LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

The Republican Centennial Edition, Wapello, Louisa County, Iowa
Thursday, July 12, 1956, Section Three, Page 41
Transcribed by Shirley Plumb, June 30, 2019

SERVICE WITH 53 YEARS EXPERIENCE

    R. L. Davison started his own Real Estate, Insurance and Loan business here in Wapello on the first of January, 1955. But, do not let that date mislead you—there is well over 50 years of experience behind that.

    Ray had his first experience in the private bank established in 1848 by his grandfather. This was the old Commercial bank and Ray started there in 1903 when he graduated from the Wapello schools. In 1908, another private bank, the Citizens Bank was started by Ray’s father, H. B. Davison, so Ray and his brother, H. L. Davison, both went with their Dad in the new Citizens Bank which was located where the light company is today.

    This bank sold out to the Wapello Savings Bank in 1924 and the new location was where The Smart Shop is today, on second and Van Buren streets.

    The State Banking department was Ray’s next place of employment for two years then he changed to the National Banking department and stayed there for three years.

    The Titus Loan and Investment Company of Muscatine, Ia. Was the next stop, this was in 1931 and Ray was with them for the following 24 years during which time he lived in Wapello and drove back and forth every day.

    He built his home here in 1914 on the beautiful spot overlooking the Iowa River, just across from the Dudgeon Funeral Home.