Davis, Joseph W.

DAVIS

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/5/2010 at 23:33:47

JOSEPH W. DAVIS.

While the life history of Joseph W. Davis was not spectacular, it was none the less important. In fact there are few men who have had a greater influence on the community in which they have lived than had Mr. Davis. Firm as a rock in business, he was a man whom to know was to respect and honor. So actively was he associated with the interests of Avoca that no record of the town would be complete without mention of him. His name, too, was largely respected as a synonym for honorable, straightforward action and high purposes.

The earliest known ancestor of Joseph W. Davis was William Davis, an esquire of Buckingham, England, whose two sons, William II. and John, came to the American colonies about 1732 and settled in Providence, Rhode Island. William II. had two sons, Gaius and Barnabas, born in, 1749 and 1751 respectively, who were left orphans in 1755. Gaius was reared in the family of Peter Pike of North Providence, whose daughter, Hannah, born June' 19, 1761, later became his wife. They had four sons, Jonathan, William III., Randall and Joseph. Gaius Davis served his state in the operations to compel the British evacuation of Newport, Rhode Island, in the campaigns of 1779 and 1780. From North Providence he removed to a farm in the Mashentuck district of Killingly, Windham county, Connecticut, which he had purchased November 3, 1784, and on which he died September 23, 1816. His wife died August 6, 1828, while making her home with her third son, who had succeeded to his father's farm.

The father of Joseph W. Davis was Randall Davis, third son of Gaius. He was born April 11, 1789, and was reared to the exacting childhood necessitated by his father's moderate circumstances. During the war of 1812 he served as a member of Captain Solomon Sykes company in defense (June, 1813) of New London. He remained on the stony farm in East Killingly in order that the declining years of his parents might be made as comfortable as possible but about 1831 sold the homestead and removed to Danielsonville. There during the days of turnpikes and stages he kept a, tavern on Franklin street, in the building now used as a Romish convent. His eldest son, Joseph W., remembered this period especially by reason of his school days and by reason of the first railroad built through Danielson, which many citizens regarded as foolish extravagance. Disposing of this property about 1836, he purchased a farm of Jonathan Cutler bordering the north line of the Barnabas Davis homestead. There he built great barns and a large house, which he occupied from 1837 until his death December 10, 1821. Here he reared not only his large family but also two orphans. He ruled by love rather than fear, and one who has been an inmate of many homes said he was never in one where there was so little fault finding and enforced discipline. His youngest son said that Randall Davis was wont to teach the most severe personal morals of any man he had ever known. In politics he was a Jeffersonian democrat, uncompromising but just. On the 18th of March, 1818, he married Phylia Kies, who was born in Killingly May 28, 1796, a daughter of Wilson Keys II. She was of Scotch lineage and a worthy exponent both of Scotch and New England virtues in her industry, thrift and training of her children to reverence for the sanctuary. During her earlier married life she was closely identified with the church at South Killingly, of which Barnabas Davis' father-in-law, Rev. Eliphalet Wright, had been so many years a beloved pastor, and during the last half century of her life with the Westfield Congregational church. She passed away November 12, 1882, at the home of her daughter, Maria A., who was the wife of James A. Darling, and who at her death in 1899 left a legacy, the interest of which was to be used to aid in maintaining the church of her early childhood. Joseph W. Davis, of Avoca, traced his ancestry on his mother's side through Wilson Keys II. and Wilson Kies I. back to his great-great-grandfather, Ebenezer McKee, (for so the name was then spelled) who died about 1731. E. McKee married Susannah, daughter of Nicholas Cady, who removed from Groton, Massachusetts, and settled about 1705 in Killingly, where both he and his son-in-law appear to have been large speculators in land, of which they owned much south of Danielson.

Phylia, the oldest daughter of Wilson II. and Betsey (Hulet) Keys (who had changed the spelling of the name), married Randall Davis and they had six daughters (one died in infancy) and three sons. The latter were Joseph W., George R. and Edwin W. Of five daughters all-were born, reared, married and died in or near Danielson, Connecticut, but only one, Marietta E., left issue, her only child, John R., being today a representative of both branches of the Davis house, being on the maternal side descended from Gaius Davis and on the paternal side (his father was the youngest male descendent of Barnabas Davis) descended from Gaius' younger brother, this making John R. doubly a great-great-grandson of William Davis II.

