Daniel Davisson, Early Settler in Clarksburg, West Virginia
Episode Notes
Daniel Davisson played a significant role in the early development of Clarksburg, West Virginia (then known as Clarksburg, Virginia). He and his wife Prudence established a log cabin on Elk Creek in 1773 (their homestead sat on what is now the east end of Downtown Clarksburg). Davisson secured recognition for his 400-acre land claim in 1781 and later hosted the Harrison County Court on his land, leading to the establishment of county buildings. Davisson's involvement in community affairs was extensive, from overseeing construction projects like grist mills to serving on committees and even holding a commission as a Captain in The Virginia militia by 1788. His contributions were foundational to Clarksburg's early governance and development. Davisson, his family, and his peers were witness to the birth of the nation.
Our guest is Doris Dean from the Clarksburg chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (named for Daniel Davisson). Doris provides great insight on one of Clarksburg’s founding fathers.
Statement from the Historic Clarksburg, WV Cemetery Preservation Alliance
Historic Clarksburg WV Cemetery Preservation Alliance continues to maintain the Daniel Davisson DAR Cemetery in partnership with the Daniel Davisson Chapter of the DAR. The Daniel Davisson DAR Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Clarksburg and is the final resting place of Clarksburg’s founder Daniel Davisson, his family and other pioneer settlers. This Cemetery is also part of the Wreaths Across America family. Every year since 2016, respects are paid on National Wreaths Across America Day in Wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans of the Revolutionary War who are laid at final rest on these grounds. We participate in this to continue our mission to keep them and their sacrifices known for future generations. HCWVCPA maintains a social media presence for the cemetery on Facebook as well as manages mowing and some other maintenance as needed. HCWVCPA has also recently cleaned and reset many headstones in this cemetery.
Sources for our research (and sources for you too!):
Historic Clarksburg, WV Cemetery Preservation Alliance - Daniel Davisson, Early Settler
Reclaiming the Grounds of the Daniel Davisson DAR Cemetery
Independence Day Remembrance at the Daniel Davisson DAR Cemetery
Support the Cemetery Preservation Alliance
More information on the Daughters of the American Revolution
Daniel Davisson DAR Membership
Recent Award Given to the Clarksburg History Museum for Historic Preservation
Watch a video on the cemetery
Obituary of Granddaughter to Daniel Davisson
West Virginia’s Famous Daniel Davisson Descendants - The Davisson Brothers
Credits
Host, Research, Scheduling: Martha Jett
Production & Marketing: Beth Gain and Clarksburg History Museum volunteers
Mixing & editing: J. Joseph
Music: West Virginia Mountain Melody performed by Steve Peters
Cover Artwork: The Virginia Mountaineer by William Ludwell Sheppard, 1833-1912 Learn more about this artist
Sketches of Daniel Davisson and friends indoors by the fireplace and defending the fort as well as the painting of historical characters peering out over Clarksburg are from by artist Beth Crowder and are featured in the 1985 book Among These Hills: A Child’s History of Harrison County written by James M. Pool. All artwork is copyright of Beth Crowder.
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