Residence 1900 98 East Pine Street, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
From the Fulton County Medical Society Bulletin (date unknow)
Edward Campbell Davis, M.D., F,A.C.S.
BY EDGAR H. GREENE, M.D.
When our country declared war on Germany in April 1917, the nation feverishly went about the business of preparing for a fierce conflict that was destined to terminate victoriously for us nineteen months later.
The medical profession, realizing the role it would be called upon to play in the grim drama, quickly began organizing. Physicians volunteered for duty in the army and navy. Many were already serving with the British, Canadian and French armies. Ambulance companies, field and Red Cross Hospitals were rapidly organized and training instituted.
A group of Atlanta doctors on the faculty of Emory's Medical School met in the college building on Butler Street and planned a Red Cross Hospital which, when organized, would be turned over the War Department for duty in the held. Emory University offered the group any facilities available and full cooperation. The decision made, next came the big question!
Where in Atlanta, was the man with sufficient medical and military training to do the job of organizing the officer, nurse and enlisted personnel for a Base Hospital?
Edward Campbell Davis was born October 11, 1868 in Albany, Georgia where he attended the public school. His college work was completed at the University of Georgia. In 1892 he received his M. D. degree from the University of Louisville.
He served as surgeon with the rank of Major in the Spanish American War and following the termination of that conflict returned to Atlanta. He and his associates practiced in the homes of Atlanta and performed surgical operations in the Old Presbyterian Hospital. For several years after the Spanish American War,
Dr. Davis was senior Medical officer for the Georgia Militia.
The military knowledge and ripe experience gained in War and Peace prepared him for the emergency which came in 1917, and he was chosen to organize and command the hospital to be known as The Emory Unit. When the unit was ready and mobilized at Camp Gordon, Georgia, it was given the official designation of Base Hospital No. 43.
At this time Dr. Davis was professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory and from that faculty were selected the doctors to make up the officer personnel of the unit. The Emory Unit made a remarkable record in-France, and is said to have finished its service with the lowest mortality record of any similar hospital in the A,E.F.
The official history of the Emory Unit, Base Hospital No. 43, was dedicated to Dr. Davis and opposite his picture in uniform appears this legend: "Dedicated to Lt. Col. Edward Campbell Davis, M. C. who values even more than the citation from the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces his soubriquet,'The Daddy of The Emory Unit'."
On April 2, 1919 at Camp Gordon, near Chamblee, Georgia·the last official meeting of the unit was held just prior to demobilization. Dr. Davis having been previously discharged and returned to Atlanta went to Camp Gordon to attend the final meeting. On this occasion the enlisted men of the unit presented him with a loving cup appropriately engraved with expression of love and esteem.
In 1908 Dr. Davis and Dr.. Luther C. Fischer established a small sanatorium on Crew Street in Atlanta. Later they bought a lot on Linden Avenue between the Peachtrees and erected a four story brick and concrete building. In 1913 this building was opened as the most modern hospital in the city. From this beginning another building was added about 1920 and subsequently the name of the hospital
changed from Davis-Fischer Sanatorium to the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.·Since Dr. Davis' death in 1931, Dr. Fischer has continued to acquire more land and erect more buildings until now this large and well equipped institution stands as a living memorial to these two men who had the great vision and who worked tirelessly to make it a reality. The good that the erection and operation of the
Crawford W. Long Hospital continues to accomplish cannot be claimed by Atlantians only because this splendid institution's beneficences extend throughout this entire section.
Dr. Davis was a man of magnetic personality. His engaging and courtly manner in conversation, in his work and in his daily routine won for him a host of friends. Probably no physician in Georgia's contemporary history had more friends in the medical profession. He was a profound student of the art and science of medicine and was a frequent visitor to the best surgical clinics of the nation. Dr. Davis wrote extensively on surgical and gynecological subjects. He possessed an unlimited vocabulary and was an able and forceful speaker. As a teacher he was without a peer and his lectures on obstetrics were a bright spot on the students' calender. He was keenly interested in organized medicine and numerous committees claimed his attention during a busy career. In 1928 he was president of the Fulton County Medical Society having served in 1910-1911 as president of the Medical Association of Georgia.
He was a member of many surgical and gynecological societies and was a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons.
A member of the Baptist Church, his Christian character was an inspiration to many. Dr. Davis married Maria Carter of Albany in 1899. To his wife he attributed in great measure any achievements that were credited to him. Mrs. Davis, who still maintains her residence in Atlanta, is a member of the distinguished Virginia families of Carter, Randolph, Evelyn and Byrd. Of the eight children two, Shelley C. and Robert C. are physicians in Atlanta, They are carrying on in a manner that would win a devoted father's admiration were he with us now.
Emory University conferred on. Dr. Davis the L.L.D. degree and the officers of the Emory Unit presented Emory with a portrait of him which hangs in the main hall of the University Hospital. The beautiful chandelier in the rotunda of the Academy of Medicine is a memorial to his memory. After the war he practiced for over ten years when ill health caused him to retire.
He was a kindly gentlemen and a learned physician; a skillful surgeon and gynecologist. His death on March 11, 1931 brought to an end the career of one of Georgia's most able and beloved doctors.
1930 Fulton Co. ed 117 sheet 4 census
Edward C. Davis 62 Ga Ga GA head Surgeon Hospital
Maria C. 56 Ga Ga Ga wife
Shelley C. 28 Ga Ga GA daughter
Catherine 27 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Maria N. 21 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Robert C. 18 Ga Ga Ga son
Sarah 16 Ga Ga GA daughter
Theodore 14 Ga Ga GA daughter
Worth E. Yankey Jr. 14 Ga GA GA nephew
A Reprint from
The Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia
July, 1950
Edward Campbell Davis, M. D.
In the year 1867 America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, had much to occupy her time. One of her many problems was the badly crippled South left so from the War Between the States. Notwithstanding the sad condition of the fallen South, the Reconstruction Act was passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson who had always attempted to befriend her.
It was into this perilous period of carpetbaggers, scalawags and freed slaves that Edward Campbell Davis was born on the llth day of October, 1867, in Albany, Georgia. His parents were Ella Catherine Winkle Davis and Dr. William Lewis Gardner Davis. Thus it came about that
his heritage was the blend of the blood of England, Scotland and Wales.
Campbell, as his family called him, had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes that were enhanced by a direct straightforward gaze. In family sequence, he was next to the youngest of eight children; therefore, he had an opportunity to profit by the experiences and companionship of the older ones. In consequence, he led the happy life most small boys are privileged to experience.
Unfortunately, his father, who had always maintained a heavy practice, contracted pneumonia and died when Campbell was five years old. His mother shouldered the responsibility of the family and the large plantation on which they lived. The trades people of Albany never hesitated to lend her money or furnish her with supplies, for well they knew that when her crops came in, they would have their money. Therefore, Mrs. Davis had the respect and admiration of her community.
Campbell received his fundamentals of education in Albany. Then he entered the University of Georgia where he received his A.B. degree in 1888.
Besides having a father who was a doctor, Campbell also had a brother, W. L., who practiced in Albany. The medical strain in the Davis issue was and is a rather dominant one. Therefore, Campbell decided to study medicine. He then entered the University of Louisville in Kentucky for that purpose. It was there he graduated in medicine in '92.
From then on Edward Campbell Davis was professionally known as Dr. E. C. Davis. He had always liked Atlanta, so there, on a summer's day, he came to pursue the practice of surgery. Without delay, Dr. Davis entered into an association with Dr. C. D. Hurt.
While Dr. Davis was laying the foundation of his practice, he took some time out to fulfill his social engagements. It was due to this fact that a very lovely girl, with hair of yellow gold, eyes the color of the sea, fair of skin and beautifully curved, met her fortune. She was none other than Maria Carter, a direct descendant of the famous King Carter of colonial days in Virginia. Strange as it may seem, tho' Maria lived on the same street as Dr. Davis in Albany, they had never met.
Maria was educated at Lucy Cobb and among the many friends she made there was Carolyn Sisson, of Wisteria Hall, Kirkwood. These girls became good friends and continued to keep up their friendship after leaving college. Carolyn wrote to Maria of a young surgeon, Dr. E. C. Davis, of Albany, whom she would like for her to meet. So, with the aid of Carolyn and Wisteria Hall, they met.
The setting for the wooing of Maria Carter by Dr. E. C. Davis was ideal. Hence, it was in a mellow month, aglow with the fiery flames of fall subdued only by the light of a harvest moon, that Venus fanned a smouldering ember on the altar of love for them. From then on there arose between them a comfortable correspondence, but, due to Maria's indecision, it dwindled and disappeared.
While Maria remained thus in maiden meditation, Dr. Davis was asked to join Governor Atkinson's party on a good will trip to Mexico. Although he was delayed and missed the Governor's train, he managed to catch up with the party in Louisiana and made a memorable trip of it. In this manner and in other pursuits, he was able to bide his time as he waited around for Maria. Destiny now played her hand for this young couple. The Maine, while lying languidly in the waters of Havana harbor, was sunk. So, then, there was the Maine for the Americans to remember. Of course, war was declared. Governor Atkinson immediately appointed Dr. Davis as Captain of the Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry in 1898.
