Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-01-25
WORCESTER.
Mrs. Davis,

closes a life illustrated to an uncommon degree
bv high endowments liberal culture and ele-
va,ed bene6ciepce of late made venerable bv
vears while stiu retainiur the freshness and
cbeerfulness of youth. Every community paws
the tribute of eulogv to such as it terms its first
man and foremost citizen: but if is even better.
for tbe moral and the lesson. that the honors of
every community should be accorded to its first
and .fofemost woman. For when such an one,
.lr6 bv nature and circumstances beyond the
limitations of the average of the sex, extends
her usefulness in certain sense to public
spheres. and by her example and exertions
benefits great communities, she becomes an OBJ
iect of public interest, and her name should
pass upon the list of public instructors and
henefactors. In this estimation the name of
Mrs Davis rises 10 a natural and enforced prom
;nepce. and it were an unwarranted delicacy
which sbould withhold the freely written men
tion and praise. Her life has for forty wears
been one of public distinction, so to speak, con-
spicnous by no means chiefly in the reflected
light of her eminent father or more eminent hus-
band and brother. but rather in her own indiyidu
alty of moral and intellectual excellence. Ii is
her own example and influence, her own char
acter and reputation, which have gladdened and
embelished every circle she moved in. and
which will long be remembered in this CITY as
having placed her at the head of her sex among
the social forces of the past and present gener-
alton. 1t is not easy TO measure. certainly we
are little likely TO oyerestimate. the improving
and exaiting influence she exercised over the
large society which she Immediately aud re-
amplar. The value of such a person. presiding
modestly through half a century over the social
lie around her. among organized associations
and private circles. diffusing discreet opinions
and elevated sentiments, awakening the public
spirit to worthy objects and making them at
tractiye by her own poetic enthusiasm, investing
trivial scenes with dignity, and serious occasions
with chcerfulness, inspiring women with Just
conceptions Of the higher methods of living,
which thew 100 aptiv neglect. and men with a
HIGHER kind of respect for woman,-this, or
much Of this, remains with us after her death,
and will make our departed friend an enduring
remembrance here.
The family from which Mrs. Davis sprang has
been distnctively associated with the history of
Worcester for the greater part of century.
Her father, the Rev. DR.. Aaron Bancroft, was
settled here in 1885, and remained in the same
pastoral connection until his death in
1880 OF his children, the most distinguished
George Bancroft, ceased to reside here after
his graduation at college in 1871 and
the others from fine TO time pursued their sew
eraI paths Of destiny elsewhere, Mrs. Davis
alone continuing to abide in the place of her
nativity. She was married to Mr.. Davis in 1922,
now fifty years past. To the long ago venerated
divine and the now yenerated daughter. the
rural Village that was not undistinguished in A
century and half and the poDulous city of to-
day are in debt for many Of their inspirations
to social eminence She began in her education.
: and continued through the changing circum-
ICES of subsequent fortune. with the strong
Ia sense that marked her ancestor. MANY
Ne and flexible features of his delicate
jn were also shared by her own The
honts5t hcr youth was the best school of that
or any generation. A sound. clear and analytic
teacher always at hand. a selected literature for
the standard. a cultured Christian gentleman the
daily living illustration. The shadow of such
wisdom and authority fell uoon her character.
But broader education came afterwards. under
herown choice and direction, through the varied
stages of trial and advancement to which her
connection with Mr.. Davis introduced her. An
education which 10 many women woulJ have
been useless, but which became culture 10 her.
was in constant progress. and the great hook of
human nature was Turned over amnly before
her. Nor were those lessons unheeded at the
time. nor ever after cast away in forgetfnIness
Those of us who knew her when she was lust
passing the middle DAYS of life and have known
her since, are witnesses of the rich fruit. Itcan
be summed up in lew words. An uncommouly
correct Judgment, lively Imagination, most
charitable disposition. generous way of think.
iur. an elevation of character. a perceptiyity
that had a tinge of the poetic, warmth and
tenderness of affection. conferred the strength
and grace which properly combined are A crown
10 the best Of yomaDkind. The Christian oraces
mellowed the whole One who was durinr
considerable period a resident in her household
may be permitted TO recall that in the utmost
freedom Of daily conversation there was that alb
solutey invariable kindness of remark upon
others. which cannot ALWAYS be \ rirt but must
sonetimes he n cononest-and then If Is the
hirbest of mortal triumnhs And her manners
were most oraeious
There are many even vet in ;bis greatly
changed and rapidly CHANGING community who
have pleasing recollection of the comnosure
and SIMPLICITY with which she conducted her
mart Of administration while Governor Davis
held the executive Office If was kind of
SIMPLICITY. one is forced TO saw which became
elegance The oovernor's financial circ,m.
stances were at that dav not the most annie
Int shc in herself more than made rood tho de6o.
encv If any tbere could he said IN he and sbod
over the ,as oootsto ,7ooi a dignity that was
snnerior to pomp or ostentation. So il was said
hot Mrs Madison in a similar sitnotion ala in
bar dav Mrs Dar,s was mpcb of rho tmo at
WASHINGTON au.;nr tho senatorial terms or bcr
husband whore her opaIities won WA, and
universal favor life At tbo Genital was mt than
altooetber the same az NOW In social official
life there was NJ that time less of
the eli,terino nothinonesses and e,trov.
agauces. less Of rejection of intoros,in,,