Davis Stever
b. 2 February 1833, Parke County, Indiana, to Matthew and Agnes (Banks) Stever
d. 25 October 1919, Fitzgerald, Benhill County, Georgia

m. 19 October 1858, Parke County, Indiana
Susan Conner
b. 18 September 1841, Sugar Creek Township, Parke County, Indiana, to Samuel and Elizabeth (Deer) Conner
d. 25 January 1920, Fitzgerald, Benhill County, Georgia

Children with Susan Conner:
• Samuel Matthew
• Elizabeth Agnes married Luna Bayless
• Sarah Ann married William Sherrill
• Davis Elmer
• Joseph Allen
• Susan Isabelle married Otho Coats
• Caleb Rutherford

After his father died in about 1840, Davis was bound out. On receiving his freedom at age 21, he continued to work for others. After his marriage, he began to farm for himself. He participated in 32 engagements during the Civil War as a member of the 9th Indiana Battery and the 3rd Indiana Artillery. He was on the boat “Ellipse” when it exploded, after which he was in the Marine Hospital in Evansville for two months. His service lasted from February 1862 until March 1865, and he lost sight in one eye during the war. After returning home, he bought his first farm of 60 acres. He eventually had 170 acres of well-cultivated land with a substantial set of farm buildings in Parke County. They left Tangier, Parke County, Indiana, in 1896 for Fitzgerald, Georgia. They celebrated their 50th anniversary at a dinner held by the Grand Army of the Republic and Women’s Relief Corp in Fitzgerald, Georgia.

Submitted by:
Tom Robison
Lodi CA
E-mail: robisont@pacbell.net