On his way to serve his country in the Spanish-American War, Captain Davis was sent by way of his home, Albany, to his station in Florida. Here, Maria, with many others of his town's people, was there to wish him God's speed. Then it was that the sight of dashing Dr. Davis in the decorative uniform of his country began to make up Maria's mind for her and win her heart. Therefore, their discontinued correspondence was resumed in earnest. Dr. Davis often laughingly said he had to go to Cuba to get her for his wife.
While he was stationed near Tampa, an epidemic of typhoid fever raged among his soldiers. He immediately began the organization of a hospital to give adequate care to the sick. He worked tirelessly day and night only taking a few hours of rest and these limited by the clock or the call of his orderly. During the peak of this crisis, General O'Reilly sent word for him to report to his office for some routine matter. Dr. Davis sent the general a message stating he would come only if a doctor was sent to relieve him. There was marked apprehension by the staff that he might be severely reprimanded or even court-martialed. However, he was not. Dr. Davis was a firm believer in doing his duty no matter what the cost to himself. A promotion to Major was given Captain Davis for his outstanding work during this time.
A grateful brother of one of the doctor's patients presented him with a United States flag. This flag is now a Davis family treasure. Major Davis served his country from the spring until fall; he was then mustered out at Piedmont Park.
Back again he went to his Atlanta practice now working with Dr. J. B. S. Holmes at his sanatorium on Cain Street.
In June, the month of brides and roses, in the year 1899, Dr. E. C. Davis took Maria Carter for his wife. After their honeymoon they lived for a short time at the Sanatorium. From there, they moved into their first home Pine Street. With these two there was such a perfect surrender to their love that the beautiful words of Edgar Alien Poe's poem "Annabel Lee" are comparable, thus quoting "But we loved with a love that was more than love I and my Annabel Lee".
Dr. Davis' practice continued to grow rapidly. After a short period of being out for himself, Dr. L. C. Fischer became associated with him. Their offices were located in the English American Building at Peachtree and Broad Streets. There it was that these two young surgeons had the vision of their great hospital to serve the sick as a haven of help, health, hope and happiness. Drs. Davis and Fischer opened their hospital on Crew Street in 1908. From this cornerstone, Davis-Fischer Sanatorium arose. A few years later they moved their hospital to Linden Street and the growth of Davis-Fischer Sanatorium was miraculous. Their hospital, still located on the same site in this year of 1949, occupies almost an entire city block in the heart of Atlanta. However, it is now known as the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.
The skill of Dr. Davis was such that even his family would have no other doctor to operate upon them. Mrs. Davis' sister had had an attack of appendicitis while on a stay in Paris but refused surgical aid so as to have him remove her appendix. During the same week of her operation, he also operated on his own sister.
Dr. E. C. Davis always kept pace with the progress of his profession. He bought the first Kimble tube used here for direct transfusion. It was immediately put into use where a life was despaired of, resulting in the recovery of the patient. He also bought and installed the first freezing microtome used here. Henceforth, fresh tissue sections could immediately be prepared and diagnosed on all cases of suspected cancer, to determine the extent of the surgery needed while the patient was still on the operating table.
Furthermore, he was one of the earliest believers in and users of the aseptic and antiseptic technic in surgery. He learned to use rubber gloves with dexterity while most surgeons of those days felt clumsy and deprived of the sense of feeling during an operation when wearing them, on account of their thickness.
His greatest feats were accomplished by his skill and originality in gynecologic and abdominal surgery.
Dr. Davis was always prompt in the operating room. He began his surgery at or before 8 o'clock each morning. He could easily conclude five or more operations before noon. In addition, he would have numerous emergencies carried in day or night from a radius of 300 miles or more. It was not uncommon for him to operate on a patient brought from a great distance with an acute suppurative appendix.
During the day Dr. Davis would take time out only for a short lunch. Then, back to work again. He was constantly surrounded by doctors, interns and nurses as he made his rounds where he not infrequently had 20 or more patients in the hospital. Besides being one of the South's most distinguished surgeons, he was one of the best loved of his time. To the young doctors he meant much for not only was he their surgical hero, but friend as well.
Next to surgery his greatest medical love was obstetrics. This he practiced with the strictest adherence to cleanliness and antiseptic technic in both the home and delivery room. He was almost uncanny in recognizing the signs of eclampsia and other toxemias of pregnancy. The expectant mother under his care had constant supervision administered through observation, examinations and laboratory checks on both urine and blood at regular intervals.
Besides Dr. Davis' practice he held the position of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years at the Atlanta School of Medicine, which is now a part of Emory University. He was nearly always in attendance at the medical meetings held by the county, state and the national societies. Being a master of precision, he wrote many scientific papers and was a much sought after speaker at the medical meetings.
In 1914, Dr. Davis took part in a Clinical Congress held in London. While he was there World War I broke out in Europe. He had to return home by steerage and was landed at Quebec. Little then did he know that this same war would return him to Europe with the silver leaf of a Lieutenant-Colonel on his shoulder.
Dr. Davis was quite a family man. He and Mrs. Davis had eight children, namely, Shelley C., Catherine, Page, E. C., Jr., Ria, Robert Carter, Sarah and Teddy. Never was he happier than when his children were clustered around him. Another pleasure enjoyed by the doctor and his children were their expeditions to Kamper's where he bought them just anything they wanted.
As an aid to Dr. and Mrs. Davis, their nursery was adequately staffed by a competent colored woman, who was affectionately called "Nursie" by her charges.
Dr. Davis' whimsical sense of humor was shown by the names of his three horses of his horse and buggy days. They were Faith, Hope and Charity. Long after their master was using a horseless carriage in his practice, these horses remained in the Davis stables.
At the Davis home there was always a member of the family or a friend staying with them. Once two friends of theirs, a man and his wife, were in need of housing. The husband asked Dr. Davis if they could stay for a while with them. Dr. Davis told him to ask Mrs. Davis. He did. They stayed five years. There was only once in the entire married life of Dr. and Mrs. Davis when they were left alone for a second honeymoon without family, friends, or the eight children.
Dr. Davis enjoyed vacationing at Pass-a-Grille, Florida. He and Mrs. Davis would take the small children with them and leave the others at home. During these periods of relaxation Dr. Davis asked no more of any one of them than to catch a tarpon his favorite sport.
At the outbreak of World War I, Dr. Davis was asked by the American Red Cross to organize the Emory Unit. He was chosen on account of his fine record in the Spanish- American War. He, of course, took on the job and the Emory Unit was months in the making. He was also placed on the examining board. Dr. Davis was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel of the Unit, and made medical director of the unit when it was named Base Hospital 43 in its overseas duty.
As a result of Colonel Davis' capable and courageous discharge of his duties in the theater of action, he was awarded a certificate of merit by General John J. Pershing, decorated by King Alexander of Greece, and given membership in the Knights of the Ancient Order of Our Saviour.
On account of Colonel Davis' strenuous work in the organization of the Unit and his activity overseas, he became ill. He returned home and his ship reached Newport News on November 11, 1918, the day of the signing of the Armistice.
After a brief interlude, Dr. Davis resumed his practice. He was later joined by his son, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, who had been thoroughly trained in surgery at home and abroad.
Dr. E. C. Davis received many deserved honors. He was President of the Fulton County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He was early made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His University of Georgia called upon him for a Commencement Oration. Emory University conferred upon him an LL.D. Base Hospital 43 gave his portrait in uniform to the Emory Hall of Fame.
Dr. E. C. Davis retired from the active practice of medicine in 1929 due to his failing health. He finally lost his eyesight but in the home he loved so well he could move about at ease with Mrs. Davis seeing to it that everything was left just as he remembered it.
In his last illness Dr. Davis was a patient at Davis-Fischer with Mrs. Davis constantly at his side. Despite his illness, Dr. Davis, always the acute diagnostician, heard of the severe sickness of one of his nurses. Her case had remained undiagnosed. On hearing of her symptoms he recognized them as those of diphtheria and saw to it that she had immediate attention.
Dr. E. C. Davis died at Davis-Fischer Sanatorium, Atlanta, on March 11, 1931.
He left many legacies: to his country, eight children and twenty-four grandchildren; to his profession, his devoted disciples and two sons, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, surgeon, and Dr. Robert Carter Davis, internist, both practicing in Atlanta; to his children, intelligence, individuality and integrity, and to his wife, the sweetest memory ever treasured.
To Dr. E. C. Davis, a monument to his profession and a dutiful son to his country, there can be no better tribute paid than this quotation from the Star-Spangled Banner:
"Tis the star-spangled banner, Oh long may it wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of
the brave."
From the Fulton County Medical Society Bulletin (date unknow)
Edward Campbell Davis, M.D., F,A.C.S.
BY EDGAR H. GREENE, M.D.
