Major Murray Davis Memorial
Location
Murray Davis Park, Main Street and 40th Street, Kansas City, MO
From the Murray Davis Memorial on Main Street:
A KINDLY, JUST AND BELOVED
OFFICER, WISE IN COUNSEL
RESOLUTE IN ACTION
COURAGEOUS UNTO DEATH
Murray Davis was a Kansas City attorney. He gave his life for his country in France during the Battle of the Argonne on September 29, 1918.
Excerpts from the ADDRESSES DELIVERED AT THE MEMORIAL MEETING OF KANSAS CITY BAR ASSOCIATION
Held in United States Court Room at Kansas City, Saturday, November 16, 1918, in Honor of those Members of the Jackson County Bar who gave their lives in the service of their country in the war with Germany.
Major Murray Davis
“October 6, 1918
Somewhere in France
Major Davis was killed in action. He had been wounded several times, but kept going at the head of his battalion until cut down. He was a wonderful leader, and he certainly made good. He was an awfully good friend of mine. I miss him very much. I know he is in Heaven, for he lead the life that leads to there.”
– Letter from a member of his battalion, read at the Bar Association Meeting.
Sergeant Major Roswell B. Sayre was another Kansas City attorney, who served with, and died with, Murray Davis:
“He came into my office a youth less than twenty-one years of age…” “He went through the night Law School here, became a lawyer, took charge of my affairs ….” “War came on. I was proud of him when he suggested that he wanted to go.” “The boy fell in action. He was a Sergeant Major, and his Major [Murray Davis] fell with him.” … “He went out at his country’s call. He was a good man.”
– Mr. Frank Hagerman
Major Murray Davis is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery, Block 20, Kansas City, MO