of the Union. He possessed an observing eye and retentive memory and his mind was stored with many interesting reminiscences of his journeys. In character he was quiet and unassuming but always made friends wherever he went and had the happy faculty of retaining them. He did much good in the world, aside from his discoveries and experiments in the field 0f horticulture, by assisting students who came under his guidance and aiding them to gain a start in life. He was an ideal man in his home, devoted to the welfare of wife and children and he left his family well provided for. His death occurred at Phoenix, Arizona, December 20, 1904, and his remains were brought back to Ames for interment. Not seeking honor but simply endeavoring to do his duty, honors were yet multiplied to him and prosperity followed all his undertakings.
H. C. DAVIS.
H. C. Davis, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits, was born on the farm on section 36, Franklin township, on which he now resides, his natal day being December 6, 1871. He has always resided here and throughout his entire life has been connected more or less with the work of the fields, his time and attention being now given to the cultivation of one hundred and eighty-five acres of rich and productive land known as the Evergreen farm.
His parents were John E. and Sarah A. (Benson) Davis, the former born in Canandaigua, New York, August 18, 1832, and the latter at Spencerport, New York, on the 11th of November, 1835. They were reared in the Empire state and were married there on the 18th of January, 1859. For several years thereafter they resided in Ontario county, New York, but in 1868 removed westward to Story county, Iowa, settling on the farm which is now the home of their son H. C. Davis. Here their remaining days were passed, the father's death occurring April 16, 1891, while his wife survived until February 28, 1900. Both were members of the Congregational church and were people of sterling worth, who enjoyed the good will and friendship of those who knew them. The father devoted his entire life to farming and was the owner of two hundred and thirty-five acres of land in this county, including one hundred and twenty acres of the farm upon which H. C. Davis now resides; while the remainder lay across the road in Milford township. The family numbered three sons: Herbert M., who is now living in Greensburg, Kansas; George S., who was killed in a railroad wreck in northwestern Iowa on the 20th of December, 1887; and H. C., of this review.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for H. C. Davis in his boyhood and youth. He pursued his education in the district schools and when not busy with his text-books worked in