Turner’s Tidbits

This is a picture of the Town of Davis in its infancy. The town was named after Senator Henry Gassaway Davis; the plans may have been conceived as early as 1871. In 1873, Senator Davis and his brothers: Thomas and William purchased 34 tracts of land containing 58,356 acres. They paid 57 cents per acre and valued it at one hundred dollars an acre due to the timber and coal reserves. The town is situated at the junction of Beaver Creek and The Blackwater River. Cornel Robert Ward Eastham secured a contract from the Davis Families to clear the site for the town; you will notice the many stumps that were left. Also of note on the middle left hand side of the picture is train tracks with some train cars on it. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.