The W. L. and J. H. David Family

By Alleen David

Mrs. Sallie Priest David (1952-1940), widow of William L. David, and her family came to Jacksonville from Rusk around the turn of the century, and opened a boarding house at Patton and Commerce Streets. They were Cumberland Presbyterian Church members. The children were Will (1871-1936), Lula (1873-1955), Gene (1876-1963), Bert (1878-1965), Bon (1881-1971), and Addie (1886-1960).

Later, Mrs. David married James H. David (1858-1938), her late husband's cousin. In 1902, they opened a rooming and boarding house on South Bonner Street (present site of the Newburn Hospital parking lot). Located near the Southern Pacific depot, the David House catered to train crews and passengers when business was booming in the heyday of railroading. Visiting baseball teams and traveling salesmen also stopped there.

Gene, a lock and gunsmith, was married to Lillie Fry in 1906. He was an organizer of the Jacksonville Fire Department, and served as chief from 1910 to 1912. He was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, managed an early-day baseball team, and participated in home-talent productions directed by Maude Templeton McDougal in the early 1900s. The Davids were Methodists. Their children, Gordon, Alleen and Louise, reside in Jacksonville.

Bon, a seamstress and milliner in the early-day firm of Black and Powell, was married to W. F. Tucker in 1905. She participated in church and school activities, and was a past president of the Jacksonville Garden Club. The Tuckers were Methodists. Their daughter, Frances (Mrs. H. B. Smyrl), resides in Jacksonville.

Will was married to Lona Austin, Lula to Herbert Mcllvin, Bert to C. C. Thompson, and Addie to Utah Taylor. Their surviving children are David Taylor, Adelle Taylor Dodge, Pauline Thompson Varencamp, Forrest, Jack, Bill and Charles Thompson, the latter a Jacksonville resident.

The David House, photographed about 1903. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. David, upper right, and other family members and guests.

Sarah (Sallie) David, daughter of Mijamin and Mary (Hicks) Priest. Father was first judge of fourth judicial district of Texas, a lawyer and Cumberland Presbyterian minister of Rusk.