Charles Hillman Davison

Charles “Hillman” Davison was born on December 14, 1916, in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He was the first child of Charles Clement Davison Jr. and Elizabeth May Gheesling. Alongside Hillman, they had three other children: Mary Elizabeth Davison, Louise Davison, and Thomas Henry Davison. Hillman’s middle name likely honors his maternal grandfather, Joshua Hillman Gheesling.

Hillman is the step-great-grandson of my 1st cousin 5x removed, Mary Ann Southerland, who was married to James McCluney Davison Sr. My nearest common relatives to Mary Ann Southerland are Robert L. Hobbs Sr. and Mary Marion Caldwell, my 5th great-grandparents.

Hillman, born just one month before his parents’ first anniversary, spent his formative years in Anniston, Alabama. His father, a Baptist church minister, served as a camp pastor at the Baptist Home Mission Board within Camp McClellan. The 1920 census records their residence on East 15th Street, with both parents literate. Hillman’s sister, Louise, at three weeks of age, was a recent addition to the family. In March 1920, Hillman attended a friend’s fourth birthday party, where games were played, such as “Billy Whiskers,” a board game about a mischievous goat, contests were held, such as fishing for souvenirs in a miniature fishpond, and sweet treats—like birthday cake and ice cream—filled the day.

In 1922, Hillman’s father earned his Doctor of Theology degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. The commencement ceremony took place on May 2 in Louisville, Kentucky. Considering this significant event, it is plausible that the entire family resided in Kentucky during that period.

On April 14, 1930, the Davison family lived on South Harris Street in Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia. As we know, Hillman’s father was a clergyman in the Baptist church. All four children attended school, although Thomas (aged 6) was unable to read and write. 

By 1935, the Davison family had relocated to Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. During this time, Hillman was likely attending college in Atlanta. In November 1935, Hillman joined a gathering of guests at his uncle Thomas Callahan Davison’s home to celebrate his uncle’s birthday. Another of Hillman’s uncles, Hal McCluney Davison, was also present. The home was adorned with an array of autumn flowers.

In 1936, Hillman attended the Georgia School of Technology (now known as Georgia Tech), with his home base listed as Brunswick, Georgia. The following year, he enrolled in the Georgia Evening College which served as the night division of the University System of Georgia’s Atlanta Extension Center. In July 1937, Hillman was honored at a steak fry hosted by Josephine and David Sanders at the country home of his uncle, Hal Davison, in Atlanta. Although the Atlanta Constitution reported his residence as Brunswick, it seems he was visiting his uncle. Finally, in May 1938, Hillman attended a formal dance as the guest of Miss Billy Sterrett, hosted by the Beta Chapter of the Psi Sigma Sorority at the Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta. 

In 1940, Hillman resided as a boarder at a lodge on 867 Peachtree Street NE in Atlanta, along with 28 other residents. The lodgekeepers were Lewis G. (aged 67) and Pauline Arnold (aged 50). Hillman worked as an estimation clerk for an electrical power company. Notably, the census record indicated that he had lived in Brunswick in 1935.

In October 1940, Hillman registered for the World War II draft in Atlanta. He still lived at the Peachtree Street home in Atlanta, and he worked for the Georgia Power Company on Decatur Street. Hillman listed his father, who lived at 710 Mansfield Street in Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia, as the person who would always know his address. He was described as 5'8" tall, weighing 155 pounds, with blue eyes, blonde hair, and a light complexion.

WWII draft registration card (front and back)

Hillman, after receiving an education at Glynn Academy in Brunswick, continued his studies at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. On April 11, 1941, he enlisted in the United States (U.S.) Army Air Forces and became a member of Atlanta’s 128th Observation Squadron. At the time of enlistment, he was described as 5’6” tall (two inches shorter than when he registered in October 1940) and weighing 148 pounds. 