Randall Davis died before any of his sons were married and this threw the responsibility of managing the farm upon his two eldest sons, the boys in time becoming the owners thereof. The second son eventually succeeded to the property, having bought the interest of the other heir in 1866. The farm consisted of two hundred acres and was successfully managed by Joseph W.'s brother, George R. Davis, until his retirement in 1902. It is today in possession of his only son, Frank A. Davis.

Joseph W. Davis, the eldest son of Randall Davis and the immediate subject of this review, was born May 23, 1826, on the Gaius Davis homestead. Like-his father, he was known for his industry, thrift and love of his home, and also for his word, which was as good as his bond. Like his father, too, he was reserved in manner, fond of choice reading, tenacious of opinions once formed and of much courage, which he displayed particularly in the execution of a decided purpose and in the expression of strong conviction. During his first school year at Mashentuck No.5, his teacher was his mother's youngest sister, Harriet, who by reason of her mother's premature death had been more like a daughter of Randall Davis and the depth of whose affection for his wife, whom she always called "Sister Phylia", cannot be pictured. Harriet Keys married on August 26, 1833, Calvin Cooper, and they removed to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1855, settling near Mineral. There one September day in 1869 appeared Joseph W. Davis, handsome of face and as straight as a dart, whom she remembered well as "an obedient, tractable and most apt pupil, a., well as a dutiful son," and who was en route to Shelby county at the solicitation of his youngest brother to come out there and canvass the situation with the object of locating in Harlan, Iowa. Eighteen years later after the death of her husband, Mrs. Calvin Cooper came to Shelby county, Iowa, and made her home with her second daughter, Louisa, wife of George Battey, a pioneer grain and elevator man and live-stock dealer of Portsmouth. There or at the home of her son, Daniel Cooper, who died June 20, 1907, at Shelby, Iowa, after a residence there of twenty-seven years, J. W. Davis had the pleasure of meeting his aged aunt and first teacher a number of times before her death at the home of Mrs. George Battey on November 29, 1889.

When his father removed to Danielsonville, Joseph W. Davis attended,. during six successive winters, the Westfield district school, of which William Sabin and Caroline Spaulding were the teachers. During the winter term of 1845 and the fall term of 1846 he was a student in the Westfield Academy and in the succeeding winter he taught school at North Killingly and through the summer and winter of 1847 was teacher at Killingly Center. For about twenty years he successfully followed the teacher's profession and his capability is indicated by the statement: "He applied for his first school; afterward directors applied to him." His knowledge was largely self-acquired, dating in part from the days when he taught school and "boarded around the district," when each night found him busily at work by the light of a tallow candle at the schoolhouse, laying out work for the succeeding day and gaining additional information. A friend of his school days and early manhood said: "As I recall the sons of Killingly who during the nineteenth century left their mark on this community, the name of Joseph Davis stands out vividly before me. As a scholar he was unusually bright and intelligent. Personally he was tall and erect, with a fine head, dignified bearing, and was a conspicuous figure on our streets. Gifted by nature with the art of imparting knowledge and with excellent governing ability, he was for several years a very successful teacher in Connecticut schools. Later he went west and became principal of the school of Ontonagon, Michigan. He came of sturdy ancestry that transmitted to him keen mental endowment and strict moral character, which made him strong
among his fellows and fashioned his life according to the best tenets of American citizenship. He possessed in a large degree strong individuality combined with kindliness of heart, particularly shown to his mother and sisters."

His native force of character, the utilization of his innate talents and his ready recognition of opportunities were strong elements in the success that came to him in later life; but we find him starting out as the great majority of our prosperous men have done-with little capital save willing hands and strong hearts.

His Success is partially due to the influence, encouragement and tact of his wife, who in maidenhood was Sarah E. Chamberlin, of Danielson, Connecticut.

