The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1910-02-19
IN MEM0RIAM
Capt. Daniel NJ. Davis.

The sudden and unexpected death Of
Captain Daniel NJ. Davis on the
steamer Lancaster at Irvington on the
night Of January 2l, 1910, came as "a
great surprise and distinct shock not
only to his crew. but large number of
friends and acquaintance in the States
of Virginia and Maryland. where he
was widely and most favorably known.
A leading citizen and minister of the
gospel thus writes of him: at was
your correspondent privilege TO come
down from Fredericksburg as a pas
senger on his boat the last trip that he
made, and to enjoy a long conversation
with him, and who could have imagined
that he was commanding his last trip
down the river?
When the boat neared Irvington,
owing to dense fog, Capt Davis gave
orders to the officers under him to stop
until the fog lifted and retired to his
room Tor Sleep Later an officer went
10 his room to inform him that the fog
had lifted and TO receive orders, when
to his amazement he found his beloved
commander dead.
Captain Davis had been in service on
the Rappahannock line of steamers for
forty years, and by his faithfuness, in
dustry and skill as a navigator had
risen step by step from inferior posi-
tions TO the position of master Of
steamer, which he filled with great
acceptance to the companies which he
had served. and with great satisfaction
to the travelling public. He was the
Oldest but one, and one of the most
popular captains on the Rappahannock
river. lie had learned how TO com
mand by first learning how to obey.
both in peace and in war.
In the beginning of the war between
the States he enlisted i'm the Confed-
crate service as a member of the Both
Virginia Regiment, and was a gallant.
brave soldier to the close of that long
and fierce struggle.
Capt. Davis was born in Stafford
county, Va, August 2lst, 1910, and re-
moved to Fredericksburg when a mere
youth. He was twice married, the first
time TO Miss Sarah w. Bates, Feb. /, 1860.
who died June 9th, 1891, after thirty
one years of happy married life. BY
TINS marriage a number of children
were born to him. eight of whom, three
daughters and five sons, survive him.
namely-Mrs. W. +. Compton, of Fred
ericksburg; Mrs. John l.. Sibley, of
Newport News; Miss Minnie Davis, of
Baltimore; Charles F. Davis, of North
Dakota; John D., Daniel M, Jr., and
Walter Davis. of Baltimore, and w. J.
Davis. of this city.
Capt. Davis was married the second
time to Miss Ida Plummer, of Mary
land, April 18th. 1898. who survives
HIM. Besides this widow and eight
children, he leaves one sister. Mrs.
Mary {. Barlosius, 10 mourn his death.
lie was kind and devoted husband.
an indulgent father, a kind neighbor, a
fast friend, good citizen, ana best of
all, and above all, he was a devout and
humble Christian.
Ii was the privilege of the writer of
this memorial sketch TO be familiar
with his religious experiences and to
hear his confession of faith, and to bap-
tie him into the fellowship of the
fredericksburg Baptist church, on the
3Oth of August, 1891. While we lament
his death. we do not sorrow as those
who have no hope, for we believe after
busy, honorable and useful life. he
rests from his labors and has entered
into the rewards of the righteous. Let
the afflicted widow and children bow
submissively TO ttslS Z, --'--s-sz.seS
hsRta-sss .s"d MT iisSf5sv1i sSSff5svidescs SSfScr
iAes H.fftefi nm to resi- and tr',s, mn i
serve the same mercifuI God that he
served served ana all will be well-well in
tune and well in eternity.
Blessed are the dead which die in
the Lord from henceforth: yea saith
the spirit, that they NAV rest from
thelr iaoors, and their works do follow
7. S. Dunaway.