W. BEN DAVIS 1874 – 1926

W. Ben Davis was born December 8, 1874, in Alabama. He was converted and baptized in Alabama. He moved with his family to Texas in his early youth. In 1895 he was married to Miss Fraulein Venable in Stephenville, Texas. Three sons and two daughters were born to them.

Ben was ordained to the work of the ministry in the First Baptist Church of Granbury in 1898. He was an excellent photographer and singer, and used each of these professions to help with expenses while gaining an education. Many of the young people of Hood and Somervell Counties learned to sing under the instruction of their beloved Ben Davis. His college training was accomplished in broken stages at Baylor University and Simmons College (now Hardin-Simmons University). In 1901 and 1902 he served as Missionary of Paluxy Association. While a student at Baylor University he was called as pastor of the Venus Baptist Church where he led in the construction of a $9,000.00 church building, which at that time was considered an unusual accomplishment. He served as pastor of a good many small churches while completing his college training. After graduating from college he was called as pastor at Lamesa where he served longer than on any other field. After some years he returned to associational mission work. His Lord called him home in 1926. His body was laid to rest at Wichita Falls with Dr. O.L. Powers conducting the service.