When our country declared war on Germany in April 1917, the nation feverishly went about the business of preparing for a fierce conflict that was destined to terminate victoriously for us nineteen months later.
The medical profession, realizing the role it would be called upon to play in the grim drama, quickly began organizing. Physicians volunteered for duty in the army and navy. Many were already serving with the British, Canadian and French armies. Ambulance companies, field and Red Cross Hospitals were rapidly organized and training instituted.
A group of Atlanta doctors on the faculty of Emory's Medical School met in the college building on Butler Street and planned a Red Cross Hospital which, when organized, would be turned over the War Department for duty in the held. Emory University offered the group any facilities available and full cooperation. The decision made, next came the big question!
Where in Atlanta, was the man with sufficient medical and military training to do the job of organizing the officer, nurse and enlisted personnel for a Base Hospital?
Edward Campbell Davis was born October 11, 1868 in Albany, Georgia where he attended the public school. His college work was completed at the University of Georgia. In 1892 he received his M. D. degree from the University of Louisville.
He served as surgeon with the rank of Major in the Spanish American War and following the termination of that conflict returned to Atlanta. He and his associates practiced in the homes of Atlanta and performed surgical operations in the Old Presbyterian Hospital. For several years after the Spanish American War,
Dr. Davis was senior Medical officer for the Georgia Militia.
The military knowledge and ripe experience gained in War and Peace prepared him for the emergency which came in 1917, and he was chosen to organize and command the hospital to be known as The Emory Unit. When the unit was ready and mobilized at Camp Gordon, Georgia, it was given the official designation of Base Hospital No. 43.
At this time Dr. Davis was professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory and from that faculty were selected the doctors to make up the officer personnel of the unit. The Emory Unit made a remarkable record in-France, and is said to have finished its service with the lowest mortality record of any similar hospital in the A,E.F.
The official history of the Emory Unit, Base Hospital No. 43, was dedicated to Dr. Davis and opposite his picture in uniform appears this legend: "Dedicated to Lt. Col. Edward Campbell Davis, M. C. who values even more than the citation from the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces his soubriquet,'The Daddy of The Emory Unit'."
On April 2, 1919 at Camp Gordon, near Chamblee, Georgia·the last official meeting of the unit was held just prior to demobilization. Dr. Davis having been previously discharged and returned to Atlanta went to Camp Gordon to attend the final meeting. On this occasion the enlisted men of the unit presented him with a loving cup appropriately engraved with expression of love and esteem.
In 1908 Dr. Davis and Dr.. Luther C. Fischer established a small sanatorium on Crew Street in Atlanta. Later they bought a lot on Linden Avenue between the Peachtrees and erected a four story brick and concrete building. In 1913 this building was opened as the most modern hospital in the city. From this beginning another building was added about 1920 and subsequently the name of the hospital
changed from Davis-Fischer Sanatorium to the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.·Since Dr. Davis' death in 1931, Dr. Fischer has continued to acquire more land and erect more buildings until now this large and well equipped institution stands as a living memorial to these two men who had the great vision and who worked tirelessly to make it a reality. The good that the erection and operation of the
Crawford W. Long Hospital continues to accomplish cannot be claimed by Atlantians only because this splendid institution's beneficences extend throughout this entire section.
Dr. Davis was a man of magnetic personality. His engaging and courtly manner in conversation, in his work and in his daily routine won for him a host of friends. Probably no physician in Georgia's contemporary history had more friends in the medical profession. He was a profound student of the art and science of medicine and was a frequent visitor to the best surgical clinics of the nation. Dr. Davis wrote extensively on surgical and gynecological subjects. He possessed an unlimited vocabulary and was an able and forceful speaker. As a teacher he was without a peer and his lectures on obstetrics were a bright spot on the students' calender. He was keenly interested in organized medicine and numerous committees claimed his attention during a busy career. In 1928 he was president of the Fulton County Medical Society having served in 1910-1911 as president of the Medical Association of Georgia.
He was a member of many surgical and gynecological societies and was a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons.
A member of the Baptist Church, his Christian character was an inspiration to many. Dr. Davis married Maria Carter of Albany in 1899. To his wife he attributed in great measure any achievements that were credited to him. Mrs. Davis, who still maintains her residence in Atlanta, is a member of the distinguished Virginia families of Carter, Randolph, Evelyn and Byrd. Of the eight children two, Shelley C. and Robert C. are physicians in Atlanta, They are carrying on in a manner that would win a devoted father's admiration were he with us now.
Emory University conferred on. Dr. Davis the L.L.D. degree and the officers of the Emory Unit presented Emory with a portrait of him which hangs in the main hall of the University Hospital. The beautiful chandelier in the rotunda of the Academy of Medicine is a memorial to his memory. After the war he practiced for over ten years when ill health caused him to retire.
He was a kindly gentlemen and a learned physician; a skillful surgeon and gynecologist. His death on March 11, 1931 brought to an end the career of one of Georgia's most able and beloved doctors.
1930 Fulton Co. ed 117 sheet 4 census
Edward C. Davis 62 Ga Ga GA head Surgeon Hospital
Maria C. 56 Ga Ga Ga wife
Shelley C. 28 Ga Ga GA daughter
Catherine 27 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Maria N. 21 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Robert C. 18 Ga Ga Ga son
Sarah 16 Ga Ga GA daughter
Theodore 14 Ga Ga GA daughter
Worth E. Yankey Jr. 14 Ga GA GA nephew
A Reprint from
The Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia
July, 1950
Edward Campbell Davis, M. D.
In the year 1867 America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, had much to occupy her time. One of her many problems was the badly crippled South left so from the War Between the States. Notwithstanding the sad condition of the fallen South, the Reconstruction Act was passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson who had always attempted to befriend her.
It was into this perilous period of carpetbaggers, scalawags and freed slaves that Edward Campbell Davis was born on the llth day of October, 1867, in Albany, Georgia. His parents were Ella Catherine Winkle Davis and Dr. William Lewis Gardner Davis. Thus it came about that
his heritage was the blend of the blood of England, Scotland and Wales.
Campbell, as his family called him, had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes that were enhanced by a direct straightforward gaze. In family sequence, he was next to the youngest of eight children; therefore, he had an opportunity to profit by the experiences and companionship of the older ones. In consequence, he led the happy life most small boys are privileged to experience.
Unfortunately, his father, who had always maintained a heavy practice, contracted pneumonia and died when Campbell was five years old. His mother shouldered the responsibility of the family and the large plantation on which they lived. The trades people of Albany never hesitated to lend her money or furnish her with supplies, for well they knew that when her crops came in, they would have their money. Therefore, Mrs. Davis had the respect and admiration of her community.
Campbell received his fundamentals of education in Albany. Then he entered the University of Georgia where he received his A.B. degree in 1888.
Besides having a father who was a doctor, Campbell also had a brother, W. L., who practiced in Albany. The medical strain in the Davis issue was and is a rather dominant one. Therefore, Campbell decided to study medicine. He then entered the University of Louisville in Kentucky for that purpose. It was there he graduated in medicine in '92.
From then on Edward Campbell Davis was professionally known as Dr. E. C. Davis. He had always liked Atlanta, so there, on a summer's day, he came to pursue the practice of surgery. Without delay, Dr. Davis entered into an association with Dr. C. D. Hurt.
While Dr. Davis was laying the foundation of his practice, he took some time out to fulfill his social engagements. It was due to this fact that a very lovely girl, with hair of yellow gold, eyes the color of the sea, fair of skin and beautifully curved, met her fortune. She was none other than Maria Carter, a direct descendant of the famous King Carter of colonial days in Virginia. Strange as it may seem, tho' Maria lived on the same street as Dr. Davis in Albany, they had never met.
Maria was educated at Lucy Cobb and among the many friends she made there was Carolyn Sisson, of Wisteria Hall, Kirkwood. These girls became good friends and continued to keep up their friendship after leaving college. Carolyn wrote to Maria of a young surgeon, Dr. E. C. Davis, of Albany, whom she would like for her to meet. So, with the aid of Carolyn and Wisteria Hall, they met.
The setting for the wooing of Maria Carter by Dr. E. C. Davis was ideal. Hence, it was in a mellow month, aglow with the fiery flames of fall subdued only by the light of a harvest moon, that Venus fanned a smouldering ember on the altar of love for them. From then on there arose between them a comfortable correspondence, but, due to Maria's indecision, it dwindled and disappeared.
While Maria remained thus in maiden meditation, Dr. Davis was asked to join Governor Atkinson's party on a good will trip to Mexico. Although he was delayed and missed the Governor's train, he managed to catch up with the party in Louisiana and made a memorable trip of it. In this manner and in other pursuits, he was able to bide his time as he waited around for Maria. Destiny now played her hand for this young couple. The Maine, while lying languidly in the waters of Havana harbor, was sunk. So, then, there was the Maine for the Americans to remember. Of course, war was declared. Governor Atkinson immediately appointed Dr. Davis as Captain of the Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry in 1898.
