John H. Davis Biography


	This biography appears on pages 551-552 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				JOHN H. DAVIS. 

	John H. Davis, residing in Oneida township, Sanborn county, is 
the owner of one thousand nine hundred acres of the county,s finest 
farm and stock land and is one of its wealthy and substantial citizens. 
A native of Gloucestershire, England, he was born July 20, 1845, his 
parents being George and Mary Ann (Haines) Davis. The father was an 
expert farmer and served for many years as farm superintendent on large 
English estates. 

	John H. Davis acquired his education in the public schools of 
England and following his school days worked for a time as a farm 
laborer, while later he became connected with the Midland Railway of 
England as telegraph clerk, from which position he was promoted to that 
of train conductor. In 1870 he came to America, settling for a time at 
Memphis, Tennessee, and for a number of years operated a dairy near 
that place, after which he returned to England. In 1881 he again came 
to America and for a time was employed in the Humboldt mines in 
northern Michigan. In 1883 he came to Dakota territory, settling at 
Milwaukee Junction and working on the construction of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. He afterward took contracts for building 
various stations along the new line. In 1884 he purchased one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, which he began to improve, and as time passed 
and opportunity offered he added to his holdings until they reached 
approximately twenty-two hundred acres. He has been for many years one 
of the most extensive farmers and stock-raisers of the district and he 
has displayed the most sound judgment and the keenest discrimination in 
the management of his undertakings. His farm is equipped with modern, 
commodious and substantial buildings, with the latest improved 
machinery, and water is supplied from fine artesian wells. Advanced 
scientific methods are followed in all branches of the farm work and in 
the cafe of stock and he is well known as an extensive breeder of 
Hereford and shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. 

	On the 5th of August, 1869, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to 
Miss Lucy Hitchens Tinkler, a daughter of William Tinkler, of 
Gloucester, England, who was a merchant of that city. In young 
womanhood Mrs. Davis was a successful school teacher. She has become 
the mother of thirteen children, but only three are now living: George 
Ernest; Emily Maude, the wife of G. F. Butterford, of Sioux City, Iowa; 
and Mabel Rose, the wife of Professor Victor Ruppert, of Evansville, 
Indiana. 

	In his political views Mr. Davis is a republican and for many 
years has held a place on the local boards and in connection with 
public office. For some years he was inspector of stock for Sanborn 
county and at all times his aid and cooperation have been counted upon 
to further the general welfare. Since childhood he has been identified 
with the Episcopal church. In a review of his life history it is seen 
that perseverance, hard work and good business judgment in making 
investments have been the strong elements in his growing and honorable 
success.