On June 12, 1942, Hillman’s sister, Louise, was struck by a car driven by a 17-year-old young man at the intersection of Broadway and Dillingham Street in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. Despite an ambulance being called to rush her to the city hospital, Louise passed away during transport. Police reports indicated that she had “stepped from behind a car” when the accident occurred. Louise, a young woman of only 23 years old, had graduated from Bessie Tift College, a private liberal arts women’s college in Forsyth, Georgia, and worked as a recreational director at the Phenix City USO in Alabama. Their father, who served as a pastor, was associated with the Benning Park Baptist Church in Columbus. Louise was laid to rest at Greensboro City Cemetery in Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia on June 14.

Around 1942, Hillman was stationed at Williams Field in Chandler, Arizona, after being called up for aviation cadet training. His training included primary and basic training at Thunderbird Field in Glendale, Arizona, and the Marana Army Flying School in Marana, Arizona. Finally, he completed an advanced training course at Yuma Army Air Field in Yuma, Arizona, which served as an advanced training ground for army pilots during World War II. In June 1943, Hillman graduated from the Army Air Forces advanced flying school, receiving his Army silver wings. Following graduation, he was commissioned as second lieutenant and placed on active duty. He was then sent overseas, where he flew bombing missions from Italy.

Yuma Army Air Base, 1943, USAAF, public domain,
via Wikimedia Commons

On April 27, 1944, several newspapers mistakenly reported that Hillman, a pilot serving in the U. S. Army Air Forces, had been killed in action. These erroneous reports reached his retired parents, who resided in Milledgeville, Georgia at the time. Simultaneously, another newspaper—one that had already announced his death—stated that Hillman, stationed in Italy, was missing in action during a bombing raid over Austria.

June 5 brought a different twist: Hillman was no longer missing; he had been taken prisoner by Germany. During a bombing mission, German fighters shot off the tail of his B-24 plane on April 2. Despite their efforts to return to the Italian base, the crippled aircraft forced the crew to bail out over Austria.

Albanian troops found Hillman and handed him over to the Germans. He was subsequently transported to a base hospital in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. The journey was perilous—the troop train faced machine-gun fire from Partisans along the way. At the Spital prison camp, doctors removed shell fragments from Hillman’s shoulder and wrists. Tragically, he also lost sight in his right eye due to a shell fragment.

Hillman remained in captivity until his release in late May 1945. His parents, now living in Greensboro, Georgia, received the long-awaited news—marking their first contact with Hillman in six months. After a brief visit with his uncle Thomas Davison in Atlanta, Hillman finally made his way back home to his parents’ residence in Greensboro.

1945

The end of 1945 marked a joyous occasion for Hillman when, in early December, he became engaged to Mary Lou Denmark. Mary was the daughter of Rev. Daniel Walter Denmark and Margaret Mae Bowen, of Portal, Bulloch County, Georgia. A graduate of Portal High School and the Atlanta School of Commerce, Mary was employed at Fort McPherson, which served as the home of the Fourth Service Command Headquarters in southwest Atlanta. Meanwhile, Hillman was stationed at Northington General Hospital, a temporary Army hospital built of use during World War II, located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Mary Lou Denmark

Mary’s friends received invitations to attend a wedding shower hosted by Mrs. Charles C. Anderson in January 1946. The anticipation grew as the wedding day approached, and on February 1, 1946, the couple’s families gathered in Atlanta for the joyous event. The ceremony took place at the chapel of Glenn Memorial Church, where Hillman’s father, Rev. Charles C. Davison, officiated. Mrs. Reuben Tuck, from Covington, played the organ, while C. W. O. Williams was the soloist. Hillman’s brother stood by his side as best man. Mary’s matron of honor was Mrs. Charles C. Anderson, who had graciously hosted the January wedding shower. Dell Denmark, Mary’s brother, and Bob Sterrett served as usher-groomsmen. Following their vows, a reception was held at the home of Hillman’s uncle, Hal Davison. The Davison residence was decorated with white flowers, lush greens, and elegant white candles in silver candelabras. The centerpiece—a beautifully decorated cake—graced a lace covered table in the dining room.

Hillman’s wedding may well have been the last ceremony performed by his father, Charles, who passed away in Atlanta on May 17, 1946. Two days later, Charles was laid to rest at Greensboro City Cemetery in Greensboro, Georgia. His burial followed a service at First Baptist Church in Greensboro, where Revs. Charles H. Kopp and W. M. Barnett officiated.

