William Davis (1663 - 1745)

Born 14 Jun 1663 in Llanstephan, Radnorshire, Wales

Husband of Elizabeth (Brinley) Davis — married about 1685 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Husband of Elizabeth (Pavior) Davis — married before 1710 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Colony of Pennsylvania

Descendants

Died 18 Apr 1745 at age 81 in Shrewsbury Township, Monmouth, Province of New Jersey

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Nancy Sluder [send private message], Amy Starenchak [send private message], and Melody Flanigan [send private message]

Biography

William Davis was born in Wales.

Father: William Davis II (1640–1687)

Mother: Jane Adams (1620–1714)

Marriage & Family

Spouse (1): Elizabeth Brinley (1670–1706)

Marriage: 1685, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Children:

1. Lydia Davis (1684–1689) merge w/ Davis-1221
2. Thomas (d. young) Davis (1685–1690)
3. Martha Davis (1688–1782)
4. William Davis (1690–1768) merge w/ William Davis III
5. Rev John Davis (1692–1754)
6. Mary Scott Davis (1695–1789) --> merge w/ Mary Davis

Spouse (2): Elizabeth Pavior (1663–1762)

Marriage: 1702, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Children:

1. Edward Davis (1704–1716)
2. Elizabeth Davis (1708–1761)
3. Lydia Davis (Covey) (1709–1741)
4. Sarah Davis (1718– )
5. Rev Thomas William Davis (1719–1791)
6. William Davis III (1719–1795)
7. James Davis I (1720–1777) --> merge w/ James Davis Sr

William studied theology at Oxford University, matriculating in 1682. ^[1] While studying the ministry, he became interested in the doctrines of the Quaker Society. He left without finishing school, and immigrated to Philadelphia in 1684.

In 1685 he met and married Elizabeth. William adopted the philosophies of the Baptist Church and was baptized in 1697. However, he was ostracized for his beliefs. William became a Seventh Day Baptist and organized a congregation at Frankfort, Pa.

In 1706, Elizabeth died. William remarried, and he and his new wife, also named Elizabeth, moved to Westerly, RI, where in 1710 they applied for membership in that church. His wife was received into membership, but he was not readily accepted there because of his radical religious thinking. They moved to Pennsylvania in 1717, where they eventually suffered severe loss by fire. William's problems continued with the church and they moved on to Stonington, CT. From there William again requested membership in the Westerly Church, which was granted.

In 1745 William moved to Shrewsbury, NJ, with son John and his family, and helped establish a settlement of Seventh Day Baptists near the Manasquan River. He died peacefully later that year.

Sources

1. ↑ Foster, J. (1891). Alumni Oxoniensis: the members of the University of Oxford, 1500-1714, (Vol. 1: A - D). Oxford: James Parker & Co. "Davies, William, s. William, of Llanstephan, co. Radnor, pleb. St Marv Hall, matric. 30 June, 1682, aged 18."

• Descendants of Seventh Day Baptist, William DAVIS (1663-1745);