Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-26

OF appendicitis and was taken TO the
Emergency Hospital. in Boston, where
four eminent physicians had a consulta-
ton as to his condition, and advised
against an operation being performed.
The sufferer grew better. and was ap-
parently a well man when here
month or so ago, but last Tuesday and
Wednesday, while in Philadelphia with
Mr. Shaw, Of the Davis Boot and Shoe
Company. he was taken sick again. In
the company of a friend. he went over
TO Buffalo. y. Y, arriving at the 1ro-
quois Hotel, that city. an i'll man. Upon
reaching this caravansary, he sent out
for a physician. who had Mr.. Davis re-
moved to hospital Immediately. While it
Is reported here that an operation for
appendicitis was performed kilograms
received in this city by friends OF the
deceased do not state whether or not
this is true. Mr. Davis fingered until
noon Sunday. when he expired, the end
being as peaceful and happy as his life
had been.
Just before his death he wired for his
son. Mr.. Wilbur II. Davis, Of the Davis
Boot and Shoe Company, who arrived in
time TO witness the end.
SKETCH OF HIS LIFE.
Mr.. Davis was in his cd year at the
time OF his death. He was born in
Marblehead. Mass, and was educated
I'm the common schools. When very
Young. was apprenticed to a shoemaker
I'm the great shoemaking Bay State. He
worked at the bench for years. BY
thrift and economy he saved money and
finally got into business for himself
Mr. Daviss early business ventures
were very successful and II soon be
came recognized that he was destined
TO become an important factor in the
large shoe-manufacturing interests or
Lynn. He was at ore time the head OF
a largo factory there. He also had an
other factory at Kennebunk, Me. He
was quick TO see the advantages 10 be
gained by using machinery, and was
leader in this step among the shoe
manufacturers
During John d. Longs administration
as Governor of Massachusetts Mr..
Davis was honored with a position in
his Excellency's Council. which he filled
with dignifed ability and grace.
WHEN HE CAME HERE.
In 1880 having met with signal success in
the shoe business in the Baltimore peniten-
tiary. he came to Richmond and closed a
contract with the Penitentiary Board here
TO employ the convicts Of the Virginia
institution. The business grew rapidly
from the first. In 1891 he failed, but
shortly afterward the Davis Boot and
Shoe Company was organized and he
was practically placed at its head. He
has demonstrated how private enter
prise can operate conyicts at a profit to
themselves. to the State and to the com
pany employing them. He was the origna-
tor OF the system of tasking the men, and
paying them for all the work accomplished
above their tasks at the same rate that
the State is paid for their services. The
system has worked admirably, and has
encouraged spirit of thrift and inde-
pendence among the convicts.
The news OF the death of Mr.. Davis
having been received at the institution,
the foremen OF the various departments
assembled in the offices yesterday morn
ing. and a committee of four was ap-
pointed to take suitable action regarding
the memory Of the deceased. A mag
uificent floral piece was sent by the ope-
ratives Of the factory.
The funeral of Mr.. Davis will take
place from his home, In Lynn. Mass,
though the time has not yet been fixed.
The deceased was married once. and
leaves a wife and two sons and four
daughters-Messrs j. Edward Davis.
manager OF the Boston Woven Hose and
Rubber Company, and Wilbur II. Davis.
who IS associated with the Davis Boot
and Shoe Company, Of this city; Mrs.
Edward Newhall, Of Lynn. and Misses
Davis, OF Lynn. Mass.
HIS TRAITS OF CHARACTER.
Mr.. Davis came TO Richmond fire.
uuently and since the jefferson Hotel
opened has stopped there. Often his
sojourns have lasted several weeks He
was very fond Of sitting in the Office
court, and could almost every evening
be found surrounded by a group of
friends and acquaintance. He was an
interesting conversationalist and easy
and graceful OF manner He took plea
sure ia the fact that he had made a. large
number Of friends here, and was proud OF
the fact that he had started at the bot.
tom of his business and worked up. He
wore constant and pleasant smile
which betokened genial, warm-hearted
disposition. He spent a great deal OF
hts time here last winter. watching his
interests In the Legislature, then i'm SEES
sion. He was here. about two weeks
since. for the Lass time. and seemed ther
IN the best OF spirits. His frequent trips
10 Richmond had given him wide knowl
edge OF the southern people. and h,
always eyinced In his conversation
great liking for the South.
Mr.. Davis was thoroughly aroused II
the matter OF convict reform and hal
helped hundreds into better pathway
OF life after they had been given thei
liberty.
The death OF Mr. Davis will not affec
the business of the company here. Mr.
II. G. Thatcher. OF Boston. Is presiden
Of the company: MIR T. w. Thatcher