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Petersburg, Illinois was a great place when I was a child, course it was the only place we came to when school let out for the summer. You see my Mom Donna Jean Davis was born here in 1937, and her mother before her Edna Marie Davis in 1920. My great-grand mother Stella E. Motley-Davis came after her father Albert Henry Motley who had been here close to more than 5 years before her living in Tice,Illinois which was what we kids called the country. Is'nt that funny Petersburg was country then when I was a kid coming here. How come there is never anything mentioned about all the black people living in this town My family followed Abe Lincoln here from Kentucky. And we were the last to leave. Bertha Motley-Craig was the oldest daughter of my great-grandmother Stella. I was here every summer of my life just about and my Mom rest her soul wanted to move back here in 1998, 1999, 2000 before she passed away. She longed for this country town of hers. I loved it too to some degree and now I come to explore my roots, find out some things and can't find a darn thing why is that I know you had to see the presence of all of us we intermingled and married here and our parents went to all of the schools. Robert, Edmund,Bertha,Dorthy,and Chester Motley all went to your school as did Vivian, Edna,Loretta,Dorris and John Walker Davis as a matter of fact he,John played on the football team at the only High School in Petersburg in the late 30's. Vivian was an A Student as was her sisters.My Great-grandfather John Frances Davis worked at the first Hotel in town Smoot Antle owned He may have shined shoes but he raised his family shining probably every shoe that came to town. My Great-greatgrandfather Albert Motley worked at the first bank to open up in Petersburg. The Frackleton Bank. He also worked for L. Warsing and her horses during fair time and competions. He also worked for the Terry's in Tice which is where He and his family lived and He also had a big one. There was Martha his wife, Marietta, whom they called Mary I can't find her death certifcate any where in that area she died in Tice. and so did Guy. Titus moved to chicago and died there Fred continued in Petersburg until he was arrested and sent to Jacksonville State Hospital as an inmate. I don't understand why there was not news report on that incident about him. 20 yrs there forwhat? Wiliam and his wife Ida also moved with their son Cecil Motley. His father followed the train in to Chicago,Illinois as a Porter. Pullman Car Porter. George Motely i believed stayed here with his sister Stella.
I know it sounds like I am trying to make a point and you are right. Where is my history with Petersburg, Ill no mention at all of my people not to mention The Wilsons, Millers, Dixsons,Goins,Murrels, Washingtons, Fosters, Pryors, Shields,Davis'and as a puzzle to me THe Second Baptist Church that they all belong to. Is there and Historical Society there that I can talk with? Please some one give me a write up and or a call. I would be thrilled to here from someone that could put me in touch with a guru and a writer. Oh I forgot to mention my name is Charisse Maria Davis the family historian of the Davis-MotLey Clan. I can be reached at davis_charisse@yahoo.com or charisse.davis@sbcglobal.net and I Love talking so give me call 1-309-686-9307 I am eager to hear from someone......God Bless
