The Davis History House is owned by Hampshire County Public Library and Hampshire County Commissioners. The log cabin was built in 1798 by Mr. Matthew Montgomery on land granted by Lord Fairfax to create the town of Romney.
Two other families occupied this home, but our emphasis is on the Davis family. William Davis bought the house in 1849 and was occupied by a Davis until the deaths of his unmarried daughters Mary and Kate. The ladies willed the property to the library for use as a museum to Romney history. By this time, the log cabin had expanded to include an indoor kitchen and blacksmith shed.
The main floor includes four rooms. Upon entering the living room, you will see memorabilia and replicas from the Civil War as two of the Davis sons were enlisted men. One fought for the South and one fought for the North, which was difficult on the family as Southern sympathizers. From there, you can enter the sitting room where the Davis family Bible, a unique hat rack, and organ from the Methodist church are on display. The dining room was added closer to the turn of the century and displays further items from Romney’s history, such as a prescription log book from 1885-1895.
The upstairs bedrooms are a mix of the original log home and additions over the dining and kitchen. The original bedrooms contain memorabilia, such as rope and trundle bed, original local rugs, and handmade quilts and bedding, from William Davis’s time in the home. The newer bedrooms contain memorabilia from Kate and Mary’s childhoods.
The Davis House is open to the public during HCPL’s operating hours: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 9:00-5:00; Tuesday 9:00-7:00; and Saturday 10:00-4:00. Simply call (304) 822-3185 to arrange a time for a guided tour.