The Story of IRA DAVIS

Ira was born in March 1879 in Carlton, AL/ He and his wife Melinda had four children, Nathaniel, Emmett, Willie Mae, and Mary. After Melinda’s death, he married Eva. Together they had eight children, Helen Wilmer, Catherine, Leora, James, Jeffrey, Herman, and Eula. Ira and Eva lived in the Crichton community of Mobile. He and his brother Leslie lived within one bloc of each other.

Ira was a farmer. His farm was in the Del Barco area of Siena Vista about a half mile from his house. He also had a large garden next to the house. He raised far more food than his family could consume so he gave it to his neighbors. His grandchildren remember him as a hard-working no-nonsense. Watching wrestling on television was one of his pleasures.

Although largely self-taught, Ira was an avid reader. He loved reading his Bible and could often be found sitting on his front porch reading. Ira was a preacher and served faithfully at Friendship Baptist Church in Crichton. His wife Eva was known throughout southwest Alabama for her leadership in the Baptist Training Union. She died in 1961. Ira was what was known as a “Vocal singer” – he sand by notes. His grandson remembers the harmony of his “do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do”.

He was a large man whose presence was always noted. He died May 3, 1967.

Sources:
Eligha Scott, Sr , Grandson; Alfreda Williams, Granddaughter; Della Ludgood, Niece
State of Alabama Marriage License and Death Certificate
1900 Federal Census of the United States