The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-17
VICTIM OF THE BLIZZARD.
FIRST LOCAL CASE OF DEATH FROM
EXCESSIVELY GOLD WEATHER.
A. L. Davis, White Man. Found Fro
zen Stiff and Stark Dead, Yesterday
Morning-Evid of Former Hap
piness and Prosperity.

Family troubles and succeeding dissipa-
ton have claimed and obtained another
victim, and the body OF A. j.. Davis lies in
the shop of County Undertaken John
Walsh awaiting requisition from friends or
interment at the expense of the county.
While moving about the premises of No.
1876 Beale street, about O'Clock yesterday
morning, colored man was Mortified TO
find the corpse OF white man, apparently
about thirty-fve years OF age, and mod
erately well dressed. The room in which
the body was found was squald and unin-
viting in the extreme, being an open, low
frame shanty, into which the conglomera-
ton of snow and sleet had been blown to
the depth of hali-inch. There was an
absence OF furniture and fire entirely in
compatible with the dress of the dead man.
Only rude and empty bureau and stove
were present TO give evidence Of the place
being inhabited by human beings, and
there were few in the neighborhood who
had any idea of the shanty being tenanted
and who the occupants were.
The negro who discovered the remains
notified Squire John j. Barry, and an in
quest followed rs quickly rs possible. Mr..
Barry found the corpse in the same posi-
ton as first discovered. Resting ON the
bare floor, drawn into position closely
resembling knot, the features pinched
and pallid, il was u spectacle calculated to
, highten the biting lrigidity Of temperature
prevailing without and within the quarters
A The few witnesses available and all APP
y pearances Were taken into consideration
J by the jury OF inquest. The former source
OF enlightenment could only testify that
the name OF the dead man was A. L.
Davis, and that he had been drinking
heavily ever since he had occupied the
apartment, occasionally in company with
saddle-colorod woman named Annie
Brown. One witness said he heard the
man groaning and snoring the night pre-
vious, but on account OF his habits paid no
further attention. The woman Brown
could not be found, but the impression
was that Davis had gone there on the fatal
night 10 await her coming, hut in vain,
and fell into the last sleep. Appearances
and recolections of the bitter cold weather
impressed the jury that il was q case OF
death from excessive cold, and a verdict
was returned accordingly. The body was
turned over TO County Undertaken Walsh
by the squire.
Who was the dead man Davis? And
how came he in such bare, dcsolato quar-
icrs? This WAS revealed by papers on his
person anda witness or two who knew him.
lie came 10 Memphis the latter part OF
1886. from Sardis. Pamela county, Miss.
lie brought certificate Of excellent char
acior aud superior business qualifications,
signed by six Of the towns prominent
citizens. In this paper IL WAS stated that
Davis had held the office OF deputy sheriff,
deputy chanccry court clerk and later
was postmaster Upon arrival here the
firm OF A. l.. Davis & Co., real estate
agents and managers OF the Southern Labor
and Employment agency, with office in the
basement nj No. IL West Court street, wa,
established, Mai. +. W. Roystcr was thC
partner. II seems that the wife OF Davis
good woman named "Annic" as shown
: by letters from her to him, whom he mar
y nied in Mississippi, resides at Grotna, Ia
The last letter vi this character was dated
- January 2, Of this year, In which th,
writer, without any semblancc Of cproacl
or complaint, speaks in delightful terms o
!. their little baby. Among the papers foun,
was one OF pathetic natuc;On one side o
q iooscap sheet appeared about ten verses
entitled, 81 will love you forever" and or
the reverse what is supposed TO be tn
answer Darling, let the past be forgot
ten" The former, Il IL supposed, wa
written by the wife, the latter by the hus
band. No dates mark the sentimental cf
fusons II was said that trouble exisie,
IN the Davis home, which accounted 70
the separation and course Of the husband
but there appears no written evidence 4
rorrobate the story.
Davis had evidently seen better days
and been comfortably situated from tn
standpoint Of worldly possessions. Their
were found receipts Tor taxes on propert,
IN Pamela county, Miss, and note 70
$500 in u Sardis bank, signed by himsel
and wife, and marked paid by tn
cashier. Ills venture in this city had not
however, proved a gold mine, thougl
there were no pressing embarrassments
lie had rclativesand friends in a humble
OF places, Tar aud near, some being as dis
tant as New Mexico. In his pocket wa
an invitation 10 attend the marriage Of Al
fred ]. Ozanne and Miss Beulah DIV
Renchcr, which occurred at White Oaks
n NJ nageunhar ~ lSHT