The wedding of Albert Edward Davison and Stark Campbell Cobb

The 52 Ancestors theme this week is “Going to the Chapel.”

I spend a lot of time researching the historical newspapers so often find articles announcing engagements and weddings. Some of the articles go into great detail describing the decorations, flowers, and dresses from the wedding. They’re always fun to read. One of my favorite families to research is the Davison family, who connect through my Hobbs line. None of them are direct ancestors, and in fact, most are distant. But they were a prominent family (and may still be) in Greene, Clarke, and Fulton Counties in Georgia so were often in the society columns. That’s where the historical newspapers come into play.

Today I’d like to share the wedding story of Albert Edward Davison, son of Alexander Hamilton Davison Sr. and Ida M. Dorsey and Stark Campbell Cobb, daughter of Andrew Jackson Cobb and Stark Campbell. Their wedding was a well-documented event.

Albert Davison and Stark Cobb

As mentioned above, Albert’s connection to me is distant—he’s the step grandson of a 1st cousin 5x removed. We have no common relative. Laid out, the link looks like this:

My grandfather – Carroll H. Lankford
Carroll’s mother – Alice B. Lankford
Alice’s father – James C. Lankford
James’ mother – Caroline B. Hobbs
Caroline’s father – Nathan A. Hobbs Sr.
Nathan’s father – Robert L. Hobbs Sr.
Robert’s daughter – Sarah Hobbs
Sarah’s daughter – Mary Ann Southerland
Mary Ann’s husband – James M. Davison Sr.
James’s son (from another marriage, thus no common relative) – Alexander H. Davison
Alexander’s son – Albert E. Davison

Albert and Stark were married on October 15, 1913 in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. He was 26 and she was 22. Stark’s father announced their engagement in an Athens Banner article published on August 31, 1913:

Cobb-Davison. Mr. Andrew J. Cobb announces the engagement of his daughter, Stark, to Mr. Albert Edward Davison, of Athens, the wedding to take place at the First Baptist church in Athens on the evening of Wednesday, October the fifteenth, at nine o’clock. 

Miss Cobb is the second daughter of Judge Andrew J. Cobb and is one of the most charming and popular young girls in Athens. She is the great grand daughter of the late Gen. Howell Cobb and comes of an old and distinguished family. 

Mr. Davison is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Davison and is one of the substantial business men of Athens, a junior member of the well-known firm of Davison-Nicholson.

Davison-Cobb marriage license, Clarke County, Georgia

The Atlanta Constitution quickly picked the story up, noting that the engagement was of “state-wide social interest.” The newspaper published the following article on September 2, 1913:

Cobb-Davison. A state-wide social interest has centered in the announcement of the engagement of Miss Stark Campbell Cobb, of Athens, and Mr. Albert Edward Davison.

The bride is a daughter of Judge Andrew J. Cobb, dean of the law school, University of Georgia, and one of the state’s most widely known educators and beloved citizens. She is one of a group of lovely and accomplished sisters, each one making the most of unusual talent and in the social life of Athens she is a charming figure.

The marriage will take place on the evening of October 15 at 9 o’clock at the First Baptist church in Athens.

The Atlanta Constitution again referenced the upcoming wedding in an article they published on September 14, 1913:

Brilliant Weddings to Mark Fall Social Season at Athens. Athens, Ga., September 13.—(Special.)—Athens is to have a series of weddings in which great interest socially will center this autumn. October 15 will witness the marriage of Miss Stark Campbell Cobb to Mr. Albert Edward Davison, both of this place. Miss Cobb is a daughter of Judge Andrew J. Cobb, formerly of the Georgia supreme bench, a pretty representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families of the state. Mr. Davis is a son of Mr. A. H. Davison, and a partner with his father in a large mercantile business. He is a nephew of Hon. R. E. Davison, and is connected with several of the leading families of the state.

