Davisville History

The history of Davisville is very rewarding. For hundreds of years the Creek Indians lived, hunted and fished in this area. Researchers have found several Indian artifacts to prove such. Many descendants of the early Creek tribes still live in this area today and are among our leading citizens.

The first records go back to March 1800 when Pine Barren Creek was known as the Paxesco River commencing at the Great Swamp or Quareta Swamp, which is presently known at Atmore, Alabama. Much of the early ownership of land was Spanish Land Grants; however, in 1821, this territory was transferred from Spain to the United States thus leaving opportunities for aggressive American frontiers men. Early settlements were along rivers and creeks making Pine Barren Creek an ideal location.

Some of the earliest settlers were Dockens, Grahams, Bakers, Harpers, Wards, Bryars, Franklins, Becks, Dennis and many others with each family or so having its own settlement. The Elijah Ward family came from Yellow River and settled west of Pine Barren Creek near the present site of the Davisville Community Club Park. The Ward settlement thrived, and a dam was built a hundred yards or so upstream from the present Lake Barron Dam. A Grist Mill run by a Water Wheel was on the east side and a sawmill on the west banks. Water from the dam was used to float timber down Pine Barren Creek to Escambia River.

Timber, range cattle, small farms with sweet potatoes, sugar cane and cotton with some corn as well as moonshine were the first means of livelihood. The settlements were connected by three trail roads.

Pine Barren Church

The Pine Barren Church and Cemetary was established in 1852. Some records report 1848. This church is the third oldest Baptist Chuch in Escambia County and is in its fifth building on the same location. The first was a small log building with the present church build of block and brick structure.

Pine Barren Church, the 5th building, as it was in 1984.

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