One of the worthy pioneers of this County, a man of ability and executive force and unswerving integrity, the subject of this sketch is now one of the leading citizens of Nyssa, and a prominent man in Malheur County. He lives one mile northwest from the town of Nyssa, having a ‘farm of one hundred and twenty acres, well improved and handled in a skillful manner, which is a good dividend producer.
James T. was born in Unionville, Putnam County, Missouri, on October 25, 185o, being the son of Hamilton and Saline Davis. In 1862, the father and the oldest son came across the plains with ox teams and in 1865, our subject and his mother came the same journey with horse teams. They both made the trip without serious accident and when the mother arrived in Boise, the father was there to meet them and the reunited family made their way to the Willamette valley where they settled in Polk County. Four years later, they removed from that place to Umatilla County and in 1874, our subject went from the home in that County to Boise valley, Idaho, and later re-turned to his people, who had in the meantime migrated to Baker City. The reports which he brought from the Boise valley caused all to move there and engage in raising stock. Our subject went thence to Emmett, Idaho, and there married Miss Lulu Brinnon in May, 1881. In 1895, Mrs. Davis was called away by death. In 1885, Mr. Davis came from Idaho to Ontario and there engaged in the livery business, handling also and shipping many horses to various markets. Later he located an island just below the Riverside ferry as mining land, selling the same at a good advantage. Then he bought the land where his home is at the present time and this has been transformed into a valuable farm. Among other productions, he raises much alfalfa hay and has a comfortable home.
Mr. Davis contracted a second marriage, the lady becoming his wife at this time being Miss Laura, daughter of Mrs. A. J. Lewis, who makes her home with them at the present time. The date of this wedding was February, 1898. Mr. Davis takes an active part in politics, being allied with the Democratic Party and he is a good citizen and a well respected and upright gentleman.