On October 1, 1913, Stark’s father issued a wedding invitation in an article published in the Athens Banner:

I’m not sure who the invitation was meant for. I can’t imagine it was meant for everyone living in Athens!
It didn’t take long for the parties to begin now that the engagement had been announced. Stark had a close circle of friends and they all wanted to host a party to honor their friend. The first party took place on October 7 and was mentioned in the Athens Banner that same day (Tuesday):

For Miss Stark Cobb. This morning at 11 o’clock at her home on Meigs street, Miss Lois Fleming will be the attractive hostess at a sewing party, and handkerchief shower in compliment to Miss Stark Cobb, a popular bride-elect.

The next party, a small gathering, was scheduled to take place two days later. The Athens Banner ran the following article on October 7:

Society Things of Interest to Women – Social Calendar. 

Thursday, Miss Ruth Hodgson’s luncheon at 1 o’clock for Miss Starkie Cobb.

Thursday at 1 o’clock Miss Ruth Hodgson will entertain at a luncheon for Miss Stark Cobb. Only twelve guests to be invited.

Of course, family members started to gather as well. The Athens Banner began referencing the visitors in an article published on October 10:

Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Cobb will come over next week from Atlanta to be present at the marriage of their sister, Miss Stark Cobb to Mr. Albert Davison.

A third party took place on October 10. The Athens Banner wrote about it on October 11:

Society Things of Interest to Woman—For Miss Stark Cobb and Miss Rebecca Stack
One of the most delightful parties of the week was the sewing party given yesterday morning by Mrs. Howell Erwin at her attractive cottage on Dearing street, in honor of Miss Stark Cobb, a charming bride of the month, and Miss Rebecca Stack, of Monroe, N.C., the attractive house guest of Miss Nell Hunnicutt.

Sewing was enjoyed on the spacious veranda which was made most attractive with lovely ferns and palms. At noon a delicious lunch of several courses was served.

Mrs. Erwin looked most attractive in a beautifully embroidered gown of white voile, lace trimmed.

Miss Stark Cobb, the charming bride-elect looked stunning in a white cloth suite with a corsage of valley lilies, and a black hat trimmed in aigrettes.

Miss Rebecca Stack was becomingly gowned in a stylish costume consisting of green plaid skirt and green coatee with hat to match.

The hostess presented Miss Cobb with a pair white silk hose.

This delightful party was enjoyed by the following young ladies: Misses Starkie Cobb, Rebecca Stack, of Monroe, N.C., Sarah Cobb, Ruth Hodgson, Marion Hodgson, Carolyn Baynes, of Shady Dale, Nell Hunnicut, Nell Mallory, Lois Fleming, Laurian Johnson, of Atlanta, Rebecca Stewart, Susie Davison, Louise Dorsey, Louise Vincent, Jennie Arnold, Adgate Ellis, of Atlanta, Alice Keene Briggs, Laura Cobb Hutchins, Susie Trenor and Katharine Rowland.

The Athens Banner noted five more Davison and Cobb family members expected to arrive in town in an article published on October 11:

Society Things of Interest to Women

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davison, of Woodville, will arrive in the city next week to attend the Cobb-Davison wedding.

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Cobb, of Americus, will arrive Tuesday for the marriage of Miss Stark Cobb and Mr. Albert Davison, which will occur Wednesday evening.

Mr. T. G. [C.] Davison, of Comer, will arrive next week for the Cobb-Davison wedding.

Five more parties were scheduled to take place before the wedding. The Athens Banner wrote about them on October 12:

Parties the Past Week for Bride-Elect

Miss Stark Cobb whose wedding to Mr. Albert Davison will be a social event of this week has been the honoree at many delightful parties. Among those entertaining for her were Miss Lois Fleming’s handkerchief shower on Tuesday.

Miss Susie Davison’s lovely party on Wednesday.

Miss Ruth Hodgson’s luncheon on Thursday.

Mrs. Howell Erwin’s sewing party on Friday.