On his way to serve his country in the Spanish-American War, Captain Davis was sent by way of his home, Albany, to his station in Florida. Here, Maria, with many others of his town's people, was there to wish him God's speed. Then it was that the sight of dashing Dr. Davis in the decorative uniform of his country began to make up Maria's mind for her and win her heart. Therefore, their discontinued correspondence was resumed in earnest. Dr. Davis often laughingly said he had to go to Cuba to get her for his wife.
While he was stationed near Tampa, an epidemic of typhoid fever raged among his soldiers. He immediately began the organization of a hospital to give adequate care to the sick. He worked tirelessly day and night only taking a few hours of rest and these limited by the clock or the call of his orderly. During the peak of this crisis, General O'Reilly sent word for him to report to his office for some routine matter. Dr. Davis sent the general a message stating he would come only if a doctor was sent to relieve him. There was marked apprehension by the staff that he might be severely reprimanded or even court-martialed. However, he was not. Dr. Davis was a firm believer in doing his duty no matter what the cost to himself. A promotion to Major was given Captain Davis for his outstanding work during this time.
A grateful brother of one of the doctor's patients presented him with a United States flag. This flag is now a Davis family treasure. Major Davis served his country from the spring until fall; he was then mustered out at Piedmont Park.
Back again he went to his Atlanta practice now working with Dr. J. B. S. Holmes at his sanatorium on Cain Street.
In June, the month of brides and roses, in the year 1899, Dr. E. C. Davis took Maria Carter for his wife. After their honeymoon they lived for a short time at the Sanatorium. From there, they moved into their first home Pine Street. With these two there was such a perfect surrender to their love that the beautiful words of Edgar Alien Poe's poem "Annabel Lee" are comparable, thus quoting "But we loved with a love that was more than love I and my Annabel Lee".
Dr. Davis' practice continued to grow rapidly. After a short period of being out for himself, Dr. L. C. Fischer became associated with him. Their offices were located in the English American Building at Peachtree and Broad Streets. There it was that these two young surgeons had the vision of their great hospital to serve the sick as a haven of help, health, hope and happiness. Drs. Davis and Fischer opened their hospital on Crew Street in 1908. From this cornerstone, Davis-Fischer Sanatorium arose. A few years later they moved their hospital to Linden Street and the growth of Davis-Fischer Sanatorium was miraculous. Their hospital, still located on the same site in this year of 1949, occupies almost an entire city block in the heart of Atlanta. However, it is now known as the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.
The skill of Dr. Davis was such that even his family would have no other doctor to operate upon them. Mrs. Davis' sister had had an attack of appendicitis while on a stay in Paris but refused surgical aid so as to have him remove her appendix. During the same week of her operation, he also operated on his own sister.
Dr. E. C. Davis always kept pace with the progress of his profession. He bought the first Kimble tube used here for direct transfusion. It was immediately put into use where a life was despaired of, resulting in the recovery of the patient. He also bought and installed the first freezing microtome used here. Henceforth, fresh tissue sections could immediately be prepared and diagnosed on all cases of suspected cancer, to determine the extent of the surgery needed while the patient was still on the operating table.
Furthermore, he was one of the earliest believers in and users of the aseptic and antiseptic technic in surgery. He learned to use rubber gloves with dexterity while most surgeons of those days felt clumsy and deprived of the sense of feeling during an operation when wearing them, on account of their thickness.
His greatest feats were accomplished by his skill and originality in gynecologic and abdominal surgery.
Dr. Davis was always prompt in the operating room. He began his surgery at or before 8 o'clock each morning. He could easily conclude five or more operations before noon. In addition, he would have numerous emergencies carried in day or night from a radius of 300 miles or more. It was not uncommon for him to operate on a patient brought from a great distance with an acute suppurative appendix.
During the day Dr. Davis would take time out only for a short lunch. Then, back to work again. He was constantly surrounded by doctors, interns and nurses as he made his rounds where he not infrequently had 20 or more patients in the hospital. Besides being one of the South's most distinguished surgeons, he was one of the best loved of his time. To the young doctors he meant much for not only was he their surgical hero, but friend as well.
Next to surgery his greatest medical love was obstetrics. This he practiced with the strictest adherence to cleanliness and antiseptic technic in both the home and delivery room. He was almost uncanny in recognizing the signs of eclampsia and other toxemias of pregnancy. The expectant mother under his care had constant supervision administered through observation, examinations and laboratory checks on both urine and blood at regular intervals.
Besides Dr. Davis' practice he held the position of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years at the Atlanta School of Medicine, which is now a part of Emory University. He was nearly always in attendance at the medical meetings held by the county, state and the national societies. Being a master of precision, he wrote many scientific papers and was a much sought after speaker at the medical meetings.
In 1914, Dr. Davis took part in a Clinical Congress held in London. While he was there World War I broke out in Europe. He had to return home by steerage and was landed at Quebec. Little then did he know that this same war would return him to Europe with the silver leaf of a Lieutenant-Colonel on his shoulder.
Dr. Davis was quite a family man. He and Mrs. Davis had eight children, namely, Shelley C., Catherine, Page, E. C., Jr., Ria, Robert Carter, Sarah and Teddy. Never was he happier than when his children were clustered around him. Another pleasure enjoyed by the doctor and his children were their expeditions to Kamper's where he bought them just anything they wanted.
As an aid to Dr. and Mrs. Davis, their nursery was adequately staffed by a competent colored woman, who was affectionately called "Nursie" by her charges.
Dr. Davis' whimsical sense of humor was shown by the names of his three horses of his horse and buggy days. They were Faith, Hope and Charity. Long after their master was using a horseless carriage in his practice, these horses remained in the Davis stables.
At the Davis home there was always a member of the family or a friend staying with them. Once two friends of theirs, a man and his wife, were in need of housing. The husband asked Dr. Davis if they could stay for a while with them. Dr. Davis told him to ask Mrs. Davis. He did. They stayed five years. There was only once in the entire married life of Dr. and Mrs. Davis when they were left alone for a second honeymoon without family, friends, or the eight children.
Dr. Davis enjoyed vacationing at Pass-a-Grille, Florida. He and Mrs. Davis would take the small children with them and leave the others at home. During these periods of relaxation Dr. Davis asked no more of any one of them than to catch a tarpon his favorite sport.
At the outbreak of World War I, Dr. Davis was asked by the American Red Cross to organize the Emory Unit. He was chosen on account of his fine record in the Spanish- American War. He, of course, took on the job and the Emory Unit was months in the making. He was also placed on the examining board. Dr. Davis was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel of the Unit, and made medical director of the unit when it was named Base Hospital 43 in its overseas duty.
As a result of Colonel Davis' capable and courageous discharge of his duties in the theater of action, he was awarded a certificate of merit by General John J. Pershing, decorated by King Alexander of Greece, and given membership in the Knights of the Ancient Order of Our Saviour.
On account of Colonel Davis' strenuous work in the organization of the Unit and his activity overseas, he became ill. He returned home and his ship reached Newport News on November 11, 1918, the day of the signing of the Armistice.
After a brief interlude, Dr. Davis resumed his practice. He was later joined by his son, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, who had been thoroughly trained in surgery at home and abroad.
Dr. E. C. Davis received many deserved honors. He was President of the Fulton County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He was early made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His University of Georgia called upon him for a Commencement Oration. Emory University conferred upon him an LL.D. Base Hospital 43 gave his portrait in uniform to the Emory Hall of Fame.
Dr. E. C. Davis retired from the active practice of medicine in 1929 due to his failing health. He finally lost his eyesight but in the home he loved so well he could move about at ease with Mrs. Davis seeing to it that everything was left just as he remembered it.
In his last illness Dr. Davis was a patient at Davis-Fischer with Mrs. Davis constantly at his side. Despite his illness, Dr. Davis, always the acute diagnostician, heard of the severe sickness of one of his nurses. Her case had remained undiagnosed. On hearing of her symptoms he recognized them as those of diphtheria and saw to it that she had immediate attention.
Dr. E. C. Davis died at Davis-Fischer Sanatorium, Atlanta, on March 11, 1931.
He left many legacies: to his country, eight children and twenty-four grandchildren; to his profession, his devoted disciples and two sons, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, surgeon, and Dr. Robert Carter Davis, internist, both practicing in Atlanta; to his children, intelligence, individuality and integrity, and to his wife, the sweetest memory ever treasured.
To Dr. E. C. Davis, a monument to his profession and a dutiful son to his country, there can be no better tribute paid than this quotation from the Star-Spangled Banner:
"Tis the star-spangled banner, Oh long may it wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of
the brave."
Residence 1900 98 East Pine Street, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
From the Fulton County Medical Society Bulletin (date unknow)
Edward Campbell Davis, M.D., F,A.C.S.
BY EDGAR H. GREENE, M.D.
When our country declared war on Germany in April 1917, the nation feverishly went about the business of preparing for a fierce conflict that was destined to terminate victoriously for us nineteen months later.
