Husband Ephraim L. Davis 1 2 3 4
Born: 18 Nov 1836 - Conewango Twp, Warren Co, PA 2
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Father: Greeley Davis (1787-1863) 2 3 5
Mother: Lucy Dow (1792-1868) 2 3 5
Marriage: 2 Dec 1860 6
Wife Mary Elizabeth Dale 1 3 4 6
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Died: Bef 1913
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Father: John A. Dale (1808-1877) 4 7
Mother: Elizabeth E. Watson ( -Aft 1890) 4
Children
1 F Maud Anna Davis 6
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2 M James Dale Davis 6
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3 M Charles Herbert Davis 6
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4 M Benjamin Freeman Davis 6
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5 M Gilbert G. Davis 6
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Status: Twin
6 M Donald C. Davis 6
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Status: Twin
General Notes: Husband - Ephraim L. Davis
The boyhood and early youth of E. L. Davis were passed upon a farm with his father and mother, the lad doing cheerfully the work incident to that calling, with the additional labor of sawing in a mill owned by his father. Living on the farm, his educational advantages were poor, schools being few and far between. At an early age, however, he developed a great taste for reading, and had many times read the books in his own home, as well as those found in the libraries of the neighbors. He ever received encouragement from his thoughtful mother, who was reminded of a better time coming, that "all things come to those who wait," and that education and culture can not be kept from those who earnestly desire them. So, when the announced opening of a select school at Pleasantville, only two miles from his own home, took place, he, then at the age of eighteen years, felt that the opportunity so long looked for was at hand, and, in company with his intimate friend and neighbor, Thomas A. Morrison (later president judge of McKean and Potter counties), early enrolled himself as a pupil of Hon. M. C. Beebe. What Dr. Arnold was to the boys at Rugby Mr. Beebe was to the youth of Pleasantville and vicinity-not only an apt instructor, but also truest of friends and wisest of counselors. For the next five years the young student spent several months of each year in attendance at the academy, working on the farm and teaching during the balance of the time, to earn the means to pay for clothes, books, tuition, etc. During all this time he was an active politician, taking great interest in the Democratic party. In 1861, for his active work and ability shown, he was nominated in the county convention of Venango County, for assembly, for the district of Venango and Mercer counties. Afterward his nomination was ratified by the Democratic convention of Mercer. His opponent was his old preceptor, M. C. Beebe, of Pleasantville, but the tidal wave of Republicanism, caused by the fall of Fort Sumter, having swept over Pennsylvania, among others, his opponent was elected. In 1864 Mr. Davis moved to the borough of Tionesta (then in Venango County, later in Forest County), and became engaged in the mercantile and real estate businesses with Hon. John A. Dale, continuing in the same until he was elected sheriff of Forest County, in 1869, in which capacity he served three years. During the year 1868 or 1870 he entered his name as a student at law, and was in the active practice of that profession beginning 1874. In 1879 he was nominated by his party (Republican) for the legislature, and after an exciting canvas (the county being close) was elected. He was given the compliment of an unanimous nomination for a second term in 1882, and was elected by increased majority. He was also a member of the famous extra session of the legislature, in the summer and fall of 1883, called by Gov. Pattison, the Democratic governor, for the purpose of reapportioning the state into congressional districts. While a member of the legislature he served on many important committees, among them being those on judiciary, general congressional apportionment, banks, townships, etc. He held the position on the congressional apportionment during the three sessions, and was an active and influential member, being chosen by the Republican caucus during the extra session as chairman of an important political committee to look after the political legislation during the session of the house, which he did to his credit and the satisfaction of his compeers. In 1886 he organized the Tionesta Gas Company, and was secretary and manager of the concern. He held the office of justice of the peace for Tionesta borough for four years, was appointed United States inspector, in 1862, for the counties of Venango, Crawford and Warren, holding the position until the office was abolished. He held the various positions of borough councilman, school director (nine years), and was president of the school board.
Mr. Davis was a man earnest in his convictions, just in his dealings, conscientious in his discharge of public and private duties, pronounced in his adherence to the principles of his political party. He was a courteous gentlemen, a true friend, a safe counselor, and an honorable man. [HMEF, 929]