: New York, USA; Enlistment Date: 22 Sep 1862; Enlistment Rank: Private; Muster Place: Iowa; Muster Company: H; Muster Regiment: 18th Infantry; Muster Regiment Type: Infantry; Muster Information: Enlisted; Muster Out Date: 29 May 1865; Muster Out Information: disch; Side of War: Union; Survived War?: Yes; Residence Place: Douglass, Iowa; Additional Notes 2: Muster 2 Date: 22 Sep 1862; Muster 2 Place: Iowa; Muster 2 Unit: 178; Muster 2 Company: C; Muster 2 Regiment: 6th Cavalry; Muster 2 Regiment Type: Cavalry; Muster 2 Information: Enlisted;; Title: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of Rebellion.
5. ↑ Military 3: "U.S., Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865"
   Original data: National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, online, acquired 2007
   Ancestry Record 1138 #4979834 (accessed 19 July 2023)
   Name: George R. Davis; Side: Union; Regiment State/Origin: Iowa; Regiment: 6th Regiment, Iowa Cavalry; Company: C; Rank In: Private; Rank Out: Private; Film Number: M541 roll 7.
6. ↑ Pension: "United States Veterans Administration Pension Payment Cards, 1907-1933"
   citing NARA microfilm publication M850 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 1,634,580.
   FamilySearch Record: K6HV-X3P (accessed 19 July 2023)
   FamilySearch Image: 939K-FWQ7-YT
   Name: George R Davis; Pension Date: 1907-1933; Pension Place: United States; Death Date: 02 Mar 1919; Event Type: Pension; Pub Unit: 1.
7. ↑ Burial: "U.S., Veterans' Gravesites, ca.1775-2019"
   National Cemetery Administration; U.S. Veterans' Gravesites
   Ancestry Record 8750 #4024302 (accessed 19 July 2023)
   Geo R Davis burial (died on 2 Mar 1919) in Custer Battlefield National Monument, Montana, USA.
8. ↑ Marriage 1(a): "Montana Marriages, 1889-1947"
   citing FHL microfilm: 1941481; Record number: 682;
   FamilySearch Record: FZST-FPD (accessed 19 July 2023)
   George R Davis marriage to Ahpangh Hadib La Da or Woman Who Went Into The Cloud on 18 Aug 1873 in Gallatin, Montana Territory, United States.
9. ↑ Marriage 1(b): "Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950"
   citing Marriage, Gallatin County, , Montana, various county courthouses, Montana; FHL microfilm 1,941,481.
   FamilySearch Record: F34H-CW5 (accessed 19 July 2023)
   FamilySearch Image: S3HY-DCRS-9B4
   George R Davis marriage to Ahpangh Hadib La Da Or Woman Who Went Into The Cloud on 18 Aug 1873 in Gallatin County, Montana.
10. ↑ Marriage of son Samuel S Davis: "Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950"
    citing Marriage, Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, various county courthouses, Montana; FHL microfilm 1,943,755
    FamilySearch Record: F3QJ-JMB (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-6SQW-3SC
    George R Davis's son Samuel S Davis marriage to Minnie E. Starbard on 19 Feb 1904 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana.
11. ↑ Death of son Samuel S Davis: "Texas Deaths, 1890-1976"
    citing Digital film/folder number: 005145028; FHL microfilm: 2218652; Record number: 38268
    FamilySearch Record: K39V-YL3 (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 33SQ-GYBB-85L Image number 02762
    George Davis in death record for son Samuel S Davis 4 Sep 1947 in Houston, Harris, Texas, United States.
12. ↑ Marriage of daughter Margaret Ann Davis: "Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950"
    citing Marriage, Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, various county courthouses, Montana; FHL microfilm 1,943,754
    FamilySearch Record: F37B-1HM (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-6S5S-KSC
    George Reed Davis's daughter Margaret Ann Davis marriage to Dell Howe on 5 Dec 1899 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana.
13. ↑ Death of daughter Margaret Ann Howe: "Montana, Big Horn County Records, 1884-2011"
    citing Death, Crow Agency, Big Horn, Montana, United States, Death registers, vol A-Z, 1911-1975, Big Horn County Courthouse, Hardin
    FamilySearch Record: QVC3-3VJQ (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-998L-L4X3 Image number 00086
    Geo R Davis in death record for daughter Margaret Ann Howe 26 Oct 1925 in Crow Agency, Big Horn, Montana, United States.
14. ↑ Death of daughter Margaret Ann Howe: "Montana, Big Horn County Records, 1884-2011"
    citing Death, Crow Agency, Big Horn, Montana, United States, Death Certificates ( in file drawers); 1910-2011; v H, 1910-2011, Big Horn County Courthouse, Hardin
    FamilySearch Record: QVBD-9NHN (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-L98C-345T Image number 00061
    Geo R Davis in death record for daughter Margaret Ann Howe 26 Oct 1925 in Crow Agency, Big Horn, Montana, United States.
