In Memorium. The decrees of God are founded in wisdom and from His judgements there is no appeal. The awful decree has gone forth sentencing to death all of Adam's race and all human experience bears testimony to its truth.

The subject of this sketch, Mrs. Clarissa L. Davis, daughter of Thomas and Catharine Farnsworth, was born on the 10th day of Feby. 1825 at Buckhannon, Upshur Co., W. Va. Joined the Methodist Church when 18 years of age, and was married to John Davis on the 20th day of June 1847, in her native town by Gideon Martin, minister of the M.E. Church - was the mother of eight children, four of whom survive her.

She had the satisfaction of living to see one of her sons, Philip Z. Davis, achieve national fame as a mechanical engineer and inventor. Mrs. Davis died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dave Barton, about 5 o'clock Monday morning, June the 4th, 1906, surrounded by her faithful devoted children. She was conscious to the last, and when she knew that the end was near, requested her children not grieve for her and not to wear mourning when she was gone. She died in the full triumph of that faith which had been her unfailing support in all the trials and sorrows through which she had passed. She lived to the advanced age of 81 years, 3 months, 24 days, and the last 40 years of that time in Burnet County.

Grandma Davis, as everybody affectionately called her, was a woman of remarkable strength of character, her classic features and dignified demeanor marked her as a high bred woman. Her breadth of mind, accurate judgement and reverence for everything that is pure and good made her a safe counselor for her children. The high esteem in which she was held was attested by the great concourse of people that assembled at Shady Grove to pay the last sad tribute of respect to the lifeless body as it was returned "to the dust as it was." The writer was acquainted with Mrs. Davis and her family for 37 years and therefore is able to say truthfully, that he never knew a woman to approach more nearly to the ideal than did she. Yet she was not perfect - no flesh can be perfect. But her faults were so few and so little, when compared with her many virtues, they fade out of view like Pleiades before the glowing orb of day.

Now to the bereaved children and grandchildren let me say, the sublime character which is bequeathed to you is more inspiring than storied urn - more enduring than sculptured marble.

Peace to her ashes and honor to her memory.



J.T.M.
Burnet Texas, June 11th, 1906

[21 Jun 1906, Newspaper: Burnet Bulletin (TX), Burnet, Texas, USA BurnetBulletin.com]