Miss Rebecca Stewart will entertain Tuesday evening after the rehearsal with a buffet luncheon in honor of the bridal party.

The Athens Banner described one of the parties, hosted by Albert’s sister Susan, in an article published on October 12:

Miss Susie Davison’s Party. One of the most beautiful and unique affairs ever given in Athens was the lovely party Miss Susie Davison gave last week in compliment to Miss Stark Cobb. Miss Davison plans all her entertainments with so much originality and artistic taste which, combined with her cordial hospitality, make all her parties most enjoyable and long to be remembered.

The hostess’ home was decorated most artistically with palms, ferns and exquisite autumn flowers.

The guests were each given a card with a toothpick and piece of gum from which they were asked to fashion a rose.

Beautiful white satin and chiffon roses with valley lilies and tulle bags of rice attached to long stems were given as favors.

The fair honoree was presented with a handsome “Bride’s Book.” Just before the refreshments were served the postman appeared with a large white satin bag filled with letters of “good wishes” to the bride-to-be, written by each guest.

Gorgeous roses were used in protrusion all over the house. A delicious salad course and ices, frozen in roses, with dainty heart cakes were served. Miniature brides and grooms were [printing error – one sentence was repeated and another left out] … beautiful and enjoyable occasion. Only the intimate friends of the bride-elect were invited.

Miss Davison received her guests wearing a white satin lace trimmed.

Miss Stark Cobb was daintily gowned in an elaborately lace trimmed voile, a corsage of cream roses and valley lilies completed this pretty toilet.

Those present were Miss Stark Cobb, Miss Sarah Cobb, Miss Rebecca Stewart, Miss Lauri Johnson of Atlanta, Miss Carolyn Baynes of Shady Dale, Miss Ruth Hodgson, Miss Marion Hodgson, Miss Lois Fleming, Miss Callie Lumpkin, Miss Jennie Arnold, Miss Laura Cobb Hutchins, Miss Alice Keene Briggs, Miss Maude Cheney, Miss Frances Cheney, Miss Adaline Dobbs, Louise Dorsey, Dorothy Hart and Miss Maxwell.

The Sunday before the wedding (October 12) brought another article published by The Atlanta Constitution:

Two weddings of great interest here and over the state are to occur at the same hour Wednesday evening - at 9 o'clock. Miss Marguerite Thomas weds Mr. Payne White at home and Miss Starke Cobb will be married to Mr. Albert Davison at the First Baptist church. Many affairs have been given in honor of these two charming brides to be. Mrs. Morris Yow this afternoon entertained at the home of her parents, Judge and Mrs. John R. White in honor of Miss Thomas; Mrs. James White entertained in honor of Miss Thomas Tuesday; Mrs. Howell Erwin this morning entertained at a sewing party in honor of Miss Cobb and for Miss Stark, also; Miss Ruth Hodgson entertained for both the brides to be, Miss Thomas and Miss Cobb; Miss Lois Fleming, Miss Susie Davison, and a number of others have had showers and morning parties in honor of Miss Cobb.

And finally, the big day arrived! The Athens Banner published the following article on October 15: 

Cobb-Davison. This evening at 9 o’clock at the First Baptist church will occur the wedding of Miss Stark Cobb and Mr. Albert Davison. Dr. J. W. Lynch, officiating.
The bride will be given in marriage by her father, Judge Andrew J. Cobb.

Mrs. Jesse Cobb, of Atlanta, sister-in-law of the bride will be matron of honor.

Miss Sarah Cobb will be her sister’s maid of honor. Misses Rebecca Stewart, Lois Fleming, Ruth Hodgson and Susie Davison will be bridesmaids. Mr. Alex Davison, Jr., brother of the groom will be best man. Messrs. Bob Holman, John Davison, of Comer, Howell Cobb and Joe Deadwyler will be groomsmen.

Messrs. Howell Erwin, Ben Barrow, E. H. Dorsey and M. G. Nicholson will be ushers. After the ceremony an informal reception will be held at the home of the bride, only the bridal party invited.

