John C. Davis (1860-1938)

DAVIS

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/8/2008 at 01:59:13

John Calvin Davis
Pioneer Settler Died Sunday
PHOTO AVAILABLE
Lived in This Vicinity for Over Seventy Years, Illness was Brief.

On the 31st day of January, Justice John C. Davis was stricken with a heart attack while in his office in the Avoca hall building. His condition was alarming from the first, and little hope of even partial recovery was held for him. Although apparently improving for several days, he suddenly became worse and passed away at his home at 6 am Sunday, February 13, 1938, at the age of 77 years, 7 months, and 27 days.
With him in his last illness were his wife, Mrs. Mary Davis, his daughters, Mrs. Alfred Thies, Mrs. Howard Gore and Mrs. R. R. Owen, and his sons, F. O Davis and P.R Davis.
John Calvin Davis, son of George and Emily Jean (Sheppard) Davis, was born in Menard County, Illinois, June 26, 1860. At the age of four years he came with his parents to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where he has lived almost continuously since that time.
In July, 1882, he married Miss Mary F. Ruckle, daughter of Peter Ruckle, native of Baltimore, Maryland, who came to Iowa in 1862. He is survived by Mrs. Davis and seven children: Mrs. Alfred Thies of Avoca; Floyd Orville Davis of Kansas City’ Mrs. Robert Raymond Owen of Chicago; Mrs. Ernest Lawrenson of Boston; George Henry Davis of Minneapolis, Mrs. Howard S. Gore of Omaha, and Paul Ruckle Davis of Harlan, Iowa; nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren, one brother, Houton Davis, and one sister, Mrs. Emma Altig of Avoca.
After his marriage he followed farming for several years. The community in which he lived was better because of his untiring work. He was always ready to do his part for the needy and unfortunate, always interested in the church, social and business affairs of the community.
For the past six years Mr. Davis has been Justice of the Peace for Knox township and registrar of Vital Statistics for the community and conducted a real estate business. He was a member of I.O.O.F lodge No. 220, which he has served as secretary for several years, also a member of M. W. A. No 165. A more kind and thoughtful citizen never lived in this vicinity. Mr. Davis was a familiar figure on Avoca streets, being a particularly preserved and active man, and will be missed from our midst.
Funeral services were held at the Blust Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon with Rev. Thompson performing the last rites. Burial was in Avoca Cemetery.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald