David Marion Williamson
David Marion Williamson was born on March 31, 1884, the fourth child of Easom Brenner and Isabelle (Leedy) Williamson, on the family farm, outside of Center (Phillipsburg), Montgomery County, OH. On December 31, 1907, David was married to Miss Bertha Maria Smith, born August 17, 1885, in Montgomery County, OH, daughter of John Albert and Mary Elizabeth (Brandenburg) Smith,
David and Bertha had five children, all born on the family farm, which was obtained from the Government, in connection with John C. Williamson Sr's service in the Revolutionary War (14th VA Regiment - Revolutionary War, enlisted 18 Feb 1777). John was David's great-grandfather. David and Bertha's children were; Kenneth Lavern Williamson, born October 19, 1908; Velma Isabel Williamson, born May 1, 1910; Ellis Raymond Williamson, born August 10, 1911; James Dow Williamson, born August 25, 1912; and Galen Eugene Williamson, born June 25, 1914. They also raised a granddaughter, Betty Lou Williamson, born January 18, 1933 after her Mother (Roberta Caudill Williamson - wife of Galen)) died at childbirth.
In April 1911, David and Bertha were united with the Salem Church of the Brethren and remained active members until their deaths.
Also in 1911, David's Mother, Isabelle came to live with them, after her husband's death, on April 9, 1911. Easom is buried in Bethel Cemetery, Phillipsburg, OH. Isabelle lived with her son's family until her death on September 18, 1928, of cancer. She is buried beside her husband at Bethel Cemetery.
On Friday's, David and Bertha had an egg and butter route in Dayton. Grandma Isabelle would stay home with the five children and they would play lots of tricks on her.
David and Bertha left the farm in March of 1926. The farm was sold to David's sister, Alma Slough. David's family resided on a farm, south of Troy, OH for ten years before moving to Brookville, OH for a few years, then moved to the Neil farm, north of Troy, OH. After moving back to Troy, OH, David was employed with Holbert Brothers, as a factory worker and as a guard during the war. He retired, in 1956, at the age of 72.
Bertha died on July 15, 1946, at the age of 60 years, 10 months and 28 days, from a heart attack, she was also a diabetic. Services for Bertha were held at the Salem Church of the Brethren, with the REv. McFadden officiating. She is buried in Bethel Cemetery, Phillipsburg, OH.
David married Wavie R. Cottle, on July 28, 1947. They lived on Riverside Drive, Dayton, OH for a while. They moved east of Phillipsburg, OH before moving back to Dayton, where they resided on Kensington Street until their deaths.
David died on March 23, 1973, eight days prior to his 89th birthday. Services for David were held in West Milton, OH with the Rev. William Kidwell officiating. David is buried at Bethel Cemetery, Phillipsburg, OH. At his death it is reported that David was survived by 25 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
Submitted by Janis Williamson Fogle