Henry Lewis Davis

DAVIS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/26/2010 at 11:33:11

Henry Lewis Davis, a respected citizen and representative agriculturist of Boone county, was born in Harrison county, Ohio, October 9, 1850, a son of Lewis and Mary Ann (Ames) Davis, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They took up their abode in Muscatine county, Iowa October 6, 1854, and in June 1855, acme to Boone county, the father entering 320 acres of land in Colfax township. After disposing of this property, he bought a tract of 80 acres I Worth township and subsequently extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchases until it embraced more than 300 acres. He continued to reside thereon throughout the remainder of his life, passing away on May 35 1892, while his wife was called to her final rest on February 26, 1900. R Davis held the office of county coroner for two terms and also served in minor township positions, making a creditable and commendable records as public official. The period of his residence in this county covered thirty-seven years, and he gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance within its borders. To him and his wife were born thirteen children as follows: Margaret Ann, who is deceased, James A who was killed at the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, in 1864, Sarah Ellen, deceased, Cyrus M an old soldier who makes his home in Luther, Iowa, Jesse living in Boone, Elizabeth J who is the wife of Charles Fleming of Arkansas, Mary Maria, who is the widow of John Nutt and resides in Boone, Henry Lewis of this review, Catherine A the wife of S T Steelsmith, of Troy, Idaho, George A of Worth township, Keziah M who is the widow of Nimrod Rule and lives in Boone, Abraham L of Fort Doge and Abbie Amanda, who is the wife of Albert Nutt, of Boone.
Henry Lewis Davis who was a little lad of five years when his parents settled in this county, remained on the home farm until twenty-five years of age and then made his way to California, following farming in San Luis Obispo. At the end of a year he returned to Bone county and purchased a tract of 99 acres adjoining the old homestead. He eventually disposed of the property which he had acquired and at the present time owns 139 acres comprising a part of the old home place. During the last few years he has devoted his time and energies to both farming and stock raising, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with gratifying and well deserved measure of success, and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community.
On August 23, 1876m, Mr Davis was united in marriage to Miss Arabell C Cross, a native of Boone county and a daughter of Isaac and Maria (Keigley) Cross, both of whom were born in Greene county, Pennsylvania. They came to this county about 1855 and here the father turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He passed away in May 1907, while the other was called to her final rest I April 1900. They had two children: Mrs Henry L Davis and Sarah E who is the wife of Robert McMillen, of Indianola, Iowa, Unto Mr and Mrs Davis have been born four children, as follows: Alta e who is the wife of E C Payne, of Worth township, Clara Bell, who is the widow of Saul Dyer and resides in Boone, James Leroy of Beaver township, Boone county and a daughter who died in infancy.
Mr Davis gives his political allegiance to the republican party, has served in the capacity of supervisor for two terms and has also acted as township assessor and trustee, ever discharging his public duties in a most satisfactory manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of Untied Workmen, while his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, which receives his support. As a citizen he is public spirited and whatever tends to promote the best interests of the community receives his endorsement and hearty cooperation. He has spent most of his life in this county and is therefore widely and favorably known, commanding the high regard of all with whom he has been associated.

1914 Boone County History Book