Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Carrie Chase Davis, M.D.


Carrie Chase Davis was born in Castalia, Ohio on August 13, 1863, to Thomas and Sarah (Chase) Davis. Mr. Thomas Davis was involved in the Underground Railroad, his home being a “station” for those seeking freedom from slavery. The Davis family moved first to Bloomington, Illinois, and then moved to Putnam County, Missouri. Carrie Chase Davis and her sister May Davis both became teachers, and moved to Kansas where they each homesteaded on a piece of government land. After graduating from medical school at Howard University in 1897, Carrie Chase Davis started her medical practice in Sandusky, Ohio.

Besides being one of the first female phyicians in Sandusky, Dr. Davis was known for her active involvement in women’s rights. Dr. Davis served as the recording secretary of the Ohio Woman Suffrage Association for a number of years. Dr. Davis was formerly the president of the Civic Club of Sandusky and served on the board of managers of the Women’s Rest Room Association. In 1910, Dr. Carrie Chase Davis moved to the Washington D.C. area, and by 1930, she had relocated to Humphreys County, Tennessee.

Harry Stack wrote about Dr. Carrie Chase Davis in his “Speaking Of” column in the December 14, 1946  issue of the Sandusky Register Star News that Dr. Davis practiced medicine for many years in rural Tennessee and her calls took her “on foot, horseback or muleback, over hills and through hollows, in freezeing weather and in the death of night” to give medical attention to isolated families. Sometimes she was paid for her services, and sometimes she was not paid.

Dr. Carrie Chase Davis died in March of 1953 in Tennessee. She willed her body to the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine for use in medical education. Her final wishes were in line with her lifelong devotion of service to humanity.

10 comments:

  1. Carrie Chase Davis, M.D. lived with my Grandmother and Mom in Humphreys County, TN before she died. My mother has a picture of her like the one on this website. My Dad told me that Dr. Davis died a week before he and Mom married (March 1953). I have been trying to find out more about her on the internet. I wonder if Vanderbilt has more info. also. CH in TN

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  2. Please respond to my comment if you have more info. about her. Thank you. I will keep checking back.
    Cathy in TN

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  3. There is a brief biographical sketch about Carrie Chase Davis in HISTORY OF THE WESTERN RESERVE. The url at Google Books is:

    http://tinyurl.com/3mns9b2

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  4. Cathy, My husband grew up in Waverly and Denver TN and has always talked of Dr. Davis. His Grandmother and her were best of friends. He can remember when he was very young he and his Grandmother went to Dr. Davis's home, riding in the wagon. A family friend gave me a copy of her biography. Not an internet copy but one more detailed from community people, records, newpaper articles, etc. Everything is documented. If you would like a copy let me know and we'll figure out a way to get together and get you a copy. GR

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  5. Dr. Carrie Chase Davis was a first half cousin to my grandpa and it has only been in recent years that I learned of her and her sister May Chase Davis Baker. I have acquired a few letters and news articles from relatives about her and would be interested in finding out more information if possible. Also would be willing to share information I have regarding her too. MChase

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  6. My name is Charles R and was born in Waverly. Grew up in Waver, Denver and surrounding areas. My Grandma and Dr Davis we're very good friends. Her name was Addie Schoals Rion,but went by Eunice. She would go with Dr Davis on medical trips when she needed help. I was given a very informative folder on her life. If you would like a copy please get back to me and we'll figure out a way to get you a copy.

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  7. I am related to Carrie Chase Davis via her mother's side, and have it traced back to the 1700s. I'd be happy to exchange information with anyone that is interested. I'd love to see copies of the letters that were referenced. Thanks!

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  8. Hi i would like to know what house their family lived at in castalia please letbme know if you have any info im trying to find the original owneres of my 1840 house in castalia

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  9. Dr. Davis delivered my 7 brothers one sister and me. Dad would go get her in the wagon. As a yong girl and one of the oldest, I was sure she brought babies in her black sachet, because every time she visited, we had a new baby.

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  10. Dr.Davis delivered my mom and her siblings.They lived near White Oak Creek in rural Waverly in what was called the Woolworth community.

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