Davison, Pheobe and Caleb. VA>PA>WV Submitted by Bill Davison bad2500@alltell.net Phoebe and Caleb This is one story of Phoebe and Caleb. Phoebe Wilson and Caleb Davison Born into slavery, early 1800’s Phoebe in Maryland Caleb in Virginia. Phoebe of Nancy Hamilton & Jerry Wilson Caleb of Letticia Davison. Caleb was freed by Manumission In 1852 Marion County, Virginia. Phoebe’s freedom was purchased by Caleb At Skinner’s Tavern, Fairmont, Virginia. Phoebe could have been free for $200 If paid in a year. So one story is told. But another $50 was needed. Caleb worked for Phoebe’s owners For several years… For Phoebe’s freedom… For $250.00! Both free at last! And with other Davisons! They head north, Into Pennsylvania. Living at Blacksville. Caleb worked on the Underground Railroad Carrying runaway slaves to Freedom Across the bridge, Runaways hidden in his wagon Ten children born to them Ten children now to feed: Henry, who might have left with a circus But died while working in Washington, PA. Charles, born 1855 Lived in Ohio Died in July 1924 Buried in Washington, PA Jeremiah, born 1855 Married Mary ?, then Josephine Bibb Two children with Mary And buried in Morgantown, W Va Harriet Hannah, born 1857 Married Andrew Bruce Four children Died in 1891 Buried in Waynesburg or Blacksville, Pa. William, born 1857 Married Rachel V. Carter William died in 1924 & Rachel in 1917 Buried at Washington Cemetery. Annie Laura, born 1863 Married Andrew “Andy” Bruce Three children Annie died in 1942 & Andy in 1928 Both buried Washington Cemetery. Mary Jane, born 1864 Married Edward Crenshaw Four children Mary Jane died in 1894 & Ed in 1934. Mary Jane buried in Morgantown, W Va Cornelius “Neil” W., born 1866 Married Louisa “Louie” Isabelle Alfred Neil died 1935 & Louisa in 1912 Both buried in Waynesburg. Ulysses Grant, born 1872 Married Alice Minerva Alfred Three children Grant died in 1901, buried in Waynesburg Alice in 1961, buried in Los Angeles, California. Lafayette “Jack”, born 1869 Married Lorena “Rena” Belle Alfred Four children Lafayette died 1946 Both Jack & Rena buried inWaynesburg. “The children of Phoebe and Caleb!” Phoebe and Caleb were rather well to do Owning land overlooking W Va... Atop a hill… Close to where Caleb is now buried. Caleb once went to Waynesburg on business So the newspaper tells the story Some men got Caleb drunk! And in all their glory, Left Caleb to perhaps die along the road. But Caleb was found and was saved, Thus avoiding an early grave! But Caleb did die, in 1899 And buried close to their land. Shannon Run Colored Cemetery! On a hill overlooking Shannon Run Buried near a lady who died in 1844 Buried near other departed souls. Buried but never forgotten! Sell the land & move to town Bypass town and on to Washington! Register to vote at age 108. Long time in coming but never too late. Phoebe died in 1921, From slavery to freedom and beyond, Phoebe laid to rest In Washington. Washington Cemetery, Washington, Pa. I’ve been to her grave and others On many a day. Rest in peace my Aunt and Uncle Rest in Peace for you are now free Free in Heaven with your many kin Free in Heaven, free again! By Bill A. Davison Caleb and Phoebe my GG Aunt and Uncle. Bill A. Davison 1065 Birch Ave. Waynesburg PA 15370 724-627-3758 bad2500@alltel.net