15. ↑ Marriage of daughter Effie Nina Davis: "Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950"
    citing Marriage, Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, various county courthouses, Montana; FHL microfilm 1,943,754
    FamilySearch Record: F371-S5Q (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-6S5S-PDQ
    George R Davis's daughter Effie Nina Davis marriage to Ralph E. Burgner on 21 Apr 1903 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana.
16. ↑ Death of daughter Nina Lionshows: "Montana, Big Horn County Records, 1884-2011"
    citing Death, Crow Agency, Big Horn, Montana, United States, Death certificates, vol L-1, 1916-1970, Big Horn County Courthouse, Hardin
    FamilySearch Record: QVCS-1C7H (accessed 1 September 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QSQ-G98D-N355 Image number 00057
    George R Davis in death record for daughter Nina Lionshows 26 Jan 1937 in Crow Agency, Big Horn, Montana, United States.
17. ↑ 1886 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com"
    The Billings Gazette (Billings, Montana) Wed, Jun 23, 1886, page 4
    Newspapers Clip: 104324261 (accessed 1 September 2023)
18. ↑ 1886 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com"
    The Butte Weekly Miner (Butte, Montana) Sat, Jul 3, 1886, page 3
    Newspapers Clip: 104341545 (accessed 1 September 2023)
19. ↑ Marriage: "Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950"
    citing Digital film/folder number: 004351481; FHL microfilm: 1943754; Image number: 765; Packet letter: A; Indexing batch: I10474-1
    FamilySearch Record: F37B-BZ9 (accessed 29 April 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-6S5S-GZG
    George Reed Davis (24) marriage to Mary Lee (24y) on 21 Oct 1899 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, United States.
20. ↑ Marriage: "United States Western States Marriage Index"
    citing Page: 241
    FamilySearch Record: XZD7-KP1 (accessed 29 April 2024)
    George Reed Davis marriage to Mary Lee on 21 Oct 1899 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, United States.
21. ↑ Marriage: "Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008"
    citing Digital film/folder number: 004197883; Image number: 317
    FamilySearch Record: QPML-9GSW (accessed 29 April 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: 3QS7-89FD-S67
    George Reed Davis marriage to Martha Thorington on 14 Apr 1900 in King, Washington, United States.
22. ↑ Marriage: "Montana, County Marriages, 1865-1950"
    citing Digital film/folder number: 004351482; FHL microfilm: 1943755; Image number: 512; Packet letter: D; Indexing batch: M02825-9
    FamilySearch Record: F3QJ-P29 (accessed 29 April 2024)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-6SQ7-RVN
    George Reed Davis (28) marriage to Ada R. Eggleston (28y) on 29 Apr 1907 in Billings, Yellowstone, Montana, United States.
23. ↑ 1907 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com"
    Midland Empire News (Billings, Montana) Tue, Apr 30, 1907, page 5
    Newspapers Clip: 152214970 (accessed 28 July 2024)
24. ↑ 1900 Census: "United States Census, 1900"
    citing enumeration district (ED) 197, sheet 25A, family 490, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,915.
    FamilySearch Record: MM56-T1H (accessed 19 July 2023)
    FamilySearch Image: S3HT-D5GQ-3H2
    George ? Davis (57), married head of household in North Billings Precinct Billings city (pt.) Ward 1-4, Yellowstone, Montana, United States. Born in New York.
25. ↑ 1905 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com"
    The Billings Gazette (Billings, Montana) Wed, Jun 28, 1905, page 4
    Newspapers Clip: 104372961 (accessed 1 September 2023)
26. ↑ Death: "Montana, U.S., State Deaths, 1907-2018"
    Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services; Helena, Montana; Montana Death Records; Certificate Number: 7 1/2
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 5437 #794432 (accessed 28 July 2024)
    George Reed Davis death 2 Mar 1919 (born 17 Jan 1844) in Big Horn, Montana, USA.
27. ↑ Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
    Find A Grave: Memorial #15000268 (accessed 19 July 2023)
    Memorial page for Pvt George Reed Davis (17 Jan 1847-2 Mar 1919), citing Custer National Cemetery, Crow Agency, Big Horn County, Montana, USA (plot: Sec. A #1441); Maintained by Long Ago and Yesterday (contributor 47122640).
28. ↑ 1919 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com"
    The Independent-Record (Helena, Montana) Thu, Mar 13, 1919, page 4
    Newspapers Clip: 71091304 (accessed 1 September 2023)
29. ↑ 1919 Newspaper: "Newspapers.com"
    The Billings Gazette (Billings, Montana) Tue, Mar 11, 1919, page 12
    Newspapers Clip: 104373159 (accessed 1 September 2023)

• See Also:

• FamilySearch Person: KP3V-KBP