A very intimate companion of her youth and a life-long friend writes: "The father of Mrs. Davis was John P. Chamberlin IV., a great-grandson of John Chamberlain I., who was born in 1711 and died on December 5, 1878, at Woodstock, Connecticut, where his family connections resided for many scores of years. John Pierpont IV. Chamberlin (so spelled by him) was born in Brooklyn, Connecticut, December 31, 1806. He came of sturdy New England stock and was early accustomed to self-reliance. His childhood and young manhood were passed in Woodstock, Connecticut, and there he married Miss Nancy Fox. After her death he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he engaged in business with Joshua Perkins, whose sister, Elizabeth Perkins, of Lisbon, Connecticut, he married August 3, 1841. Two daughters were born to them: Sarah Elizabeth, widow of J. W. Davis; and Ellen Perkins, wife of Edward H. Jacobs, president of the E. H. Jacobs Manufacturing Company of Danielson, Connecticut. After a few years Mr. Chamberlin returned east and established himself as a merchant in West Killingly, Connecticut, now Danielson. Here he lived to the end of his days, identifying himself with the interests of the town, holding town office and being at one time postmaster. His honorable business methods attracted not only local customers but those from a widely surrounding region. He was an active member of Westfield Congregational church, for which he gave his generous support. His character held a marvelous courage in the face of repeated disasters and constant ill health, to which many another would have succumbed. Yet coupled with this undaunted energy was the innate refinement and genial courtesy of the natural gentleman. His example was a daily inspiration to purity of life and speech, to patriotism, to reverence for age and to the religion which is not creed, but life. When the freed spirit left its weary frame, his fellow citizens closed their places of business for the first time in the history of the community to pay honor to him who, throughout his long life among them, had not only commanded their respect but won their love.

"Mrs. Davis traces her ancestry on her mother's side to John Perkins, who was born in Newent, Gloucester county, England, about 1590 and who came to Boston in the ship Zion in February, 1631, together with his wife Judith and five children, joining the church there during the same year. He removed to Ipswich, Massachusetts, was a representative in the general court in 1636, and died in 1654. . His great-grandson, Mathew Perkins, died May 3, 1773, and was interred in the village burying ground of Lisbon (now Sprague), Connecticut. A stone, stately for those days, marks his grave, the inscription on which is surmounted by a dial, whose hours were once gilded heavily, and over all are the words 'Memento Mori' Mathew's son, Joshua, built a large colonial house, which still stands substantial and beautiful, for the joint occupancy of himself and his son Charles. The Perkins family owned at that time a large tract of land in Lisbon, Connecticut, which was then called Perkinstown. In 1812 Charles married Betsy Payne of Canterbury, Connecticut. Of her it can justly be said that she was the embodiment of a noble, gracious womanhood. Her mother was called 'the philosopher,' so keen was her insight, so broad her outlook on life. Charles Perkins had two sons and three daughters, one of whom was the mother of Mrs. Davis. Elizabeth Perkins was endowed by nature with a high order of intellect, which was developed by the best schools of the age. She was of the Puritan type, her character laid deep in truth, integrity and strong sense of duty. On these granite foundations rose the strong tower of her life, bearing aloft its beacon light. In the village of Danielson, Connecticut, where she spent a half century, her Christian sympathy and numberless charities have given her an enduring name, while those who came under her influence in the home hold her reverently in their hearts.

"It was from such an ancestry that Sarah E. Davis derived her life. She is of the east and of the west. She first saw the light in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 25, 1843. When about two years old her parents removed to West Killingly, now Danielson, Connecticut. Her first school days were passed there in Westfield school. Later she finished the course in West Killingly Academy. This was followed by study at Wadawannuck College, Stonington, Connecticut, and at Wheaton Seminary; Norton, Massachusetts, then as now, one of the finest schools for young women.

"She united at the age of twelve years with the Westfield Congregational church and was a member of its choir for a number of years. After her school days were over she assisted her father in bookkeeping and after a disastrous fire, in which the books were destroyed, her excellent memory supplied the loss with remarkable accuracy. Her youth was marked by unswerving truth and filial deference. This latter quality, with the charm of her vivacity, first attracted Mr. Davis and not long after, on the evening of November 3, 1868; in the church of her childhood, they took upon themselves their marriage vows.

"In 1870 she removed to Harlan, Iowa, where she courageously adapted herself to pioneer conditions and founded her new home. While loyal to New England traditions, she gave to it also the spirit of the west. Save for a week spent at the Columbian Exposition, two weeks spent in company with her younger son in Colorado, and occasional visits to Connecticut, where her girlhood was passed and where both her sister and her mother as well as beloved cousins resided, she may be said to have spent .her time at home. From the time of taking up her residence in Iowa onward it could truly be said, 'East or West-Home's best.'

