The Story of ED DAVIS

Ed was born around 1876. He and His wife Henrietta had five children: Ed Jr., Sarah, Levi, Zetella, and Alberta. His youngest daughter, Alberta preceded him in death. After Henrietta’s death, Ed married Mary, who as affectionately known as “Big Mama”.

Ed moved to Mobile sometime after 1910. He owned a large parcel of land in the Prichard area of Mobile County. He was a farmer and landlord. Ed sold the crops he raised. He also managed and owned rental property. In his twilight years, he kept a garden.

He sold his property to Mobile County Board of School Commission in the mid-1940’s to build Vigor High School in Prichard. Ironically, the school was all-white and remained so until 1971 when it was desegregated amidst violence.

He believed that children should not be involved in the affairs of adults. A strict disciplinarian, his grandchildren remember his rule that if an adult conversation began while they were present, they had to leave. Whistling inside the house was prohibited.

Ed was a preacher. Upon moving to Mobile, he united with Friendship Baptist Church in Crichton, where other relatives were also members. Later in life, he united with Holmes Street Baptist Church in Prichard. His favorite song was the Negro spiritual “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”.

He died in the mid-1960s.

Sources:
Patricia Ann Davis Harbin, granddaughter
Virginia Davis, Widow of Ed, Jr.
Elvira Bramlett
Della Davis Ludgood, Niece
1880 Federal Census of the United States
Mobile City Directory 1930