Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1904-07-29

with Senator Elkins' his son in law on
the east and that OF Mr.. K. g. Kerens on
the north, all within haiiing distance of
each other. There are few towns as
small as Eikins that claim proprietor
ship in three millionaireS.
HIS MOTHER HIS BEST FRIEND.
In the course of the interview Mr..
Lingamfelter said: The Washington
POSTS assertion that Mr.. Davis ''rOse
from the humblest and most obscure
environments, is not entirely correct,
for his family, though in moderate Cir
cumstances, was of the staunch and
sturdy stock of respectable farmers,
who helped to make the state OF Mary
land what she is today. His mother
was an earnest Christian woman, and
he has often told me that he felt, if
there was any good in him, it was due.
solely, to the Christian education he
had received from her, and it was this
chivalrous and loyal devotion to her
that fOstered, through all his
eyentful life, tile desire and purpose
to erect to her memory, some monu-
ment. This purpose found it's embOdi-
ment in the Davis Memorial church,
a handsome stone structure costing
not less than $35 900, which he and his
brother presented to the Presbyterian
congregation of Elkins. His youngest
daughter, Miss Grace Thomas, mar
ried Mr.. Arthur Lee, of Richmond. Va.
and they have two children, which has
not think been noted before. He is
one of the best listeners and church
goers [ have ever known. When at
home, he is almost always in his pew,
and ever punctual. to the minute.
Though, living some distance from the
church, he would even attend the
night service, always walking, as he
never took, his horses and carriage Out
on Sunday. He frequently inquired
of his employees if they were in the
habit of going to church.
A remarkable trait is hls wonderful
attention to details l have heard il
said, often, that there was not a horse
on his numerous farms he did not know
by name. and have often seen him, az
he walked through the railroad shops
exhibit this faculty, in reference tt
the names Of the men.
A GOOD CHuRCHMAN.
In the church, he is most highly re
spected, and called constantly into heI
councils, though he has Invariably de
cIined to accept the Offices, unanimous
ly rendered him, owing, | am sure
more to his innate modesty than tC
any desire to shirk duty. His counse
was always wise, and he was, in many
respects, IA valuable parishioner.
never found him, when he Was moi
ready to respond to the demands OF
charitable objects in the most liberal
way, and know of many kind deeds
never made public. He Is one of the
most forcible speakers | know. His
words are few, but always terse and tC
The point, and uttered with such an
earnest conviction of their truth that
they ar6 bound to convince. This is
why he has always been sought by the
leaders in bis own state TO make III
least two Or three speeches in the
course of q campaign.
FOND OF CHILDREN.
He is one of the most temperate men,
using neither tobacco nor stlmulants,
of any kind, simple in all his habits,
and of even temper. to which he attri-
butes. his good health aud wonderful
success.
Though not educated in the schools,
and of the rugged type of most self.
made man, he is a good conversation
a!ist, and in the society of ladies is one
OF the most agreeable of men.
Like most great men. he is fond of
children, and might be seen. any even
ing riding out, horseb back, by the side
of his little granddaughter, Katharine
Brown. of whom he is very fond. The
children of Mrs. Lee, are his greatest
delight.
Senator Davis has one sister. who
lives In Keyser, with her brother, Tom,
Mrs. Col. Buxton. One benefaction,
and | think, one of his greatest, I have
not seen mentioned, is the children 3
Home" in Charleston, W. Va. He
bought the old residence, had it thor
oughly equipped and gave it to the
Children IS Home Society of the state.
He also gives 81 900 per year, for it's
support, and takes the most lively in
terest in it's welfare.
HIS GREAT BENEFACTIONS
Mr.. Davis most important benefac
tion is the founding, in connection
with Senator Elkins, his son in law, of
the Davis and Elkins College. This IN
stitutlOn, which Is expected to prove
agent, for the promotion of
Christian education, in the great. grow
ing state for whose development he
has done so much, is at Elklns under
the care of Lexington Presbytery. AL
ready the large and handsome building
is erected and Is expected to be dedicat-
ed and opened for the entrance of stu
dents, in the Fall. Senator Davis ia
the President of the board of trustees.
and besides his original donation. has
given liberal sum to beautIfy the
and has handsomely endowed
jhe institution.
Another evidence of enterprise and
iberality, is the ''Davis Memorial
Hospital" in the town of Elkins, over