The day after the wedding took place, The Atlanta Constitution published a sizable article describing the events that took place:

Cobb-Davison Marriage / Brilliant Event in Athens. Athens, Ga, October 15, - (Special) A brilliant social event of the year in Athens was an October wedding this evening in which two of the most prominent families in this section. A beautiful affair it was too, when Miss Starkie Cobb, daughter of Judge Andrew J. Cobb, married to Mr. Albert Edward Davison, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander H. Davison, of this place. The marriage ceremony was solemnized in the First Baptist church at 9 o'clock this evening, the pastor, Rev. James W. Lynch. D D officiating in impressive manner. The church was decorated with taste and presented a beautiful background for the handsome bridal party. 

The bride was given in marriage by her father, Judge Cobb., Mrs. Jessie Cobb, of Atlanta, sister in law of the bride, matron of honor wearing white satin and carrying white roses. Miss Sarah Cobb, sister of the bride, was maid of honor; she also wore satin and carried pink roses. The bride's dress was of white satin and her pure white roses were beautiful indeed. The other maids were Miss Rebecca Stewart, Miss Lois Fleming, Miss Ruth Hodgson and Miss Susie Davison. Mr. Alex H Davison, Jr., of Riverside was the best man to the groom, and the other groomsmen were Mr. Joe L. Deadwyler, Mr. Howell Cobb Jr., Mr. Robert Hollman, and Mr. John Davison, of Comer. 

Messrs. Ben Barrow, E. H. Dorsey, M. G. Nicholson and Howell Erwin were ushers. 

Twelve hundred invitations had been issued and there were many out of town guests present beside the large number of local friends who filled the big church to witness the ceremony. After the ceremony at the church there was a reception at the residence, to which the bridal party and only immediate family were invited. The home was beautifully decorated throughout. A buffet luncheon was served and on the midnight train Mr. and Mrs. Davison left for a trip of two weeks—itinerary and destination being kept a profound secret except to members of their families. 

Mrs. Davison as Miss Starkie Cobb was popular and attractive in the college circles and in the town society.  Mr. Davison is the eldest son of Mr. A. H. Davison and is a partner in the large mercantile business of Davison - Nicholson company. 

The presents from the hundreds of friends over the state and many from other states, made a brilliant picture.

The week wasn’t all fun and parties though. Sadly, Albert’s half 1st cousin, Joseph Briscoe Davison, died unexpectedly in Oglethorpe County, Georgia the same day as the wedding (October 15). You can read about Joseph here. The Athens Banner reported his death on October 16. Specifically, the fact that Robert E. Davison, the chairman of the prison commission, was called away from the wedding because of Joseph’s death:

Hon. R. E. Davidson Visits Athens.

Head of the prison commission board of the state here yesterday.

Hon. R. E. Davison, chairman of the prison commission, and Hon. Shade Hawes, inspector for that department, were visitors to the city yesterday.

Mr. Davison came over to be present at the wedding of his nephew, Mr. Albert Davison, to Miss Cobb. While here he received a telegram announcing the death of another nephew, Mr. Joe Davison, of Atlanta. His many friends and those of Mr. A. H. Davison, of this city, will sympathize with them on the death of their relative.

Mr. Davison will hold a conference with Prof. C. M. Strahan, of the University, regarding the matter of a state road supervisor. This office will be filled shortly, and the people of this state will be given the benefit of the services of a road expert.

Mr. Davison has accomplished much in this department of the state government since his inauguration into office and now that he is taking up this new work, the people of Georgia will receive the benefits.

Mr. Davison left early this morning for Woodville, where he goes to attend the funeral of his nephew, which will be held in that place this afternoon.

Not to be outdone by The Atlanta Constitution, the Athens Banner published an article on October 16 that went into great detail describing Albert and Stark’s wedding:

The Cobb-Davison Wedding. The marriage of Miss Stark Cobb and Mr. Albert Davison was solemnized last evening at the First Baptist church at 9 o’clock in the presence of a brilliant assemblage of admiring friends and relatives.