The medical profession, realizing the role it would be called upon to play in the grim drama, quickly began organizing. Physicians volunteered for duty in the army and navy. Many were already serving with the British, Canadian and French armies. Ambulance companies, field and Red Cross Hospitals were rapidly organized and training instituted.
A group of Atlanta doctors on the faculty of Emory's Medical School met in the college building on Butler Street and planned a Red Cross Hospital which, when organized, would be turned over the War Department for duty in the held. Emory University offered the group any facilities available and full cooperation. The decision made, next came the big question!
Where in Atlanta, was the man with sufficient medical and military training to do the job of organizing the officer, nurse and enlisted personnel for a Base Hospital?
Edward Campbell Davis was born October 11, 1868 in Albany, Georgia where he attended the public school. His college work was completed at the University of Georgia. In 1892 he received his M. D. degree from the University of Louisville.
He served as surgeon with the rank of Major in the Spanish American War and following the termination of that conflict returned to Atlanta. He and his associates practiced in the homes of Atlanta and performed surgical operations in the Old Presbyterian Hospital. For several years after the Spanish American War,
Dr. Davis was senior Medical officer for the Georgia Militia.
The military knowledge and ripe experience gained in War and Peace prepared him for the emergency which came in 1917, and he was chosen to organize and command the hospital to be known as The Emory Unit. When the unit was ready and mobilized at Camp Gordon, Georgia, it was given the official designation of Base Hospital No. 43.
At this time Dr. Davis was professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory and from that faculty were selected the doctors to make up the officer personnel of the unit. The Emory Unit made a remarkable record in-France, and is said to have finished its service with the lowest mortality record of any similar hospital in the A,E.F.
The official history of the Emory Unit, Base Hospital No. 43, was dedicated to Dr. Davis and opposite his picture in uniform appears this legend: "Dedicated to Lt. Col. Edward Campbell Davis, M. C. who values even more than the citation from the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces his soubriquet,'The Daddy of The Emory Unit'."
On April 2, 1919 at Camp Gordon, near Chamblee, Georgia·the last official meeting of the unit was held just prior to demobilization. Dr. Davis having been previously discharged and returned to Atlanta went to Camp Gordon to attend the final meeting. On this occasion the enlisted men of the unit presented him with a loving cup appropriately engraved with expression of love and esteem.
In 1908 Dr. Davis and Dr.. Luther C. Fischer established a small sanatorium on Crew Street in Atlanta. Later they bought a lot on Linden Avenue between the Peachtrees and erected a four story brick and concrete building. In 1913 this building was opened as the most modern hospital in the city. From this beginning another building was added about 1920 and subsequently the name of the hospital
changed from Davis-Fischer Sanatorium to the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.·Since Dr. Davis' death in 1931, Dr. Fischer has continued to acquire more land and erect more buildings until now this large and well equipped institution stands as a living memorial to these two men who had the great vision and who worked tirelessly to make it a reality. The good that the erection and operation of the
Crawford W. Long Hospital continues to accomplish cannot be claimed by Atlantians only because this splendid institution's beneficences extend throughout this entire section.
Dr. Davis was a man of magnetic personality. His engaging and courtly manner in conversation, in his work and in his daily routine won for him a host of friends. Probably no physician in Georgia's contemporary history had more friends in the medical profession. He was a profound student of the art and science of medicine and was a frequent visitor to the best surgical clinics of the nation. Dr. Davis wrote extensively on surgical and gynecological subjects. He possessed an unlimited vocabulary and was an able and forceful speaker. As a teacher he was without a peer and his lectures on obstetrics were a bright spot on the students' calender. He was keenly interested in organized medicine and numerous committees claimed his attention during a busy career. In 1928 he was president of the Fulton County Medical Society having served in 1910-1911 as president of the Medical Association of Georgia.
He was a member of many surgical and gynecological societies and was a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons.
A member of the Baptist Church, his Christian character was an inspiration to many. Dr. Davis married Maria Carter of Albany in 1899. To his wife he attributed in great measure any achievements that were credited to him. Mrs. Davis, who still maintains her residence in Atlanta, is a member of the distinguished Virginia families of Carter, Randolph, Evelyn and Byrd. Of the eight children two, Shelley C. and Robert C. are physicians in Atlanta, They are carrying on in a manner that would win a devoted father's admiration were he with us now.
Emory University conferred on. Dr. Davis the L.L.D. degree and the officers of the Emory Unit presented Emory with a portrait of him which hangs in the main hall of the University Hospital. The beautiful chandelier in the rotunda of the Academy of Medicine is a memorial to his memory. After the war he practiced for over ten years when ill health caused him to retire.
He was a kindly gentlemen and a learned physician; a skillful surgeon and gynecologist. His death on March 11, 1931 brought to an end the career of one of Georgia's most able and beloved doctors.
1930 Fulton Co. ed 117 sheet 4 census
Edward C. Davis 62 Ga Ga GA head Surgeon Hospital
Maria C. 56 Ga Ga Ga wife
Shelley C. 28 Ga Ga GA daughter
Catherine 27 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Maria N. 21 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Robert C. 18 Ga Ga Ga son
Sarah 16 Ga Ga GA daughter
Theodore 14 Ga Ga GA daughter
Worth E. Yankey Jr. 14 Ga GA GA nephew
A Reprint from
The Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia
July, 1950
Edward Campbell Davis, M. D.
In the year 1867 America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, had much to occupy her time. One of her many problems was the badly crippled South left so from the War Between the States. Notwithstanding the sad condition of the fallen South, the Reconstruction Act was passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson who had always attempted to befriend her.
It was into this perilous period of carpetbaggers, scalawags and freed slaves that Edward Campbell Davis was born on the llth day of October, 1867, in Albany, Georgia. His parents were Ella Catherine Winkle Davis and Dr. William Lewis Gardner Davis. Thus it came about that
his heritage was the blend of the blood of England, Scotland and Wales.
Campbell, as his family called him, had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes that were enhanced by a direct straightforward gaze. In family sequence, he was next to the youngest of eight children; therefore, he had an opportunity to profit by the experiences and companionship of the older ones. In consequence, he led the happy life most small boys are privileged to experience.
Unfortunately, his father, who had always maintained a heavy practice, contracted pneumonia and died when Campbell was five years old. His mother shouldered the responsibility of the family and the large plantation on which they lived. The trades people of Albany never hesitated to lend her money or furnish her with supplies, for well they knew that when her crops came in, they would have their money. Therefore, Mrs. Davis had the respect and admiration of her community.
Campbell received his fundamentals of education in Albany. Then he entered the University of Georgia where he received his A.B. degree in 1888.
Besides having a father who was a doctor, Campbell also had a brother, W. L., who practiced in Albany. The medical strain in the Davis issue was and is a rather dominant one. Therefore, Campbell decided to study medicine. He then entered the University of Louisville in Kentucky for that purpose. It was there he graduated in medicine in '92.
From then on Edward Campbell Davis was professionally known as Dr. E. C. Davis. He had always liked Atlanta, so there, on a summer's day, he came to pursue the practice of surgery. Without delay, Dr. Davis entered into an association with Dr. C. D. Hurt.
While Dr. Davis was laying the foundation of his practice, he took some time out to fulfill his social engagements. It was due to this fact that a very lovely girl, with hair of yellow gold, eyes the color of the sea, fair of skin and beautifully curved, met her fortune. She was none other than Maria Carter, a direct descendant of the famous King Carter of colonial days in Virginia. Strange as it may seem, tho' Maria lived on the same street as Dr. Davis in Albany, they had never met.
Maria was educated at Lucy Cobb and among the many friends she made there was Carolyn Sisson, of Wisteria Hall, Kirkwood. These girls became good friends and continued to keep up their friendship after leaving college. Carolyn wrote to Maria of a young surgeon, Dr. E. C. Davis, of Albany, whom she would like for her to meet. So, with the aid of Carolyn and Wisteria Hall, they met.
The setting for the wooing of Maria Carter by Dr. E. C. Davis was ideal. Hence, it was in a mellow month, aglow with the fiery flames of fall subdued only by the light of a harvest moon, that Venus fanned a smouldering ember on the altar of love for them. From then on there arose between them a comfortable correspondence, but, due to Maria's indecision, it dwindled and disappeared.
While Maria remained thus in maiden meditation, Dr. Davis was asked to join Governor Atkinson's party on a good will trip to Mexico. Although he was delayed and missed the Governor's train, he managed to catch up with the party in Louisiana and made a memorable trip of it. In this manner and in other pursuits, he was able to bide his time as he waited around for Maria. Destiny now played her hand for this young couple. The Maine, while lying languidly in the waters of Havana harbor, was sunk. So, then, there was the Maine for the Americans to remember. Of course, war was declared. Governor Atkinson immediately appointed Dr. Davis as Captain of the Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry in 1898.
On his way to serve his country in the Spanish-American War, Captain Davis was sent by way of his home, Albany, to his station in Florida. Here, Maria, with many others of his town's people, was there to wish him God's speed. Then it was that the sight of dashing Dr. Davis in the decorative uniform of his country began to make up Maria's mind for her and win her heart. Therefore, their discontinued correspondence was resumed in earnest. Dr. Davis often laughingly said he had to go to Cuba to get her for his wife.
