53
"Hall of Ochico Lodge No. 46 I.O.O.F., Prineville, Oregon, August 23d, 1890
WHEREAS, death has taken from our midst our worthy brother, Thomas W. Davis, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that in his death, our lodge looses one of its trustworthy, faithful and efficient members, the community a useful upright citizen, and his family a kind father, whos departure we sincerely mourn. RESOLVED, that we hereby extend to his bereaved children and his brother and sister our heartfelt sympathy. RESOLVED, that this hall be drapped in mourning for a period of thirty days. RESOLVED, that these resolutions be read on the minutes of this lodge, and that a copy be furnished to each of the local newspapers for publication.
(SIGNED) Arthur Hodges) L. L. Ketcham) Committee " D. W. Aldridge) Thomas Davis left a $2,000.00 insurance benefit with Elmer and Chester named as his beneficiaries to receive $1,000.00 each. Chester was only 18 years old at that time and so an appointed guardian took charge of his money and invested it until he became of age. Later when he reached his majority, Chester received his money and the estate was closed. Elmer stayed around Prineville for several years after that.![]()
What happened to Missouri after she separated from Thomas Davis? Several years went by and then in 1881 she married John Vance Alexander, the son of a pioneer doctor that came to Oregon in 1851. Missouri and John Alexander made their home in Cottage Grove and became the parents of four daughters. They remained in Cottage Grove until about 1900 and then moved to Portland.
In 1908, Mr. Alexander died at the age of 72 and Missouri was then a widow. Two of the daughters were married by this time but the other two were still at home. They were working girls and brought money into the household. In a few years these single girls also married and Missouri was by herself.
This might not have been so bad except that Missouri became an invalid and suffered from an extreme case of rheumatism, which crippled and debilitated her and she became unable to get around by herself. At first she traveled with a cane; then she moved on crutches; later her mobility was with a wheelchair; finally she had to be carried. Grandmother lived with Dad, Mother and my family most of the last ten years of her life as we cared for her in our home. It is easy to recall her appearance as she sat quietly alone passing her time with a book, and her cane conveniently by her side. She lived with us until her death about 1927 when she was 78 years old.
(- 53 -)