Dr. J. W. Lynch performed the impressive ceremony.

The lovely young bride was given in marriage by her father. Judge Andrew J. Cobb.

Mrs. Jesse Cobb, of Atlanta, sister-in-law of the bride was matron of honor.

Miss Sarah Cobb, the bride’s sister, was maid of honor.

Misses Susie Davison, Rebecca Stewart, Lois Fleming, Ruth Hodgson were the bride’s maids.

Mr. Alex Davison, brother of the groom was best man.

Messrs. Robt. Holman, John Davison, of Comer, Howell Cobb and Joe Deadwyler were groomsmen.

The users were Messrs. Howell Erwin, Ben Barrow, E. H. Dorsey and M. G. Nicholson.

The handsome church was very attractively decorated for the happy occasion.

Southern smilax was gracefully festooned around the altar which was banked with stately palms with tall vases of pink cosmos, the effect being very beautiful with a brilliance of unnumerable electric lights. The lovely young bride presented a picture of girlish beauty in her bridal robes as she entered the church with her father. Judge Andrew Cobb, preceded by the attendants, meeting the groom with his brother, Mr. Alex Davison at the altar, were the nuptial vows were made. The ring ceremony was used. The bride’s gown was an exquisite model of white charmense satin made en train, embroidered in chrysanthemums. Chantilly lace and seed pearls were effectively used on the corsage and skirt. The veil was adjusted to a real lace Julette cap with spray of orange blossoms—her flowers were bride’s roses showered with valley lilies.

Mrs. Jesse Cobb, matron of honor, wore an elegant gown of white brocade satin, trimmed with Duchess lace and pearl garnitures. She carried an armful of white roses tied with tulle.

Miss Sarah Cobb was exceedingly handsome in white charmeuse with trimmings of shadow lace and rhinestones. Her flowers were pink roses. The group of lovely bride’s maids were particularly attractive in gowns of shell pink satin veiled with chiffon. The bouquets were pink roses tied with long streamers of white tulle.

Following the wedding ceremony an informal reception was held at which the bridal party and members of the family were the only guests present. The Cobb home on Milledge was bright and beautiful with hand some decorations of ferns, smilax and vases of Killarney roses used through out the lower floor. The cutting of the bride’s cake was particularly interesting.

Mr. and Mrs. Davison left at midnight for a trip north. On their return they will be at home to their friends at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Davison on Prince avenue.

The presents were numerous and very elegant. Conspicuous among them a chest of silver from the bride’s father and one from the groom’s parents. A silver service, of handsome design, silver pitchers, dishes and platters, lovely cut glass and china.

Much pleasurable interest was centered around the popular young couple. The bride is the second daughter of Judge Andrew Cobb, one of Athens fairest and most popular young women, possessing many lovely traits of character and charming graces of young womanhood. Many pretty pre-nuptial affairs in her home have marked the social calendar of the week and the lovely wedding last night was one of the most notable social events of the season.

Mr. Davison is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Davison, and one of the most popular and progressive young business men of Athens, being a member of the large mercantile firm, the Davison-Nicholson Co.

Among the out-of-town guests were Rev. John Davison, of Camden, S.C., Mr. and Mrs. Robert Davison, of Woodville, Mr. and Mrs. T. C. Davison, Miss Elise Davison, of Comer, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Cobb, of Atlanta, Judge John A. Cobb, of Americus.

The couple went on a two-week honeymoon to an undisclosed location. The Athens Banner reported their return on October 26:

Society Things of Interest to Women. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Davison were expected home Wednesday from their wedding trip.

The parties continued after they returned as reported in the Athens Banner on November 1:

Society Things of Interest to Women, To Mrs. Albert Davison.