While he was stationed near Tampa, an epidemic of typhoid fever raged among his soldiers. He immediately began the organization of a hospital to give adequate care to the sick. He worked tirelessly day and night only taking a few hours of rest and these limited by the clock or the call of his orderly. During the peak of this crisis, General O'Reilly sent word for him to report to his office for some routine matter. Dr. Davis sent the general a message stating he would come only if a doctor was sent to relieve him. There was marked apprehension by the staff that he might be severely reprimanded or even court-martialed. However, he was not. Dr. Davis was a firm believer in doing his duty no matter what the cost to himself. A promotion to Major was given Captain Davis for his outstanding work during this time.
A grateful brother of one of the doctor's patients presented him with a United States flag. This flag is now a Davis family treasure. Major Davis served his country from the spring until fall; he was then mustered out at Piedmont Park.
Back again he went to his Atlanta practice now working with Dr. J. B. S. Holmes at his sanatorium on Cain Street.
In June, the month of brides and roses, in the year 1899, Dr. E. C. Davis took Maria Carter for his wife. After their honeymoon they lived for a short time at the Sanatorium. From there, they moved into their first home Pine Street. With these two there was such a perfect surrender to their love that the beautiful words of Edgar Alien Poe's poem "Annabel Lee" are comparable, thus quoting "But we loved with a love that was more than love I and my Annabel Lee".
Dr. Davis' practice continued to grow rapidly. After a short period of being out for himself, Dr. L. C. Fischer became associated with him. Their offices were located in the English American Building at Peachtree and Broad Streets. There it was that these two young surgeons had the vision of their great hospital to serve the sick as a haven of help, health, hope and happiness. Drs. Davis and Fischer opened their hospital on Crew Street in 1908. From this cornerstone, Davis-Fischer Sanatorium arose. A few years later they moved their hospital to Linden Street and the growth of Davis-Fischer Sanatorium was miraculous. Their hospital, still located on the same site in this year of 1949, occupies almost an entire city block in the heart of Atlanta. However, it is now known as the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.
The skill of Dr. Davis was such that even his family would have no other doctor to operate upon them. Mrs. Davis' sister had had an attack of appendicitis while on a stay in Paris but refused surgical aid so as to have him remove her appendix. During the same week of her operation, he also operated on his own sister.
Dr. E. C. Davis always kept pace with the progress of his profession. He bought the first Kimble tube used here for direct transfusion. It was immediately put into use where a life was despaired of, resulting in the recovery of the patient. He also bought and installed the first freezing microtome used here. Henceforth, fresh tissue sections could immediately be prepared and diagnosed on all cases of suspected cancer, to determine the extent of the surgery needed while the patient was still on the operating table.
Furthermore, he was one of the earliest believers in and users of the aseptic and antiseptic technic in surgery. He learned to use rubber gloves with dexterity while most surgeons of those days felt clumsy and deprived of the sense of feeling during an operation when wearing them, on account of their thickness.
His greatest feats were accomplished by his skill and originality in gynecologic and abdominal surgery.
Dr. Davis was always prompt in the operating room. He began his surgery at or before 8 o'clock each morning. He could easily conclude five or more operations before noon. In addition, he would have numerous emergencies carried in day or night from a radius of 300 miles or more. It was not uncommon for him to operate on a patient brought from a great distance with an acute suppurative appendix.
During the day Dr. Davis would take time out only for a short lunch. Then, back to work again. He was constantly surrounded by doctors, interns and nurses as he made his rounds where he not infrequently had 20 or more patients in the hospital. Besides being one of the South's most distinguished surgeons, he was one of the best loved of his time. To the young doctors he meant much for not only was he their surgical hero, but friend as well.
Next to surgery his greatest medical love was obstetrics. This he practiced with the strictest adherence to cleanliness and antiseptic technic in both the home and delivery room. He was almost uncanny in recognizing the signs of eclampsia and other toxemias of pregnancy. The expectant mother under his care had constant supervision administered through observation, examinations and laboratory checks on both urine and blood at regular intervals.
Besides Dr. Davis' practice he held the position of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years at the Atlanta School of Medicine, which is now a part of Emory University. He was nearly always in attendance at the medical meetings held by the county, state and the national societies. Being a master of precision, he wrote many scientific papers and was a much sought after speaker at the medical meetings.
In 1914, Dr. Davis took part in a Clinical Congress held in London. While he was there World War I broke out in Europe. He had to return home by steerage and was landed at Quebec. Little then did he know that this same war would return him to Europe with the silver leaf of a Lieutenant-Colonel on his shoulder.
Dr. Davis was quite a family man. He and Mrs. Davis had eight children, namely, Shelley C., Catherine, Page, E. C., Jr., Ria, Robert Carter, Sarah and Teddy. Never was he happier than when his children were clustered around him. Another pleasure enjoyed by the doctor and his children were their expeditions to Kamper's where he bought them just anything they wanted.
As an aid to Dr. and Mrs. Davis, their nursery was adequately staffed by a competent colored woman, who was affectionately called "Nursie" by her charges.
Dr. Davis' whimsical sense of humor was shown by the names of his three horses of his horse and buggy days. They were Faith, Hope and Charity. Long after their master was using a horseless carriage in his practice, these horses remained in the Davis stables.
At the Davis home there was always a member of the family or a friend staying with them. Once two friends of theirs, a man and his wife, were in need of housing. The husband asked Dr. Davis if they could stay for a while with them. Dr. Davis told him to ask Mrs. Davis. He did. They stayed five years. There was only once in the entire married life of Dr. and Mrs. Davis when they were left alone for a second honeymoon without family, friends, or the eight children.
Dr. Davis enjoyed vacationing at Pass-a-Grille, Florida. He and Mrs. Davis would take the small children with them and leave the others at home. During these periods of relaxation Dr. Davis asked no more of any one of them than to catch a tarpon his favorite sport.
At the outbreak of World War I, Dr. Davis was asked by the American Red Cross to organize the Emory Unit. He was chosen on account of his fine record in the Spanish- American War. He, of course, took on the job and the Emory Unit was months in the making. He was also placed on the examining board. Dr. Davis was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel of the Unit, and made medical director of the unit when it was named Base Hospital 43 in its overseas duty.
As a result of Colonel Davis' capable and courageous discharge of his duties in the theater of action, he was awarded a certificate of merit by General John J. Pershing, decorated by King Alexander of Greece, and given membership in the Knights of the Ancient Order of Our Saviour.
On account of Colonel Davis' strenuous work in the organization of the Unit and his activity overseas, he became ill. He returned home and his ship reached Newport News on November 11, 1918, the day of the signing of the Armistice.
After a brief interlude, Dr. Davis resumed his practice. He was later joined by his son, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, who had been thoroughly trained in surgery at home and abroad.
Dr. E. C. Davis received many deserved honors. He was President of the Fulton County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He was early made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His University of Georgia called upon him for a Commencement Oration. Emory University conferred upon him an LL.D. Base Hospital 43 gave his portrait in uniform to the Emory Hall of Fame.
Dr. E. C. Davis retired from the active practice of medicine in 1929 due to his failing health. He finally lost his eyesight but in the home he loved so well he could move about at ease with Mrs. Davis seeing to it that everything was left just as he remembered it.
In his last illness Dr. Davis was a patient at Davis-Fischer with Mrs. Davis constantly at his side. Despite his illness, Dr. Davis, always the acute diagnostician, heard of the severe sickness of one of his nurses. Her case had remained undiagnosed. On hearing of her symptoms he recognized them as those of diphtheria and saw to it that she had immediate attention.
Dr. E. C. Davis died at Davis-Fischer Sanatorium, Atlanta, on March 11, 1931.
He left many legacies: to his country, eight children and twenty-four grandchildren; to his profession, his devoted disciples and two sons, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, surgeon, and Dr. Robert Carter Davis, internist, both practicing in Atlanta; to his children, intelligence, individuality and integrity, and to his wife, the sweetest memory ever treasured.
To Dr. E. C. Davis, a monument to his profession and a dutiful son to his country, there can be no better tribute paid than this quotation from the Star-Spangled Banner:
"Tis the star-spangled banner, Oh long may it wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of
the brave."
From the Fulton County Medical Society Bulletin (date unknow)
Edward Campbell Davis, M.D., F,A.C.S.
BY EDGAR H. GREENE, M.D.
When our country declared war on Germany in April 1917, the nation feverishly went about the business of preparing for a fierce conflict that was destined to terminate victoriously for us nineteen months later.
The medical profession, realizing the role it would be called upon to play in the grim drama, quickly began organizing. Physicians volunteered for duty in the army and navy. Many were already serving with the British, Canadian and French armies. Ambulance companies, field and Red Cross Hospitals were rapidly organized and training instituted.
