Biography of Charles R. Davis, 1902, Grant Co., Oregon
Surnames: Davis, Carter

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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 467

CHARLES R. DAVIS

As one of Grant county's most thrifty and enterprising stockmen and
agriculturists the estimable gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph is
well known, being as upright and exemplary citizen and successful business
man, but as proprietor of the famous summer resort known as McDuffee's hot
springs, he is widely known throughout eastern Oregon and the adjoining
states, the springs in question being equal to the celebrated hot springs in
Arkansas, as stated by some of the leading physicians who have investigated
the subject.

Mr. Davis was born on April 7, 1860 near Mount Vernon, St. Lawrence county,
Missouri, whence, in 1861, he was removed by his parents T. J. and Mary A.
(Gentry) Davis, to Susanville, Lassen county, California, crossing the plains
and traveling the entire distance with ox teams. His father was a dealer in
stock and a farmer, and in assisting in these occupations, as well as in
attending the public schools of his home place, the early years of Charles R.
were passed. During the years of his minority the family removed to the Pitt
river country, and in 1884 the subject of this sketch stepped out into the
world for himself, his first venture being to migrate to the Fox valley, in
this county. Two years later, after due investigation, he took a homestead a
short distance from where he now lives and gave his attention to farming and
stock raising. Success attended his efforts and in 1895 he sold that farm and
bought the place of his residence, at Ritter post-office. On this farm are the
springs mentioned above, and which are justly attracting attention both from
the medical world and from those who are suffering from rheumatism and skin
diseases, as well as other maladies. The water from springs is 110 degrees
Fahrenheit, with medical and healing properties that have made the springs
sought after each year by hundreds of patients. Mr. Davis has provided his
springs with a fine and commodious bath house, while a good hotel store,
post-office, feed and livery stable, are at hand, making it a desirable place
to spend an outing and recruit from the maladies to which our race is heir.
The surrounding country is also very attractive, both in picturesque beauty
and on account of its adjacency to one of the richest mining regions in the
northwest. Under the skillful management of their generous and public-spirited
owner the springs are rapidly becoming a very popular resort and bid fair to
make one of the leading institutions of our state. In addition to this
valuable property Mr. Davis owns one half section of land near by that is well
improved and also bands of cattle and horses. During the summer season not
only those who partake of the good cheer of the hotel from the quota of the
guests, but camping grounds are provided for those who desire the outing and
it is a very pleasant sight to see from one to two hundred persons camped
about, while the grounds of the genial proprietor are thrown open to guests
and his herds and gardens supply abundance of good things for the table and
the  many horses are at hand for trips through the adjacent hills.

Mr. Davis was married on Oct 2, 1894, Miss Mary, a native of Oregon, and a
daughter of William M. and Pernice Carter, who live near Longcreek. They have
become the parents of three children, James M., Elijah and Mildred. In 1886
Mr. Davis' parents migrated hither from California and took a homestead and
began stock raising but later they sold out and removed to Longcreek, where
they live at the present time.