The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-12-10
WITH "FORTY MINERS"
Miss Davidson Crossed the
Plains When Indians Ruled.
EFFORTS AT SILK CULTURE
In Kansas Gave Her lnterna-
tional Fame.

whose death was noted in yesterdays
Eagle was one OF the most remarkable
women of this country. She attained an
international reputation in her efforts to
promote silk culture in Kansas, at juno
ton City few years ago. She crossed the
plains with the "forty-niners, when there
were no trains and few trails. Repeatedly
was the company surrounded by red saw
ages and many incidents occurred that
rival the great stories of pioneer history.
Miss Davidson was 70 years old.
After five years OF very quiet but happy
life with her niece. Mrs. Charles Hatton,
S21 North Waco avenue, Miss Matilda NJ.
Davidson died Thursday, December s.
Few other than the friends of the family
and the members of Plymouth Concresa-
tiona, church. of which she was a men,
ber knew of her residence in the city. but
her acquaintances will recall la strong
character and noble woman, whom it was
an honor to serve and favor to know. hSe
was born in Philadelphia, arch u, 1919.
She was a member of family character
lied by strong religious and progressive
traits, which have made the best part of
Mwestern life. AS mere girl she was I'M
der the pastorate of Rev. William Ram
say. a Presbyterian minister, who was
later a missionary under the American
board. 1t was as a child that she formed
the Christian character which remained
throughout her long and eventful life.
At Is Miss Davidson removed to Illinois,
going by way of the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers. She crossed the pains to Colorado
with her mother and brother before there
was any railroad in this region. Twice was
the company surrounded by Indians. Her
brother William A. Davidson, built the
well-known Nirvat mill. in the gold camp
of Ward, Col. and for several years the
family lived near the timber line in the
Rockies. William Davidson later secured
a home in the Boulder valley near the
station White Rock. on the Boulder Val
ley railroad, and his progressive spirit was
one of the first TO try irrigation in what
had been counted the sterile desert With
this brother Miss Davidson made her home
for many years. The family was generally
beloved and was well known in northern
Colorado. The tragic death of the son of
William Davidson and the removal by l
death of Mr. Davidson created sensations
of sympathy which will not be removed
in the next generation.
Miss Davidson will be remembered by
many in Kansas for her great interest in
silk culture. After she was 60 years of
age, she came to Junction City. Kan, and
encouraged by the Bedding Bros, wash silk
manufacturers, she began the study of silk
culture. and made great attempts TO fos-
ter the industry in this state and else
where. She wrote a pamphlet instructing
in the art of caring for the silk worm and
its product, and another in which a very
extensive history of silk culture was given |
She interested many parties in the enter
prise, distributing silk worms, etc 1t was
found that this was the veritable home OF
the silk worm for she discovered that it
thrived well on the leaf of the Usage
orange. Everything promised success, ex-
cept the government which failed to pro-
tect the raw silk product. Thus the en-
terprise came to grief. but its promotion
showed the strength of this woman.
Miss Davidson had always a very strong
yet childEike Christian faith. She was in
terested in all good work. and even in her
last years has made herself felt in the
promotion of worthy objects Up to three
weeks ago her place in Plymouth church |
was occupied regularly. and though she /
heard little that was said, her presence
was an encouragement TO others
Her abode in the home of Mr. and Mrs /
Hatton has been a benediction. compsn- |
sating for loving attention with her sweet
and gracious spirit.
The body will be inferred IN Oakdale |
cemetery, Davenport. Ia. where rest Mr.. /
J. Edgar Davidson. the father of Mrs. /
Hatton. and other members Of Miss David /
sons family.
The funeral service will be held SUNDAY
a. a. m az the Hatton residence