Ann Simpson Davis MS

Ann Simpson Davis

Ann was born in Buckingham Township, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1764. She was a talented horsewoman and at age sixteen Ann was chosen by General George Washington to carry secret messages to generals in eastern Pennsylvania. The messages were hidden in sacks of grain and vegetables, bullets, and her clothing. The important information in these messages helped our patriots fight for freedom from England. Ann delivered the messages to mills, places that were a center for news and stories during that time in history. She sometimes dressed up as an old woman to disguise herself from being discovered in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There were a few times when she was questioned and searched and she had to swallow the messages to keep them safe. She showed strength and bravery as she served her country in the fight for freedom and independence. When General Washington moved on from the Philadelphia area, her messaging work was finished, but she was recognized and thanked for her bravery and work.

Ann married her childhood friend, John Davis, who also at the age of sixteen played a part in the revolutionary movement from the British. He fought in several events in New Jersey and New York and was with General George Washington on Christmas Eve, 1776, for the historic crossing of the Delaware River. Unfortunately in 1780, he was seriously wounded in the foot and could no longer be in battles.

Ann and John came to Ohio in 1816 to claim the land given to them for their loyalty and service to our country. Ann and John had nine children together. Their first house in Ohio was a mile south of Dublin. It was forty feet long with a fireplace on each end, but the couple had always dreamed of owning a brick home. They began building their brick dream home, but it was not completed until 1842, ten years after John had passed away. Unfortunately their brick home is no longer standing, but John and Ann Simpson Davis are buried together in the Davis Historical Cemetery on Riverside Drive. They are honored and remembered for their important contributions to our country’s quest for independence.