Notes for Allen Bowie Davis

Notes for Allen Bowie Davis

!US Census 1850 (28 September) Maryland, Montgomery Co., 1st or Cracklin District, Roll M432_295, Page 337, House No. 338, Lines 12-21: Allen B. Davis (b. 1809 - 41 - in MD - Occ: Farmer - Property Value $45,000) married to Hester A. (b. 1810 - 40 - in MD). Children listed (born in MD) are: William W. (son b. 1842 - 8); Rebecca D. (dau b. 1844 - 6); Mary D. (dau b. 1845 - 5); Esther W. (dau b. 1847 - 3); and Allen B. (son b. Feb 1850 - 6/12). OTHERS LISTED are: Catherine Brown (b. 1805 - 45 - in MD); Nathan Hobbs (b. 1829 - 21 - in MD - Occ: Overseer); and Margaret Cohen (b. 1800 - 50 - in MD)

!US Census 1860 (8 August) Maryland, Montgomery Co., First District, Triadelphia PO, Roll M653_478, Sheet 50, Page 234, House No. 390, Lines 34-40: Allen B. Davis (b. 1810 - 50 - in MD - Occ: Farmer - Property Value $89,000 + $62,400) married to Hester A. (b. 1809 - 51 - in MD). Children listed (born in MD) are: William W. (son b. 1842 - 18); Rebecca D. (dau b. 1844 - 16); Mary D. (dau b. 1846 - 14); Eter W. (dau b. 1848 - 12). ALSO LISTED is: Margaret Anchors (b. 1815 - 45 - in MD)

!Bowies & their kindred - by Walter Worthington Bowie: His academic course was completed at the Brookeville Academy when only sixteen years of age; delicate health prevented him from taking a collegiate course. In the healthful pursuits of a farmer's life he grew stronger, and, endowed with indomitable will and energy, overcome obstacles which might have disheartened a weaker mind. Deeply interested in politics from his boyhood, all public topics arrested his attention, and his pen was ever busy upon educational, agricultural and political subjects. Having fitted himself for any position of public trust by close reading and study, his opinion was sought by those wishing an expression tempered by sound judgement and a clear brain. He was elected president of the board of trustees of the Brookeville Academy, and held that position for twenty six years. Was instrumental in securing the first law of Mayland prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors. This enactment interdicted the sale of Arden Spirits within a mile of the Brookeville school. In 1862 he succeeded in having the law extend over his entire district, which contained more than a thousand voters. He was elected president of the board of trustees of Maryland Agricultural College; was president of the Mongomery County Agricultural Society, and, in this capacity, greatly advanced the agricultural interests of his county. In 1840 was elected president of the State Agricultural Society; was by the Legislature, appointed agent for the State, and also was made chief of the Board of Public Works, with instructions to supervise the affairs of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. which latter position he maintained for a number of years. In 1850 he was elected as a Whig delegate to the Reform Constitutional Convention, which was regarded as one of the ablest assemblies ever convened in the State. While a member of this body he was the author of many important measures adopted. Always an ardent Union man, he had deep-rooted convictions, and opposed secession with all the strength of his nature. Was elected to the Legislature in 1862, and took a leading part in the exciting incidents of that historic session. Was, for a quarter of a century, commissioner of public schools in his county, and his interest in educational matters continued al long as he lived. He was a devoted member of the Protestant Episcopal Church; fro many years was vestryman of St. Bartholomew Parish, and always active in Diocesan Conventions. He resided at Green wood in the summer, and at his city residence in Baltimore, during the winter. His goodness of heart and gentle disposition, made him a ready helper of those less fortunate. An attack of bronchitis caused his death at his home on Madison Avenue Baltimore. April 17, 1889. His last request was that he might be carried to the home of his fathers. His wish was granted and he is interred with his ancestors at Greenwood.

!Sandy Spring Museum - Early Doers: Allen Bowie Davis (1809-89) was organizer of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, director of the C & O Canal Co., delegate to two state constitutional conventions, president of the Brookeville Academy for 26 years, avid supporter of education, director of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company.