The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-09-20
Confederate Veterans Talk
Of Miss Davis Death

Of Miss Davis Death
The news of the death of Miss Winnie
Davis which the dispatches bore yesterday
70 the land of her birth saddeued not alone
those who loved her through associations,
but hundreds who loved her for her own
sake. Her attitude through the many try
ing scenes through which she has passed
has shown the strength that underlay her
gentleness and emphasized the womanly
qualities that endeared her to the people
that will mourn her death. Her position
has frequently been trying one, owing to
the changing conditions in the south, but
she has always been loving and loyal
daughter of the south. That she and Mrs.
Davis have resided Of recent years in the
north is a matter that concerned them
alone, and now that this fair daughter has
fallen asleep in the splendor Of her mature
womanhood, there can only be sorrow at
her death and deep sympathy for her
mother, who is bowed with sorrow and
who is called upon to begin journey that
has for It's mission the burial of a sweet
child, upon whom she was leaning in her
declining years.
Miss Davis was not alone a beloved
daughter of the south, but was also one
of its most brilliant women. Her literary
talents were directed in lofty channels, and
she had won place in literature. stead
fast and sure.
Her last public appearance was at the
confederate reunion in Atlanta IN July.
number of Birmingham people who at
tended the reunion were deeply grieVed
to hea' of her DEATH Miss Lillian Roden,
who vas Alabama's sponsor at the reunion,
said:
pct nj thn
union Of Mrs, Frank Ellis, who, of couIs Sc,
entertained very Handsomely in her honor.
The most brilliant occasion, however, of
Miss Davis visit to Atlanta, was the even
ing al the Auditorium, when she was pre-
scented to the vast assemhlage. She was
beautifully gowned and was very lovely
and gracious. The crowds went Wild about
her, ana 1t was beautiful and stirring
scene. The crowds that surged about her
paid her the homage of which any woman
would be proud. regardless of any pl evious
ovation, and the distinguished attentions
that she received were an evidence of the
devotion of a loyal south TO the Daughter
of the Confederacy."
General Frederick s. Ferguson, COM
mander OF the United Confederate Veter-
ans of Alabama, referred with deep
greet to the death of Winnie Davis.
"When | saw her last at the reunion in
Atlanta" he said, II thought she had
changed, q great deaf. and she did not seem
to me to be the same Winnie in appear
ance. This was due probably to ma
turer look. Her lovely and gracious man.
ner was. however, never more in evidence
than on this last OCCASION, and the vet
Grams little dreamed that they would see
her face no more She had a warm place
in their hearts and she was an embodiment
of all the graces of southern womaDhood.
Those who have known Miss Davis from
childhood spoke of her with the greatest
admiration.
'She grew to be a handsome woman"
said a friend. Her face was oval and her
complexon olive, while her dark eyes were
beautiful and full OF changing lishts She
always dressed quietly. but richly. She
had travelled extenstveiy and was charm
pk -S.nsersationalist. Miss Davis was also
skilled In the graceful art OF fencing."5
There were many Incidents recalled yes
terday In her life that showed the fine
spirit of the girl During Mr.. Davis resi-
denee in Memphis society was intensely
southern and exclusive and the Davises
led the fashionable set. The city was the
home at this tiroe of quite number Of
prominent ex- confede, ates. well known in
political circles. 1t was the place OF resi-
dence of Isham g. Harris, Generals Will
liam Nj. Browne. n. g. Porroat. Gideon
Pillow the family of Admiral Semmes and
other distinguished southerners Many very
elegant soc!s! courresiSs were extended the
Davises. which they returned In most
sumptuons manner IN their plain but COM
Dodlous residence.
Owing TO the ill-feelng that had its ORR
gun some time during the Mexican war
General Pillow never spoke to Mr.. Davis
when passing him in the streets. General
Pillows son and daughter were familiar
figures In society and frequently In the
company OF the young Davises, from whom
they received polite, but extremely cold
treatment, particularly from Miss Winnie
Davis. This young irreconcilable upon one
occasion positively refused to dance with
youug Pillows, so heartily did she en-
ter into the spirit o: her father and his
bitter feeling fot an old cotnrade In arms.