Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1871-08-18
RIVER AND WEATHER.

The river at this point last evening was
stationary, with fifteen inches on Harpeth
Shoals Weather not SO warm as it has
been for several weeks past, a pleasant
| breeze prevailing throughout the evening.
DEATH OF VETERAN BoATMAN.--Iatel-
Egence reached the city yesterday of The
death Of Capt. Ammon L. Davis, pioneer
boatman in the Cumberland river, and well
known in the Southern waters. He died
at his home in Sligo, DeKslb county, on
Tuesday last, after few days illness. II
was only about ten days ago since he WIS.,
tied this city, and was looking the picture
of good health. On Friday last he was at
tackled suddenly with cholera morbus, but
on Sunday had 50 far recovered as to be
able 10 walk about his premises.
On that right he had q second
attack, which medicine could not
reach. Capt. Davis connection with our
river interests dates back as far as 1880,
when he was commander of the Little
Nashville From that time until 1883, he
commanded successfully the Izora, Re-
serve and Shilock. He afterwards built
the Harry Hill, steamer that run be-
tween this city and New Orleans. In the
latter part of 1888, he retired from the
river, but in 1874, again took up bis favor
tie pursuit, established the Nashville and
Smithland semi-weekly packet line, com
posed of the Sligo, Commerce and Joseph
Inc. and run these steamers in that line
until 1850, when he established another
line known as the Nashville and Memphis
Mail Line, the boats composing the same
being the City of Huntsville, J. G. Cline,
John Simpson, Embassy and Sligo.
This line was exceedingly popular
with the travelling public, and his boats
ALWAYS went out DIVIDED. During the
continuance of this line, he had the
contract for carrying the mails. At the
same time he was largely interested in
other steamboat stock, and was part owner
of the Red Rover and Josephine Savage,
which run in the New Orleans trade, and
also the DR.. Robertson and Msyduke, Cum
berland river boats. He continued on the
river until 1860, when he again retired
Can't. Davis was the frat man 10 navigate
Caney Forke. He built the Sligo for that
purpose, aud ran her successfully up ard
down that stream. During the war Capt
Davis removed to Louisville, where he en-
gagged in the banking business, in Wall,
now Fouth street. A few years ago he left
Louisville. and removed to his old home
on Caney Forke, wnere he continued to
reside until his death. For two or three
years past, the country for some fifteen
miles surrounding has been indebted to him
for medical attention. There being no ply
stefan In that neighberhood, Capt. Davis
studied medicine, aud practiced extensive
ly, simply for the good he might do, never
charging dime for his services.
While living in this city Capt. Davis on
several occasions represented the sixth
ward in the City Council, and was one of
the most faithful and acave members of
the City Government. He was withai
genial and agreeable companion, and no
man in the community was more highly
esteemed. His old river friends in partic-
ular will be panied to bear of his demise.
He was in the 9Th year of his age. Tho
Talisman, the only boat in port, had her
colors fiying at half mast in respect to the
memory of the old boatrnan, and the val
ued citizsn.