"When motherhood came she received it as her crown; so much the more her fireside became the place of all the world. But she has never selfishly limited herself there. Her home has been one of hospitality. Her church and its pastor's families, her neighbors and her friends have shared in her time, strength and deeds of helpfulness. By them near and afar, her name is spoken in loving gratitude, for to the inherent value of what she bestows she adds her personal interest, even personal service, if Deed be, giving herself with the gift.

"True to her ancestry, she keeps the beacon light burning. May she live many blessed, beautiful years to guard the flame."

A former pastor said of her: "One, who has known Mrs. Davis as a personal friend, gladly bears witness to the fact that she is a woman of sterling qualities. The sacred writer says of the ideal woman, 'The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her; she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.' Surely this would have been the testimony of Mr. Davis in regard to his wife, for although interested in many things her chief interest centers in the home life. During the years that they walked together she was a faithful companion, relying upon her husband for counsel and advice and giving in return love and sympathy. Industry and thrift have always been prominent features in the life of Mrs. Davis. When prosperity comes many yield to temptations of idleness and wastefulness; but it has not been so with Mrs. Davis. If able to be more free from household duties, she finds opportunity for many deeds of kindness and helpfulness to others. Neither has this success developed that false and proud spirit, which disregards little things, for Mrs. Davis recognizes that it is through the right use of little things that larger things are possible. Always careful in the observance of the laws of health, she has been blessed with unusual strength of body, nor has she neglected the cultivation of intellect, but even in late years had reviewed certain studies in which she was very proficient during her school days. Last but not least of the virtues of Mrs. Davis is her Christian faith. She has been an efficient worker in the church, of which when it was organized by Rev. Wright in Harlan in 1871 she was one of the seven original members, and from which she took a letter in October, 1872, to join the same denomination in Avoca to which she had removed six weeks before, bearing many of its burdens and contributing freely not only to its support but also to many benevolences."

That her husband found in her an integrity parallel with his own and that it was hers to win and keep his absolute trust is best shown by the probate record of his testamentary directions, appointing "Sarah E. Davis as executrix of this my will without bond" and giving her his personal estate absolutely as well as a life interest in his real estate.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born two sons: Edwin Wilson, a graduate of the Avoca high school and later a student at Iowa College, Grinnell; and Joseph Walter, who is attending Iowa State College, Ames. Through the death of their father they lost a wise and trusted counsellor.

In March, 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Davis removed to Harlan, Shelby county, Iowa, where he joined his youngest brother in the conduct of a general store under the name of J. W. & E. W. Davis, general merchandise. In April, 1871, J. W. Davis, A. G. Vinton and E. W. Davis entered into a partnership and established a general store in Avoca, with Mr. Vinton in charge. On August 1, 1872, J. W. and E. W. Davis established a private bank in Avoca and about that time removed from Harlan. This venture proved a success and the enterprise soon became one of the best known and most substantial banks in western Pottawattamie county. Exactly thirteen years after its foundation, the banking business of J. W. & E. W. Davis was succeeded by The Avoca Bank, incorporated as a state institution under the laws of Iowa, with the following officers: President, J. W. Davis; vice president, E. W. Davis; and cashier, Charles N. Voss. On July 1,1887, E. W. Davis sold half of his interest to each of his partners in the bank, and on the same date the president's nephew, John R. Davis, became a third partner in the bank. Thereafter J. W. Davis was its president, principal stockholder and leading officer until October 11, 1892, when he sold half of the entire bank stock to the Iowa National Bank of Des Moines, which purchased on that date a controlling interest in The Avoca Bank.

In later years he extended his banking interests. He and C. G. Sanford had signed articles of copartnership and leased a building to establish a bank in Walnut, Iowa, but before actually commencing business were offered such a good price to abandon the project by J. H. Henry, owner of the Exchange Bank, that they accepted it in November, 1886. In the following month J. W. Davis became proprietor of the Bank of Shelby and engaged C. G. Sanford as cashier. On March 21, 1887, J. W. Davis, C. N. Voss and C. G. Sanford entered into a copartnership for a term of three years under the firm name of J. W. Davis & Company; purchased the Bank of Shelby, and retained the services of its cashier. On July 1, 1890, Clapp & Davis of the Citizens' Bank bought out the interests of their competitor, J. W. Davis & Company, and continued business under the style Bank of Shelby. J. W. Davis established, January 1, 1891, in the town of Persia, Iowa, a private bank, which is still in possession of his family.