A very beautiful event of the week was the lovely luncheon given by Miss Adaline Dobbs yesterday in compliment to Mrs. Albert Davison a very popular fall bride. The elegant home of the hostess was exquisitely decorated with foliage plants and gorgeous yellow chrysanthemums, being arranged in the handsome drawing room library and dining room.

The beautifully appointed tables had for the centerpiece a cut glass bowl of golden chrysanthemums. The place cards were hand-painted, carrying out the design of the flowers in bright effect. The color motif of yellow continued in the delicious and very elaborate course luncheon, which was a pretty compliment to the young matron whose recent wedding was a brilliant social event. 

The guest enjoying this happy event were: Mrs. Albert Davison, Miss Rebecca Stewart, Miss Sarah Cobb, Miss Susie Davison, Miss Ruth Hodgson, Miss Marion Hodgson, Miss Lois Fleming, Miss Laura Cobb Hutchins, Miss Jennie Arnold.

On November 2, the Athens Banner published a list of marriage licenses issued for the month of October that included Albert and Stark. Sometime after early November, Albert and Stark decided to build a house on Woodlawn Avenue in Athens. The Athens Banner published the following news article on November 2:

Woodlawn Avenue Becoming Popular. Well known young people purchasing homes on this beautiful thoroughfare. 

Mr. Claude Anderson, president of the Bludwine Co., has purchased of Mr. A. H. Davison, through R. T. Goodwyn, realty agent, the beautiful Woodlawn cottage on the South side of the street. He will occupy the place as a residence.

Mr. Geo. C. Armstrong has bought and moved his family into the handsome cottage built by Mr. Harry Hull.

Mr. Albert Davison will build a pretty cottage on this avenue in the near future.
Woodlawn avenue is now being per feetly graded and granolithic sidewalks will be laid. It will be one of the most popular residential sections of the growing city.

Albert and Stark had two children, daughters they named Mary Stark Davison (born September 28, 1914) and Ida Dorsey Davison (born June 21, 1920).

The Woodlawn Avenue house was finished by December 1914.

Albert and Stark were married for 38 years.


References

1. “Cobb-Davison,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, August 31, 1913.
2. “Cobb-Davison,” The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 2, 1913.
3. “Brilliant Weddings to Mark Fall Social Season at Athens,” The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 14, 1913.
4. “Cobb-Davison,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 1, 1913.
5. “For Miss Stark Cobb,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 7, 1913.
6. “Society Things of Interest to Women – Social Calendar,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 7, 1913.
7. “Miss Ruth Hodgson’s Luncheon,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 7, 1913.
8. Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 10, 1913.
9. “Society Things of Interest to Woman,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 11, 1913.
10. “Society Things of Interest to Woman—For Miss Stark Cobb and Miss Rebecca Stack,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 11, 1913.
11. “Parties the Past Week for Bride-Elect,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 12, 1913
12. “Miss Susie Davison’s Party,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 12, 1913.
13. The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 12, 1913.
14. “Cobb-Davison,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 15, 1913.
15. “Cobb-Davison Marriage—Brilliant Event in Athens,” The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, October 16, 1913.
16. “The Cobb-Davison Wedding,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 16, 1913.
17. “Hon. R. E. Davidson Visits Athens,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 16, 1913.
18. “Society Things of Interest to Women,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, October 26, 1913.
19. “Society Things of Interest to Women, To Mrs. Albert Davison,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, November 1, 1913.
20. “Marriages of the Month of October,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, November 2, 1913.
21. “Woodlawn Avenue Becoming Popular,” Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, November 2, 1913.
22. Athens Banner, Athens, Georgia, December 1, 1914.
23. Georgia Deaths, 1919–98.
24. Georgia, Marriage Records From Select Counties, 1828–1978.
25. U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current; memorials # 27024507 and # 27024656.
26. Athens Ward 4, Clarke, Georgia, 1900 United States Federal Census.
27. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936–2007.
28. Stark Cobb photo from Stark Family of Georgia, www.ancestry.com, brooke1956.