Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1883-08-02
Blackstone Kent Davis.

v
David Davis was the father of him
whose name is the caption of this arti-
ele- Perhaps it is well to add, before
I go any farther, that David was in no
way connected with that celebrated
statesman who stands as a balance in
the center of this great iberty-loving
nation. In his early days David
wished to be lawyer, but for some
reason, that was never just clearly ex-
planned, his wishes were not carried
out, and David in early manhood got
married, settled down upon farm and
began to prosper.
After awhile there came baby, and
that was boy. David was happy.
And as he watched his little offspring
in its infantile antics, his imagination
pierced the future and he saw young
man, grand as Roman statesman,
pleading before wise judges, and those
wise judges were every time convinced,
and looked with wonder upon the
great ability of the young lawyer.
When the time come to name the
baby then came the tug of war. Not
cognomen could be found, in the
whole list of human names, that was
suitable for this wonderful child.
Father and mother consulted together:
not name could be found-not one.
Let us name him after two great
lawyers, ,"1said Mr.. Davis. 1.-TWO law
yers that have stood at the head. For
I'm bound that the boy shall be a law
yer if it costs me my farm
"What lawyers, David?" asked his
wife.
81 don't know"
"How will we get at it,"
"PIl go to town and see Squire
Baker. l consider him the best law
yer in this county, and we'll just name
our baby tomorrow night when 1
come home. What do you say, Mary?'
81 am satisfied with that. Get
names that are written down in his
tory, David, 50 that our boy will be
thankful to us when he becomes a
man."
"That is just my idea, Mary" re-
piled the husband.
Mr.. Davis made it his especial bust
ness to consult Squire Baker the next
day. When he returned his face was
wrinkled all over with broad smile.
which showed that his consultation
had not been in vain.
Mrs. Davis went out to the barn
where her husband was unhitching his
horse, and waited patiently for him to
speak. But he, man fashion, kept
right along with his work, paying no
especial attention to his wife. At
last she became impatient, and asked:
"What is it, David?"
"Where is the baby?" asked he.
"In the house. What did Mr..
Bakersay?"
ais the baby asleepf"
"Yes, yes. What did he say?
"Who?"
Lawyer Baker"
Lets go into the house." said
Davis, as he shut the-gate, after turn
ing his horse into the lane, "and I'll
tell you all about it,
1t was the only thing that could be
done. Not another word of informa-
ton would the proud father give. Mrs.
Davis saw that she must wait until il
was the will Of her husband that she
should know. They went to the house
together.
There in the middle of the kitchen
floor was the baby's crib, and in that
crib was the nameless baby. A piecs
of nettin gwas thrown over to keeI
the flies from disturbing the little
sleeper.
Mr.. Davis walked right up to ths
crib, pulled off the netting, and criet
out, "Sayl''
The baby opened its eyes, and looked
at its excited father in wonderment
"Your name, my son." said the father
shaking his finger at the child, "fron
this time shall be Blackstone Ken
Davis
"Why, Dayidl' exclaimed his wife
"It's fact, Mary; Blackstone wa
a great English lawyer. Kent was
great American jurist. You agreed t,
it. Blackstone Kent it is"
Strange as it may seem that chilt
lived, grew, prospered and became
man. It's father and mother wer
somewhat bothered to find pet nam,
for their son, but at last they decidet
to call him q Kentie." AS he becam,
. man they were proud of him ant
called him Kent.