Just over a year later, Hillman and Mary started a new chapter of their lives, welcoming three children into their family. Their children included Richard Hillman Davison, Randal Charles Davison, and Cynthia Lou Davison.

In 1947, Hillman and Mary established their home at 882 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta. Hillman, a skilled engineer, dedicated his expertise to his work. His service in the U.S. Army Air Forces concluded on June 7, 1946, where he held the rank of First Lieutenant.

On April 13, 1950, Hillman, Mary, and Richard resided in Atlanta. Hillman continued his employment at the power company, creating plans and contributing to the city’s infrastructure. Meanwhile, Mary devoted her time to their home and family. In a 1952 news article published by The Atlanta Journal, Hillman’s role as a field engineer with the power company was highlighted. Additionally, during the same year, he held the position of junior vice-commander within the Disabled Emergency Officers of the World Wars, a veteran group in the greater Atlanta area.

On December 27, 1968, Hillman’s son, Richard, exchanged vows with Mary Cartledge, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Samuel A. Cartledge, in a ceremony at the Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, DeKalb County, Georgia. Following the ceremony, family and friends gathered for a reception at the Columbia Seminary Student Center, part of the Columbia Theological Seminary, an educational institution in Decatur.

In April 1969, Hillman served as a pallbearer at the funeral of Dr. Fraser L. Adams Jr. The burial ceremony took place at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. Dr. Fraser was a highly respected dentist in the Decatur area.

Hillman passed away in Decatur from natural causes on January 3, 1975. He was 58 years old at the time of his passing. A funeral service was held at Spring Hill on January 5, where the Rev. Russell Case officiated. Hillman was laid to rest in section 37 of Crest Lawn Cemetery in Atlanta on January 7. 

Hillman continued to work as an engineer for Georgia Power Company up until his death. He was also a member of the Edison Electrical Institute and attended Candler Park Baptist Church. Hillman was survived by his wife Mary, daughter Cynthia, and sons Richard and Randal. He was also mourned by his mother Elizabeth, sister Mary, and brother Thomas. The mention of contributions to the cancer society in his obituary hints that his life was cut short by illness, but that is pure speculation on my part.