A group of Atlanta doctors on the faculty of Emory's Medical School met in the college building on Butler Street and planned a Red Cross Hospital which, when organized, would be turned over the War Department for duty in the held. Emory University offered the group any facilities available and full cooperation. The decision made, next came the big question!
Where in Atlanta, was the man with sufficient medical and military training to do the job of organizing the officer, nurse and enlisted personnel for a Base Hospital?
Edward Campbell Davis was born October 11, 1868 in Albany, Georgia where he attended the public school. His college work was completed at the University of Georgia. In 1892 he received his M. D. degree from the University of Louisville.
He served as surgeon with the rank of Major in the Spanish American War and following the termination of that conflict returned to Atlanta. He and his associates practiced in the homes of Atlanta and performed surgical operations in the Old Presbyterian Hospital. For several years after the Spanish American War,
Dr. Davis was senior Medical officer for the Georgia Militia.
The military knowledge and ripe experience gained in War and Peace prepared him for the emergency which came in 1917, and he was chosen to organize and command the hospital to be known as The Emory Unit. When the unit was ready and mobilized at Camp Gordon, Georgia, it was given the official designation of Base Hospital No. 43.
At this time Dr. Davis was professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Emory and from that faculty were selected the doctors to make up the officer personnel of the unit. The Emory Unit made a remarkable record in-France, and is said to have finished its service with the lowest mortality record of any similar hospital in the A,E.F.
The official history of the Emory Unit, Base Hospital No. 43, was dedicated to Dr. Davis and opposite his picture in uniform appears this legend: "Dedicated to Lt. Col. Edward Campbell Davis, M. C. who values even more than the citation from the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expeditionary Forces his soubriquet,'The Daddy of The Emory Unit'."
On April 2, 1919 at Camp Gordon, near Chamblee, Georgia·the last official meeting of the unit was held just prior to demobilization. Dr. Davis having been previously discharged and returned to Atlanta went to Camp Gordon to attend the final meeting. On this occasion the enlisted men of the unit presented him with a loving cup appropriately engraved with expression of love and esteem.
In 1908 Dr. Davis and Dr.. Luther C. Fischer established a small sanatorium on Crew Street in Atlanta. Later they bought a lot on Linden Avenue between the Peachtrees and erected a four story brick and concrete building. In 1913 this building was opened as the most modern hospital in the city. From this beginning another building was added about 1920 and subsequently the name of the hospital
changed from Davis-Fischer Sanatorium to the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.·Since Dr. Davis' death in 1931, Dr. Fischer has continued to acquire more land and erect more buildings until now this large and well equipped institution stands as a living memorial to these two men who had the great vision and who worked tirelessly to make it a reality. The good that the erection and operation of the
Crawford W. Long Hospital continues to accomplish cannot be claimed by Atlantians only because this splendid institution's beneficences extend throughout this entire section.
Dr. Davis was a man of magnetic personality. His engaging and courtly manner in conversation, in his work and in his daily routine won for him a host of friends. Probably no physician in Georgia's contemporary history had more friends in the medical profession. He was a profound student of the art and science of medicine and was a frequent visitor to the best surgical clinics of the nation. Dr. Davis wrote extensively on surgical and gynecological subjects. He possessed an unlimited vocabulary and was an able and forceful speaker. As a teacher he was without a peer and his lectures on obstetrics were a bright spot on the students' calender. He was keenly interested in organized medicine and numerous committees claimed his attention during a busy career. In 1928 he was president of the Fulton County Medical Society having served in 1910-1911 as president of the Medical Association of Georgia.
He was a member of many surgical and gynecological societies and was a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons.
A member of the Baptist Church, his Christian character was an inspiration to many. Dr. Davis married Maria Carter of Albany in 1899. To his wife he attributed in great measure any achievements that were credited to him. Mrs. Davis, who still maintains her residence in Atlanta, is a member of the distinguished Virginia families of Carter, Randolph, Evelyn and Byrd. Of the eight children two, Shelley C. and Robert C. are physicians in Atlanta, They are carrying on in a manner that would win a devoted father's admiration were he with us now.
Emory University conferred on. Dr. Davis the L.L.D. degree and the officers of the Emory Unit presented Emory with a portrait of him which hangs in the main hall of the University Hospital. The beautiful chandelier in the rotunda of the Academy of Medicine is a memorial to his memory. After the war he practiced for over ten years when ill health caused him to retire.
He was a kindly gentlemen and a learned physician; a skillful surgeon and gynecologist. His death on March 11, 1931 brought to an end the career of one of Georgia's most able and beloved doctors.
1930 Fulton Co. ed 117 sheet 4 census
Edward C. Davis 62 Ga Ga GA head Surgeon Hospital
Maria C. 56 Ga Ga Ga wife
Shelley C. 28 Ga Ga GA daughter
Catherine 27 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Maria N. 21 Ga Ga Ga daughter
Robert C. 18 Ga Ga Ga son
Sarah 16 Ga Ga GA daughter
Theodore 14 Ga Ga GA daughter
Worth E. Yankey Jr. 14 Ga GA GA nephew
A Reprint from
The Journal of the Medical Association of Georgia
July, 1950
Edward Campbell Davis, M. D.
In the year 1867 America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, had much to occupy her time. One of her many problems was the badly crippled South left so from the War Between the States. Notwithstanding the sad condition of the fallen South, the Reconstruction Act was passed over the veto of President Andrew Johnson who had always attempted to befriend her.
It was into this perilous period of carpetbaggers, scalawags and freed slaves that Edward Campbell Davis was born on the llth day of October, 1867, in Albany, Georgia. His parents were Ella Catherine Winkle Davis and Dr. William Lewis Gardner Davis. Thus it came about that
his heritage was the blend of the blood of England, Scotland and Wales.
Campbell, as his family called him, had dark brown hair and deep blue eyes that were enhanced by a direct straightforward gaze. In family sequence, he was next to the youngest of eight children; therefore, he had an opportunity to profit by the experiences and companionship of the older ones. In consequence, he led the happy life most small boys are privileged to experience.
Unfortunately, his father, who had always maintained a heavy practice, contracted pneumonia and died when Campbell was five years old. His mother shouldered the responsibility of the family and the large plantation on which they lived. The trades people of Albany never hesitated to lend her money or furnish her with supplies, for well they knew that when her crops came in, they would have their money. Therefore, Mrs. Davis had the respect and admiration of her community.
Campbell received his fundamentals of education in Albany. Then he entered the University of Georgia where he received his A.B. degree in 1888.
Besides having a father who was a doctor, Campbell also had a brother, W. L., who practiced in Albany. The medical strain in the Davis issue was and is a rather dominant one. Therefore, Campbell decided to study medicine. He then entered the University of Louisville in Kentucky for that purpose. It was there he graduated in medicine in '92.
From then on Edward Campbell Davis was professionally known as Dr. E. C. Davis. He had always liked Atlanta, so there, on a summer's day, he came to pursue the practice of surgery. Without delay, Dr. Davis entered into an association with Dr. C. D. Hurt.
While Dr. Davis was laying the foundation of his practice, he took some time out to fulfill his social engagements. It was due to this fact that a very lovely girl, with hair of yellow gold, eyes the color of the sea, fair of skin and beautifully curved, met her fortune. She was none other than Maria Carter, a direct descendant of the famous King Carter of colonial days in Virginia. Strange as it may seem, tho' Maria lived on the same street as Dr. Davis in Albany, they had never met.
Maria was educated at Lucy Cobb and among the many friends she made there was Carolyn Sisson, of Wisteria Hall, Kirkwood. These girls became good friends and continued to keep up their friendship after leaving college. Carolyn wrote to Maria of a young surgeon, Dr. E. C. Davis, of Albany, whom she would like for her to meet. So, with the aid of Carolyn and Wisteria Hall, they met.
The setting for the wooing of Maria Carter by Dr. E. C. Davis was ideal. Hence, it was in a mellow month, aglow with the fiery flames of fall subdued only by the light of a harvest moon, that Venus fanned a smouldering ember on the altar of love for them. From then on there arose between them a comfortable correspondence, but, due to Maria's indecision, it dwindled and disappeared.
While Maria remained thus in maiden meditation, Dr. Davis was asked to join Governor Atkinson's party on a good will trip to Mexico. Although he was delayed and missed the Governor's train, he managed to catch up with the party in Louisiana and made a memorable trip of it. In this manner and in other pursuits, he was able to bide his time as he waited around for Maria. Destiny now played her hand for this young couple. The Maine, while lying languidly in the waters of Havana harbor, was sunk. So, then, there was the Maine for the Americans to remember. Of course, war was declared. Governor Atkinson immediately appointed Dr. Davis as Captain of the Second Georgia Volunteer Infantry in 1898.
On his way to serve his country in the Spanish-American War, Captain Davis was sent by way of his home, Albany, to his station in Florida. Here, Maria, with many others of his town's people, was there to wish him God's speed. Then it was that the sight of dashing Dr. Davis in the decorative uniform of his country began to make up Maria's mind for her and win her heart. Therefore, their discontinued correspondence was resumed in earnest. Dr. Davis often laughingly said he had to go to Cuba to get her for his wife.
