Laban Davis was an older brother of my great-grandfather Percy Davis. Laban was born October 12, 1873, in Council Hill, Jo Daviess Co, Illinois, to John B. and Margaret (Hicks) Davis.  He was the third of six children.

On November 23, 1915, he married Gladys Cecelia Ray in Dubuque, Iowa.  She was a mail-order bride.

Gladys died during childbirth on October 24, 1917, in Dubuque.  The unnamed baby girl passed away a few days later. Gladys and baby are buried together in Citizen’s Cemetery, also known as Scales Mound Township Cemetery.

Laban discovered his father’s body after John committed suicide by hanging.

Laban died in Warren, Illinois, on October 18, 1958.  He was laid to rest next to his wife.

Transcription of obituary:

Laban Davis Dies Oct. 18

Laban Davis, 85, a life-long resident of Jo Daviess County, died Saturday evening at the Dater’s Nursing Home in Warren.

Born at Council Hill, on October 12, 1873, he was a son of John B. and Margaret (Hicks) Davis.

Until his retirement, he had farmed in the Scales Mound-Apple River community. he was the last member of his immediate family.

The funeral service will be at the Nash Funeral Home on Tuesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Chas. W. Johnson, minister of the First Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the family lot in Citizen’s Cemetery at Scales Mound.

Friends may call at the Nash Funeral Home.