Editha Landon Davies
The fifth grandchild of Nicholas ("Old Nick") Davies
Compiled by Dr. James David Boyle
Editha Landon Davies, daughter of Henry Landon Davies and Anne Whiting Clayton, was born in Bedford Co, Virginia
17 April 1777.
She was given land on Hunting Creek, in Big Island, by her father,
and she sold it before 1847 to Moses Snead who then built a mill. Her
grandfather, Nicholas Davies, was originally granted the land 5 July
1787. She also sold 1064 1/2 acres to Samuel Hobson on 5 May 1836,
part of the Nicholas Davies grant, one mile from the Rope Ferry and on
the Blue Ridge Turnpike, and Chestnut Hill Tavern was built on this
land, the first tavern on the James to handle tourist travel on the
turnpike.
Editha married Rev. Charles Green Clay in Bedford Co, Virginia, 4 July
1796. Her father, Henry Landon Davies, was the Surety. The license
was applied for 27 June 1796.
Charles was born in Prince George Co, Virginia 24 December 1745. He
was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson and owned a farm near him in
Bedford, 1785. He was a first cousin of Henry Clay.
Charles was an Episcopalian Minister in Albemarle Co, Virginia, 1769. He was
ordained by the Bishop of London, as Rector of St. Anne's Parish,
Albemarle Co, where he served 22 October 1769 to 1784.
He resided at "Pettygrove" in Forest, Bedford Co, Virginia 1790. He built
"Pettygrove" in 1790. His son, Paulus Aurelius Clay, sold it in 1857,
and it burned in 1920. There is a photo of it in Thomas Jefferson 's Poplar Forest
by S. Allen Chambers.
Charles made his will in Bedford Co, Virginia, 12 November 1819.
He died 7 or 8 February 1820 in
Bedford Co, Virginia, at 74 years of age, on a farm near Thomas
Jefferson's farm. His body was interred February 1820 in Forest,
Bedford Co, Virginia, at "Pettygrove". He is buried under a huge
mound of rocks, 20 by 12 by 12 feet, placed according to his wishes,
to prevent roads from being placed over his grave. This cemetery is
now near the 6th fairway at the "Ivy Hill" golf course. His will was
probated in Bedford Co, Virginia, 27 March 1820. The will, signed 12
November 1819, mentions "my small silver cane, presented me by my
Honorable friend, Thomas Jefferson, late President of the United
States", which he left to son Paul.
Editha died 3 June 1838 in Bedford Co, Virginia, at 61 years of age.
Her obituary, a fine tribute, relates her efforts in establishing the
first Episcopal Church in Bedford Co. Her body was interred 4 June
1838 in Forest, Bedford Co, Virginia, at "Pettygrove", now "Ivy Hill".
Her tombstone reads: "Editha Clay died 3rd June 1838 aged 61 years
47 days. This monument is erected to the memory of the Best of Mothers
by her affectionate sons". The funeral arrangements were made by
Diuguid's.
Editha Landon Davies and Rev. Charles Green Clay had the
following children: Cyrus Boyle Clay, Junius Axel Clay, Gen. Odin Green Clay and Paulus Aurelius Clay.