BIO: J. Gemmill DAVIS, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ Donehoo, George P., Editor-in-Chief. Pennsylvania, A History, Vol. 3, Biography. New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc., 1926, page 13. _________________________________________ J. GEMMILL DAVIS - A man often finds his vocation only after experiment. J. Gemmill Davis, banker, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, tried other things before he settled in the financial field. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, December 1, 1849, Mr. Davis is a descendant of Colonial and Revolutionary ancestors on both sides of his family. After his early education in the public schools he commenced a course at Pittsburgh College, and on completing his studies he worked for four years as a clerk, when he entered the commission business. This he followed until 1874, when he entered the Altoona Bank. In 1902 this bank was merged with the Central Trust Company. Mr. Davis started in the bank as bookkeeper, and in 1895 was made cashier; and when the merger was made he became secretary, treasurer and a director in the institution. Later he was made vice-president, secretary, treasurer and manager. Mr. Davis is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having served in the Civil War as a member of Company F, 195th Regiment of Infantry, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and also in the 79th Pennsylvania Regiment of Volunteers. He is a member of the Altoona Rotary Club, the Altoona Cricket Club, the Spruce Creek Rod and Gun Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Blairmont Country Club, and the Credit Men's Association. He is treasurer and a director in the Blair Hotel Company, treasurer of seven Building and Loan associations, treasurer of the Altoona Hospital, and president of the Rothert Company. During the World War he was chairman for Blair County of the Liberty Loan drives. In 1876, Mr. Davis married (first) Eleanor Gardner, who died in 1892. Their children were: Mary G., George E., and William I. Davis. His second wife, Kate Isett, has also borne him three children: Gemmill C., John S. and Henry O. Davis. His father, Patrick G. Davis, born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, was a farmer until his death. His mother, Elizabeth (Osborne) Davis, deceased, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mr. Davis attends the Presbyterian Church.