John E. Davis

DAVIS, HAWLEY, ATCHINSON, NELSON

Posted By: Martin Davis (email)
Date: 2/1/2006 at 18:59:52

Biographical and historical memoirs of Story County, Iowa : comprising a condensed history of the state, a number of biographies. Chicago : Goodspeed, 1890 460 p. : ports. ; 29 cm

pp.312-313

John E. Davis. In enumerating the enterprising and progressive a agriculturalist and stockmen of Story County, Mr. Davis must not be overlooked, for he is acknowledged by all to be one of the leading men of the community. He first opened his eyes to the light of this world in Ontario County, N. Y., August 18, 1833. His father, Cornelius Davis, was of English extraction. He was a farmer by occupation, and followed this pursuit in his native State (Connecticut), and later in New York. By his marriage with Miss Sabrina Hawley he became the father of eight children, five sons and three daughters, and but three of these sons are now living. John E. Davis attained his growth in his native county, where he also obtained a good common-school education. At the age of twenty-one years he went to Illinois , but after one year spent in that State he returned to New York, and the next fourteen years of his life were spent uneventfully in that State in tilling the soil. Being afflicted with the asthma, and thinking the climate of Northern Iowa would be beneficial, he disposed of his interests in New York, and in 1868 came to Story County, Iowa, where he has ever since been an honored resident. His farm comprises 252 acres of good tillable land, most of it under cultivation, and well improved with a fine two-story brick house, a barn 50x56x24 feet, besides a cow barn 16x48 feet, and a granary and shedding attached. For a number of years he has been devoting considerable attention to stock-raising; he owns twenty-six head of horses, including some high-grade Norman mares and a trotting Morgan stallion and Poland China and full-blood hogs. In Monroe County, N. Y., in 1859, his marriage with Miss Sarah A. Atchinson was consummated, and their married life was blessed with the following children: Herbert M. (now twenty-seven years of age, married Miss Carrie L. Nelson, and they make their home on his father's farm), George S. (born in February, 1866, was killed in a collision in December, 1888), and Hugh C. (is now eighteen years of age, and is residing with his father). Mr. And Mrs. Davis are consistent members of the congregational Church, at Ames, as are also their eldest son and his wife. The former is also a member of the Alliance, and in politics votes the Union Labor ticket.