Frank Davis

As printed in 1914

FRANK DAVIS.

Frank Davis is a resident farmer of Montrose township, owning and cultivating eighty acres. He was born in Green Bay, Lee county, Iowa, November 24, 1863. His father, Armstead Davis, was a native of Ohio, born December 9, 18 18, and in that state he wedded Anna McGregor, who was born May 30, 1829. They came to Iowa at an early period in the development of Lee county, and secured a farm in Montrose township, remaining residents of this section of the state throughout their remaining days, the father passing away May i8, 1883, while his wife died April 6, 1896, their remains being interred in a cemetery at Sandusky. Both were consistent members of the Christian church. They are survived by two sons, Albert and Frank, both residents of Montrose township.

The latter was reared in the township where he still makes his home and attended the public schools of Ashland a part of each year until he reached the age of eighteen. He worked upon his father's farm from early boyhood and continued to assist in its cultivation until the time of his marriage. On the 19th of January, 1898, he wedded Miss Sadie Colvin, the marriage ceremony being performed by the Rev. Sanderson, of the Christian church of Keokuk. Mrs. Davis was Iporn at the old Colvin home in Montrose township on the 6th of November, 1865, and acquired her education in the public schools. Her parents were William and Catherine (Van Arsdell) Colvin. Her father, who was born in Kentucky, came to Iowa at an early day with his wife and three children, driving across the country to Lee county. He settled in Montrose township and finally purchased the farm upon which Mr. and Mrs. Davis now reside, remaining thereon to the time of his death, which occurred in August, 1909. He was a faithful member of the Christian church and he exercised his right of franchise in support of the republican party. His widow still makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Davis, who is one of a family of seven children, namely: Malissa, the wife of Austin Wright of Keokuk; Amanda, who married John Boyd of Montrose; Mary, who became the wife of Zach Boyd and died in Missouri; Martha, who became the wife of William Grimes and died in Indiana; Mrs. Davis; Nannie, the wife of Robert Grimes of Montrose; and J. H. Colvin.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Davis located upon his farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Montrose township and continued to cultivate and improve that property until 19 10, when he sold out. He then purchased his present farm and erected a residence thereon. The interior finishing of the house is of walnut grown upon this place. The home is an attractive one and the excellent appearance of the place indicates the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner, who is justly accounted one of the progressive farmers of his part of the county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been born a daughter, Catherine, whose birth occurred in 1900 and who is now attending the public schools of Ashland. The parents are members of the Christian church at Summitville and do all in their power to further the moral development of the community. Mr. Davis is a republican in his political views and while he has not sought public office he has served on the school board for nineteen years. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has a wide acquaintance in this county, where his entire life has been passed, and that his record has ever been an honorable and commendable one is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time.

As printed in Story of Lee County, Iowa; (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.