Gardner Gay Davis Obituary

Holder of the 'Post' Cane

January 1, 1933

Another longer obituary of Gardner Gay Davis

January 1, 1933

NEW IPSWICH

Death of Gardner G. Davis

Gardner Gay Davis, who died Jan. 1 after a short illness, was a son of Samuel and Mary Jane (Haskell) Davis. He was born June 14, 1854.

Mr. Davis was married twice. His first wife was Ann E. (Ramsdell) Davis. Four daughters were born to them, Mrs. Eva Preston of New Ipswich, and a few days before his Upper Falls, Mass., Mrs. Sadie Falmore of Berryton, N. B., and Mrs. Hattie Allen, Dorchester, Mass.

After the death of his wife, about 30 years ago, he married Mrs. Emma Chute. One daughter was born to them, Mrs. Marion (Davis) Wheeler. A few years ago Mr. Davis' second wife died and Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler and family went to live with Mr. Davis at his home in the eastern part of this town, where he had lived over 35 years, his occupation being farming.

He was the oldest man in New Ipswich, and a few days before his death George Churchill, selectman, carried the gold-headed cane to present to Mr. Davis, but he was unconscious and never knew that he had been presented with the cane, which was last held by Mr. Anttila, who died recently.

Mr. Davis is survived by his five daughters and eight grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. Marcia French and Mrs. Ida Damon of Townsend, Mass., and Mrs. Eliza G. Russell of New Ipswich, and three brothers, all of this town They are Samuel Henry Davis, Leander J. Devis and Edward H. Davis.

Funeral services were held in the Baptist church. Rev. Eliott Bowman officiated. "Rock of Ages" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus were sung by Mildred Hastings, Anna Sargent and Mrs. John Caldwell.

The bearers were William E. Preston, Ira Billings, Kenneth Allen and Lawrence Davis. Burial was in the family lot at Center cemetery.

James Roger

James Roger diary entry

31st May 1913

Fair, wind variable. Memorial day. David at Spoffords' in forenoon, and I went to Depot and met Hamish who came by forenoon train. I picked two fowls: one for Miss Barr and one for ourselves. The usual crowd here and Ashby Band. I did not go to the services neither at cemetery nor Hall. Reverend Mr. Goddard Cape the oration, which I understand was good. Mother had a fair night and for noon, but pained an afternoon and had some bloody discharges. Hamish going tomorrow by Fitchburg. R. Walker taking him in his auto.

James Roger Poetry (from 1881)

Modern Scottish Poets, Third Edition - D.H. Edward 1881

TWILIGHT

Gently falls the evening shadows 
With a soul-inspiring calm ;
Soothing down each warring passion,
Healing aching hearts with balm.

The silver moon steals gently upwards,
Smiling o'er the softened scene,
Casting lengthened shadows over 
Mountain top and meadow green ;

And the little pearly flowerets 
Feel the gentle influence too,
As they close their fairy petals,
Laden with refreshing dew.

Memory also owns the sway,
Reflection opes her varied store ;
Things thought worthless, cast away,
Now are mourned and grievéd o'er.

Hours misspent and moments squandered,
Though we knew they could not last ;
Gone to swell the insatiate garner 
Of the ever craving Past.

Through the trees the wind is moaning 
Like the wail of recreant soul,
As it sinks into Life's gloaming,
Draweth near the earthly goal.

Feelings too more calm and holy 
Come we know not whence nor why ;
Make us humble feel, and lowly,
Thrill the heart and dim the eye.

Still the moon is gliding upward,
And from the beggar to the throne ;
With regret each looketh backward,
As they haste to their long home.

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