While he was stationed near Tampa, an epidemic of typhoid fever raged among his soldiers. He immediately began the organization of a hospital to give adequate care to the sick. He worked tirelessly day and night only taking a few hours of rest and these limited by the clock or the call of his orderly. During the peak of this crisis, General O'Reilly sent word for him to report to his office for some routine matter. Dr. Davis sent the general a message stating he would come only if a doctor was sent to relieve him. There was marked apprehension by the staff that he might be severely reprimanded or even court-martialed. However, he was not. Dr. Davis was a firm believer in doing his duty no matter what the cost to himself. A promotion to Major was given Captain Davis for his outstanding work during this time.
A grateful brother of one of the doctor's patients presented him with a United States flag. This flag is now a Davis family treasure. Major Davis served his country from the spring until fall; he was then mustered out at Piedmont Park.
Back again he went to his Atlanta practice now working with Dr. J. B. S. Holmes at his sanatorium on Cain Street.
In June, the month of brides and roses, in the year 1899, Dr. E. C. Davis took Maria Carter for his wife. After their honeymoon they lived for a short time at the Sanatorium. From there, they moved into their first home Pine Street. With these two there was such a perfect surrender to their love that the beautiful words of Edgar Alien Poe's poem "Annabel Lee" are comparable, thus quoting "But we loved with a love that was more than love I and my Annabel Lee".
Dr. Davis' practice continued to grow rapidly. After a short period of being out for himself, Dr. L. C. Fischer became associated with him. Their offices were located in the English American Building at Peachtree and Broad Streets. There it was that these two young surgeons had the vision of their great hospital to serve the sick as a haven of help, health, hope and happiness. Drs. Davis and Fischer opened their hospital on Crew Street in 1908. From this cornerstone, Davis-Fischer Sanatorium arose. A few years later they moved their hospital to Linden Street and the growth of Davis-Fischer Sanatorium was miraculous. Their hospital, still located on the same site in this year of 1949, occupies almost an entire city block in the heart of Atlanta. However, it is now known as the Crawford W. Long Memorial Hospital.
The skill of Dr. Davis was such that even his family would have no other doctor to operate upon them. Mrs. Davis' sister had had an attack of appendicitis while on a stay in Paris but refused surgical aid so as to have him remove her appendix. During the same week of her operation, he also operated on his own sister.
Dr. E. C. Davis always kept pace with the progress of his profession. He bought the first Kimble tube used here for direct transfusion. It was immediately put into use where a life was despaired of, resulting in the recovery of the patient. He also bought and installed the first freezing microtome used here. Henceforth, fresh tissue sections could immediately be prepared and diagnosed on all cases of suspected cancer, to determine the extent of the surgery needed while the patient was still on the operating table.
Furthermore, he was one of the earliest believers in and users of the aseptic and antiseptic technic in surgery. He learned to use rubber gloves with dexterity while most surgeons of those days felt clumsy and deprived of the sense of feeling during an operation when wearing them, on account of their thickness.
His greatest feats were accomplished by his skill and originality in gynecologic and abdominal surgery.
Dr. Davis was always prompt in the operating room. He began his surgery at or before 8 o'clock each morning. He could easily conclude five or more operations before noon. In addition, he would have numerous emergencies carried in day or night from a radius of 300 miles or more. It was not uncommon for him to operate on a patient brought from a great distance with an acute suppurative appendix.
During the day Dr. Davis would take time out only for a short lunch. Then, back to work again. He was constantly surrounded by doctors, interns and nurses as he made his rounds where he not infrequently had 20 or more patients in the hospital. Besides being one of the South's most distinguished surgeons, he was one of the best loved of his time. To the young doctors he meant much for not only was he their surgical hero, but friend as well.
Next to surgery his greatest medical love was obstetrics. This he practiced with the strictest adherence to cleanliness and antiseptic technic in both the home and delivery room. He was almost uncanny in recognizing the signs of eclampsia and other toxemias of pregnancy. The expectant mother under his care had constant supervision administered through observation, examinations and laboratory checks on both urine and blood at regular intervals.
Besides Dr. Davis' practice he held the position of Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology for 20 years at the Atlanta School of Medicine, which is now a part of Emory University. He was nearly always in attendance at the medical meetings held by the county, state and the national societies. Being a master of precision, he wrote many scientific papers and was a much sought after speaker at the medical meetings.
In 1914, Dr. Davis took part in a Clinical Congress held in London. While he was there World War I broke out in Europe. He had to return home by steerage and was landed at Quebec. Little then did he know that this same war would return him to Europe with the silver leaf of a Lieutenant-Colonel on his shoulder.
Dr. Davis was quite a family man. He and Mrs. Davis had eight children, namely, Shelley C., Catherine, Page, E. C., Jr., Ria, Robert Carter, Sarah and Teddy. Never was he happier than when his children were clustered around him. Another pleasure enjoyed by the doctor and his children were their expeditions to Kamper's where he bought them just anything they wanted.
As an aid to Dr. and Mrs. Davis, their nursery was adequately staffed by a competent colored woman, who was affectionately called "Nursie" by her charges.
Dr. Davis' whimsical sense of humor was shown by the names of his three horses of his horse and buggy days. They were Faith, Hope and Charity. Long after their master was using a horseless carriage in his practice, these horses remained in the Davis stables.
At the Davis home there was always a member of the family or a friend staying with them. Once two friends of theirs, a man and his wife, were in need of housing. The husband asked Dr. Davis if they could stay for a while with them. Dr. Davis told him to ask Mrs. Davis. He did. They stayed five years. There was only once in the entire married life of Dr. and Mrs. Davis when they were left alone for a second honeymoon without family, friends, or the eight children.
Dr. Davis enjoyed vacationing at Pass-a-Grille, Florida. He and Mrs. Davis would take the small children with them and leave the others at home. During these periods of relaxation Dr. Davis asked no more of any one of them than to catch a tarpon his favorite sport.
At the outbreak of World War I, Dr. Davis was asked by the American Red Cross to organize the Emory Unit. He was chosen on account of his fine record in the Spanish- American War. He, of course, took on the job and the Emory Unit was months in the making. He was also placed on the examining board. Dr. Davis was commissioned a Lieutenant-Colonel of the Unit, and made medical director of the unit when it was named Base Hospital 43 in its overseas duty.
As a result of Colonel Davis' capable and courageous discharge of his duties in the theater of action, he was awarded a certificate of merit by General John J. Pershing, decorated by King Alexander of Greece, and given membership in the Knights of the Ancient Order of Our Saviour.
On account of Colonel Davis' strenuous work in the organization of the Unit and his activity overseas, he became ill. He returned home and his ship reached Newport News on November 11, 1918, the day of the signing of the Armistice.
After a brief interlude, Dr. Davis resumed his practice. He was later joined by his son, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, who had been thoroughly trained in surgery at home and abroad.
Dr. E. C. Davis received many deserved honors. He was President of the Fulton County Medical Society and the Medical Association of Georgia. He was early made a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His University of Georgia called upon him for a Commencement Oration. Emory University conferred upon him an LL.D. Base Hospital 43 gave his portrait in uniform to the Emory Hall of Fame.
Dr. E. C. Davis retired from the active practice of medicine in 1929 due to his failing health. He finally lost his eyesight but in the home he loved so well he could move about at ease with Mrs. Davis seeing to it that everything was left just as he remembered it.
In his last illness Dr. Davis was a patient at Davis-Fischer with Mrs. Davis constantly at his side. Despite his illness, Dr. Davis, always the acute diagnostician, heard of the severe sickness of one of his nurses. Her case had remained undiagnosed. On hearing of her symptoms he recognized them as those of diphtheria and saw to it that she had immediate attention.
Dr. E. C. Davis died at Davis-Fischer Sanatorium, Atlanta, on March 11, 1931.
He left many legacies: to his country, eight children and twenty-four grandchildren; to his profession, his devoted disciples and two sons, Dr. Shelley C. Davis, surgeon, and Dr. Robert Carter Davis, internist, both practicing in Atlanta; to his children, intelligence, individuality and integrity, and to his wife, the sweetest memory ever treasured.
To Dr. E. C. Davis, a monument to his profession and a dutiful son to his country, there can be no better tribute paid than this quotation from the Star-Spangled Banner:
"Tis the star-spangled banner, Oh long may it wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of
the brave."
Family Members
Siblings
Children
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Dr Shelley Carter Davis Sr
1900–1966
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Ella Catherine "Cat" Davis McMillen
1902–1990
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Evelyn Page Davis Marks
1904–1984
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Edward Campbell "Boss" Davis II
1906–1971
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Maria Nelson "Ria" Davis Trosdal
1908–1982
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Dr Robert Carter "Rat" Davis Sr
1911–1973
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Sarah Fischer Davis McFadden
1913–1988
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Theodore Lamar "Teddy" Davis Varner
1915–1998
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