J. H. DAVIS

DAVIS

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/22/2020 at 14:18:24

J. H. DAVIS, a general merchant at Mt. Etna, was born in Indiana, November 2, 1851, the son of T. H. and Anna (Fees) Davis, both natives of that state. His father, a farmer, came to Iowa in 1852 and settled in Eureka, and several years afterward located where he now resides, a mile and a half southwest of Etna. He and his wife are both living, honored and respected residents. He has never aspired to public office, but has ever given his best attention to farming interests and the general welfare of his community. His farm comprises 240 acres, conveniently located, well-stocked and well watered. It is mostly "second-bottom" land.

Mr. Davis, our subject, the eldest in the above family of ten children, set out in life for himself when of legal age, teaching school during the winter and breaking prairie and farming during the summer. After continuing thus for nearly ten years he embarked in 1884, in the mercantile business in Mt. Etna, and now carries the heaviest stock in the city, - dry-goods, notions, boots and shoes, queensware, glassware, hardware, groceries and school books. He takes a commendable pride in the enterprises of his neighborhood, and is a responsible and worthy business man. Several times has he been elected to office, but has refused to serve, except a term or two as Clerk of his township. As to the nominations made by the political parties he votes independently, but generally with the Republicans, especially where they favor prohibition. He is a highly esteemed and worthy citizen. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church at Mt. Etna, in which body he is a prominent trustee and assistant Superintendent of the Sunday- school.

He was married November 1, 1881, to Miss M. A. Black, daughter of W. B. and Margaret M. Black, of Adams county, both of whom are still living, well-known and highly respected citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children, viz.: Alvin Roy and Lora Elma.