Person:John Davis (350)

http://www.columbiagypsy.net/johdav.htm

253. John[10] Davis Rev. (A950). Born, 19 Sep 1721, in Pennepak, Phila, PA.

Died, 1809, in Jarrettsville, Harford, MD. Occupation: Bap.Minister.

History of Harford Co., MD, Prestone (1901): "The Harford Baptist Church was situated in the forks of Winters Run between Jarretsville and the Upper Crossroads, in the Fourth Election District of Harford Co. Elder John Davis was the minister in charge from the building of the church in 1754, until the time of his death in 1807, 53 years."

Benedict (1813): "The church of Particular Baptists was at first called Winter Run...It is an old and respectable church, and was, for upwards of 50 years, under the pastoral care of the late venerable John Davis. Mr. Davis was born in Pennepak, in Pennsylvania, Sept. 10, 1721; was called to the ministry and ordained at Montgomery in the same State, 1756, and in the same year came to Maryland, and took on him the pastoral care of this church, where he continued until his death, which happened in 1809, when he was in the 88th year of his age. He was own cousin to the late famous Benjamin Francis, of England. All that I can learn of him is, that he was a men of peculiar piety and usefulness, and no one who knew him, mentions his name without fixing some appellation expressive of his peculiar excellence. When he first arrived in Maryland, he was very roughly treated; for the people of the neighborhood, the magistrates, and the court, publickly affronted him, and used indirect arts to drive him out of the country; but in a short time, the men who were his bitterest enemies became his affectionate friends, and treated him with honour and respect." John Davis also preached once a month at a meeting in Baltimore, later to become the 1st Church, "...until their present pastor removed and settled in the city."

Swanson (2001) includes John's will, proved 14 March 1809 in Harford County. He asked that his negroes be freed in time: Jenny to be freed at his wife's death, Betty and Julet at 18 years, Robert and Tom at 21 years, but that his wife would have them before this time. She would also receive one third of his land "called Cheerful Innocence" during her life including the house. His grandson Abel Alderson would receive 115 acres of Cheerful Innocence "to be laid out at the north part" to "include the tan yard house dwelling house and other houses. To his granddaughter Neomi Amos, the remaining land, on condition that he deliver to Abel Alderson a note for 150 pounds now paid and no longer in effect. All the rest of his personal property would be sold at auction and 1/3 of the money given to his wife. 10 pounds would be given to Jenny when freed; the rest split between Abel and Neomi. Written 24 March 1805. Witnesses Mary Grafion and Jane Renshaw, in the presence of Absalon Butler.

"After his marriage in 1804 he [Abel Alderson] was granted a large piece of land from his grandfather containing 165 acres known as "Davis's Cheerful Innocence" which was transferred to Abel for the consideration of "his natural love and affection..." and for a 5 pound consideration.

He married Jane Van Vost (254) (A951).

Childen:

G219 i. Hannah[9] Davis.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~azopp/data/fam/fam05859.htm

Married: at:

  Died: UNKNOWN          at:   
Father:Daniel Davis
Mother:Mary Mann
       Other Spouses: 

  Died: UNKNOWN          at:   
Father:
Mother:
       Other Spouses: 

  Born: 1748             at: Pennsylvania  

Married: 15 DEC 1767 at: Baltimore Co., MD

  Died: 1778             at:   

Spouses: Thomas Alderson