Photo used with permission of Andrew Holstein,
Find A Grave member 48890459

References

• Atlanta, Georgia, City Directory, 1947.
• Atlantians’ Nephew is Held by Germans, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, June 5, 1944
• Births, Richard Hillman Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1947.
• Births, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1947.
• Brief News from Georgia Cities, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Brunswick, Georgia, City Directory, 1941.
• C. Hillman Davison, U.S., School Yearbooks, 1900-2016, Georgia Evening College, Atlanta, Georgia, 1937.
• Charles (Charlie) Hillman Davison obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 5, 1975.
• Charles C. Davison obituary, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, May 19, 1946.
• Charles Clement Davison, Baptist Biography, vol. 3, pp. 102–105, edited by Balus Joseph Winzer Graham, Index Printing Company, 1923.
• Charles Clement Davison, U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917–1918.
• Charles Davison Wins Army Wings, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, June 28, 1943.
• Charles H. Davison obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 5, 1975.
• Charles H. Davison, U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946.
• Charles Hillman Davison (1975), U.S., Headstone Applications for Military Veterans, 1861–1985.
• Charles Hillman Davison, U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940–1947.
• Columbia at a Glance, Columbia Theological Seminary; https://www.ctsnet.edu/about-us/columbia-at-a-glance/. 
• Cynthia Lou Davison, Marriage Return no. 84-024039, Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health-Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics, 1984.
• Dana G. Davison, obituary, The News and Observer, Raleigh, North Carolina, January 22, 2015.
• Davison Baby, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, September 13, 1954.
• Denmark-Davison Plans Completed, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 31, 1946.
• Denmark-Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, December 9, 1945.
• Dr. and Mrs. Davison Give Delightful Birthday Supper, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, November 17, 1935.
• Dr. Fraser L. Adams Jr. obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 12, 1969.
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/173643946/fraser_lee-adams: accessed June 1, 2024), memorial page for Fraser Lee Adams Jr. (5 Apr 1902–11 Apr 1969), Find a Grave Memorial ID 173643946, citing Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Ladybug (contributor 47122697).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207118553/charles_hillman-davison: accessed May 30, 2024), memorial page for Charles Hillman Davison (14 Dec 1916–3 Jan 1975), Find a Grave Memorial ID 207118553, citing Crest Lawn Cemetery, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Andrew Holstein (contributor 48890459).
• Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73301189/mary_louise-davison: accessed May 31, 2024), memorial page for Mary Louise Davison (17 Dec 1919–12 Jun 1942), Find a Grave Memorial ID 73301189, citing Greensboro City Cemetery, Greensboro, Greene County, Georgia, USA; maintained by Samuel Taylor Geer (contributor 46925792).
• Fort McPherson, New Georgia Encyclopedia, Georgia Humanities, University of Georgia Press; https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/government-politics/fort-mcpherson/. 
• Georgia Pilot Killed, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, April 28, 1944.
• Georgia State University; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_State_University. 
• Gheesling-Davidson, The Macon Telegraph, Macon, Georgia, January 9, 1916.
• Hellams Heads Veteran Group, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, December 4, 1952.
• Lieut. Davison Mission in Action, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Local Woman Killed by Car, Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia, June 13, 1942.
• Lt. Davison Home After Imprisonment, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, June 28, 1945.
• Lt. Davison, Freed, Returning Home, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 21, 1945.
• Lt. Hillman Davison Missing in Action, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 28, 1944.
• Margaret Washburn Has Lovely Birthday Party, The Anniston Star, Anniston, Alabama, March 22, 1920.
• Marine Corps Air Station Yuma; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps_Air_Station_Yuma. 
• Mary Cartledge Marries Richard Hillman Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 13, 1969.
• Mary Davison Obituary, Legacy, Savannah Morning News; https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/savannah/name/mary-davison-obituary?id=29544437. 
• Mary L. Davison Struck by Auto, Dies Last Night, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, June 13, 1942.
• Milledgeville Flier, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Miss Denmark to be Honored, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 18, 1946.
• Miss Denmark to Become Bride, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, December 9, 1945.
• Miss Mary Lou Denmark to Wed Lt. Charles Davison, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, December 9, 1945.
• Missing in Action, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, April 27, 1944.
• Mr. Charles (Charlie) Hillman Davison burial notice, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 6, 1975.
• Mr. Charles C. Davison obituary, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, May 19, 1946.
• Nephew of Atlantans is German Prisoner, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 5, 1944.
• New Arrivals, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 25, 1947.
• Northington General Hospital Property, Circa 2000, Tuscaloosa Area Virtual Museum; https://tavm.omeka.net/items/show/830. 
• Pastor Davison Dies in Atlanta, The Columbus Ledger, Columbus, Georgia, May 19, 1946.
• Personals, Margaret Washburn Has Lovely Birthday Party, The Anniston Star, Anniston, Alabama, March 22, 1920.
• Personals, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, June 24, 1945.
• Psi Sigmas Plan Dance Thursday, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, May 11, 1938.
• Shower is Planned for Miss Denmark, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 21, 1946.
• Society Events, The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, July 24, 1937.
• Society in Brief, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, January 31, 1946.
• State Briefs, The Macon Telegraph, Macon, Georgia, April 29, 1944.
• Tift College; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tift_College. 
• U.S. Federal Census, Anniston Ward 5, Calhoun County, Alabama, 1920.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, 1940.
• U.S. Federal Census, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia, 1950.
• U.S. Federal Census, Sandersville, Washington County, Georgia, 1930.
• Vintage Board Game of Billy Whiskers, All About Fun and Games, Jenny Kile; https://allaboutfunandgames.com/vintage-board-game-of-billy-whiskers.
• Were Those Trips Necessary? He Can Ask Himself Now, The Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Georgia, September 30, 1952.