Davis, James W. – 1866-1937

BURNS, DAVIS, GROSS, HOSTETLER, KENNINGTON

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:37

James W. Davis, Former Auditor, Dies Early Today
Well Known Newton Resident Dies in Grundy Center Hotel
Was Jasper County Auditor for Two Terms; Lived in Newton for 53 Years
GRUNDY CENTER, IA. – James W. Davis, 71, Newton adjuster for the Iowa Mutual Tornado insurance company, was found dead in his bed at a local hotel. Death was pronounced due to heart disease.
James W. Davis, 71, former Jasper county auditor, died in a Grundy Center hotel room at 5:30 a.m. today, it was learned here.
Mr. Davis, who had resided in Newton for 53 years, had gone to Grundy Center on business, relatives said.
The cause of Mr. Davis’ death was not immediately learned, although it was believed to have been a heart attack.
Born in 1866
Mr. Davis was born in Carlisle, Ia., July 31, 1866.
He came to Newton to live in 1884 and was married to Gertrude Burns here in 1893. Mrs. Davis survives her husband.
He also leaves two daughters, Mrs. Harry L. Gross and Mrs. R. H. Hostetler, both of Des Moines, and five grandchildren.
In Mercantile Business
Mr. Davis was in the mercantile business for the greater part of his life and was connected with the county auditor’s office for eight years.
For several years he operated a grocery store, on the north side of the square and later on the west side. For 10 years he was in the shoe business and just prior to entering the office of the county auditor he and C. B. Francisco were associated in the real estate business.
In Auditor’s Office
In 1924, when Mr. Francisco was elected Jasper county auditor, Mr. Davis became his deputy and served in that capacity during Mr. Francisco’s two terms.
Then, in 1928, when Mr. Francisco announced that he would not run for a third term, Mr. Davis was elected county auditor on the Republican ticket. He was reelected in 1932.
He was a member of the Masonic lodge No. 59 and of the Episcopal church.
He was a brother of the late Mrs. L. S. Kennington.
Mr. Davis’ body was brought to Newton this morning to await funeral arrangements.
Source: Newton Daily News; Saturday, July 3, 1937

Davis Funeral Held Here Today
Former Jasper County Auditor Died at Grundy Center Saturday
Funeral services for James W. Davis, 71, former Jasper county auditor, were held at Morgan Funeral home this morning with the Rev. Wallace Easingham, pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal church in Des Moines, in charge.
Interment was made in Newton Union cemetery.
Offices Closed
Offices of the Jasper county courthouse were closed during the funeral services this morning.
Pallbearers were fellow members of Newton lodge No. 59, A.F. and A.M., including George Pomeroy, Fred C. Young, Harry Sprinkle, J. M. Davidson, C. E. Stewart and Harold Forsyth.
Mr. Davis, who had resided in Newton for 53 years, died in Grundy Center Saturday while there on business.
Survivors
Surviving are Mrs. Davis and two daughters, Mrs. Harry L. Gross and Mrs. R. H. Hostetler, both of Des Moines.
Mr. Davis was connected with the auditor’s office for eight years, serving four years as deputy to C. B. Francisco, and two terms as county auditor – from 1928 to 1932.
Source: Newton Daily News; Tuesday, July 6, 1937