Just across the street from the scene of his former labors, Mr. Davis, on the 3d of February, 1893, established the Commercial Bank, in the management of which he displayed his ever keen discernment and unfaltering diligence. He was proprietor until July 1, 1901, when the bank was incorporated under the name of the Citizens' Savings Bank, of which he became president. Mr. Davis was a firm believer and liberal investor in Iowa soil. He was just and generous toward his tenants, as evidenced not only by his liberality in making improvements for the convenience of his renters and betterment of land they had leased but also by remitting portions of rent during years of partial crop failure, for instance, by giving one-third of his rent to each tenant during the "hard times" of 1894.

His conservative methods and foresight into business affairs inspired confidence in those who trusted him and one of his predominant characteristics was his loyalty to every trust. One who knew him intimately for twenty years said of him: "His word was his bond, and his bond was never questioned. 'While he possessed a deep sense of pride, it never manifested itself in outward display but was shown in his anxiety for an untarnished good name and for that which works for the betterment of mankind individually. Another predominant characteristic of his life was his spirit of fairness. He never asked for himself that which he would not himself concede to others. He never sought to take advantage by cunning or deceit and others, who sought to gain thereby, never received any encouragement from him and did not remain among his associates or friends. To say that he had no enemies would hardly be true. No man with so positive convictions, with so strong likes and dislikes as had Mr. Davis, could live so long as he, without making some enemies, without stirring up some resentment and ill will. But it may be truthfully said that where he had one enemy, his friends were numbered by the hundreds. Among these may be found those who will ever praise him for the help which they have received from his hands."

The most envious could not grudge Mr. Davis his success, so worthily was it won. He based his advancement upon close concentration, unfaltering determination and perseverance, which enabled him to overcome all obstacles and work his way steadily upward to success. In politics Mr. Davis was an inflexible republican. He had no patience with petty politics but believed firmly in the sound principles of republican statesmanship. In fact one of his most commendable characteristics was his fidelity to a cause in which he believed, and when he once gave his support to any measure neither fear nor favor could cause him to change his course. In his home town and its welfare he was interested and his co-operation was given to measures like the establishment of the Centennial Mills, the Avoca Creamery and several newspapers for Avoca's substantial improvement. His circle of friends was select rather than large and although he was not much given to society he had a hearty greeting, a quiet but dry and laughter-provoking joke, mixed with sarcasm, during which its perpetrator usually kept a straight face, save for a merry twinkle of his keen brown eye or a twitch of his lip; a bit of fatherly advice; and a reminiscence of the old days for those whom he met on the street and the many who sought his office. Most were aware of his ability to keep his own counsel and he was therefore the repository of many family and business secrets, upon which his counsel was desired and which he never betrayed. Conversation with him disclosed not only innate refinement, but also the resources of a mind cultivated by research and by deep thought. In manner he was reserved, which doubtless made him misunderstood by a great many, who never knew the real man beneath the cool exterior. He did not give his friendship quickly. When once his confidence was bestowed and his warm regard extended to any man, he held friendship inviolate; but were either violated he did not, save in a very few exceptional cases, ever return either. He had a wonderfully analytical mind and an extremely accurate memory. He retained his remarkable physical and intellectual powers to the last. He held very high ideals and what is more lived up to them, and his life record is indeed in many respects an example well worthy of emulation. The unqualified regard in which he was uniformly held by those who knew him was shown at his death, which occurred March 26, 1905, when on the occasion of his funeral the floral offerings and decorations were the most beautiful and abundant ever seen in Avoca. To his family he was a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, and the warmth of his nature was best known to them as wife and sons came into close companionship with him, sharing his inmost thoughts and purposes and guided by his lofty principles. Such was the strength of his character and his marked individuality that he left his permanent impress for good upon the residents in and around Avoca, where he lived and labored over thirty years.

1907 History of Pottawattamie County
Homer H. Field & Hon. Joseph R. Reed