This worthy pioneer and capable citizen of Malheur County is one of the well known farmers of the vicinity of Ontario, having a farm of eighty acres two and one-half miles northwest from Ontario which is well improved with comfortable buildings, orchards, etc., having also a good supply of water for irrigating. Mr. Davis is a native of Douglas County, Nebraska, being born on November 23, 1855, and the son of Charles B. and Jane (Platt) Davis. The father was a veteran of the Mexican war, participating in many battles and skirmishes and, being honorably discharged at its close. He was a native of Ohio, but went into the war from Iowa. Following his discharge, he removed with his family to Nebraska and settled in Douglas County. In 1861 he again pressed to the front and served his country, enlisting for a three-years’ period. In 1864 the elder Davis came across the plains with his family, locating in Boise first, when few people were there and bacon cost fifty cents per pound. In 1868 he removed to the vicinity of Malheur City and being a lawyer, he practiced there and in Baker and Eldorado. In Baker City he was called hence by death, in 1875.
In 1873 our subject removed to Lower Willow creek and engaged in the stock business. In the spring of 188o he came to the Malheur river and took land and three years later he came to his present place, taking a quarter section, of which he sold half. He produces much alfalfa hay each year. At various times he has also been engaged in mining, as well as the stock business.
On September 3, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Jane A., a daughter of Joseph A. and Clementine Morton, and they have been blessed by the advent of seven children to their home, as follows: Lillie, wife of C. A. Haygood, of the vicinity of Vale; Kate, wife of Frank Carmen, near Ontario; Charles; Nellie; Nora; George and Adrian. Mrs. Davis’ father lives near Ontario. Mr. Davis’ mother has passed away, the date being 1880, as also his father, as mentioned above. Mr. Davis is a member of the A. O. U. W., in Ontario. He started in this country with no money and possessed of good health and a resolute will. He has made a commendable showing and has accumulated a good property. It is of note that Mr. Davis says at the time the site of Ontario was surveyed, he assisted to grub the sage brush from the streets.
