There has been some possible movement with the third phase of the McCown Street Project pertaining to the two city lots that flank the Montgomery Historical Society’s N.H. Davis Museum & Pioneer Complex on Liberty Street, with the south lot containing what is believed to be the remains of two of Nathaniel Hart Davis’ children who died in childhood; and are represented by two Crinum Lily plants on the site. The lot in question borders Liberty, McCown, plus Eva Streets, and was once N.H. Davis’ front yard. Several members of the historical society have been in contact with Montgomery City Administrator Brent Walker in regards to possibly saving the area that represents the traditional burial site, although there has been no scientific effort that concludes that remains are definitively buried on the site despite several efforts from cadaver dogs and ground penetrating radar. A possible agreement, which is still in the works, may give the MHS right to maintain the lily site, and possibly be deeded the small area by the city.
MCN received from Walker’s office a report from a firm that conducted a ground survey approximately four years ago of the former Davis property, including archival research, deed records, aerial imagery, historic documentation, cemetery records, and evaluation of prior site conditions.
“The City commissioned Moore Archeological Consulting to conduct a formal review of the property,” said Walker. “It was due to concerns that had been raised regarding possible historic infant burials associated with the Davis family property.”
The report found that there was no evidence of previous archaeology on the lot, nor any conclusive identifying the location of any graves on the site. While old-timers present and past are adamant that remains are located on the lot.
“The report also acknowledged family historical accounts regarding possible infant burials,” Walker continued, “but the exact location cannot be confirmed and that prior disturbances to portions of the property have occurred over time.”
The city plans from years ago, and the results from the Moore consulting group gave the City the confidence to clear the site of trees for the planned park plaza, while limiting the subsurface disturbance. All the planning and efforts of the city are to recognize the site as a witness to Montgomery’s history, which fits with the Montgomery Historical Society’s effort to remember the Davis and other Montgomery families that contributed to the history of the town.
Montgomery Historical Society President Billy Ray Duncan is pleased with the potential for redesign of the lot to save the graves, and in speaking with a Davis Descendant, Bob Peel, the relation has offered to pay for the improvements to the site.
Mayor Sara Countryman spoke with MCN in reference to the graves and noted that it would take some time to get the changes on the consent agenda. The Davis children, Baby Girl, and her baby brother, Nathaniel Hart Davis, Jr, were born in the early 1850’s, with the girl only surviving a few hours, while her brother survived for less than six months. It was an era when many children did not survive to adulthood, and there are numerous graves of children in Montgomery cemeteries.
MCN will continue to update on the situation as information comes available.