BIOGRAPHY of NICHOLAS DAVIS (d. 1672, RI): WITH NEW DISCOVERIES & ENDNOTES [3rd, Updated Edition]

Book excerpt: The purpose of this research paper is to provide a comprehensive biography about the author’s 8th great-grandfather, Nicholas Davis, which includes “new research discoveries” about his life in America, and about his wife, Sarah (Ewer) Blossom Davis. Quaker Nicholas Davis, sometimes of Barnstable, Massachusetts and sometimes of Newport, Rhode Island is an interesting and notable American historical figure for several reasons: As the first Barnstable, Plymouth Colony resident to adopt the Quaker faith in 1659 CE, Nicholas “survived” severe persecutions legislated by both Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony governments. He was imprisoned twice with other Quakers who were later hanged to death in Boston because of their faith. Despite these hardships, and the tragic, sudden death of his 2-year-old-son, Nicholas was able to “thrive” in New England. According to Quakerism’s founder, George Fox, Davis had a “great family” comprised of his wife, Sarah, and six children. Nicholas Davis served as a “role model” for his neighbors, showing them how to treat the local “Wampanoag” Native Americans with utmost respect. In 1660 CE, the Wampanoag “Chief” John Yanno “gifted” Nicholas a valuable parcel of land that later became “Hyannis”, Massachusetts; and From 1643 CE until his death in 1672 CE, Nicholas was an international “merchant mariner” who traded goods with people, some of differing nationalities, throughout America and England. In an era filled with unscrupulous businessmen, Nicholas Davis maintained his good reputation by “dealing honestly” with all persons, and for donating some of his time and money “for the public interest”.