A thrifty and industrious farmer, a capable and keen business man, a patriotic citizen and a warm advocate of general improvement and progress, the subject of this article is eminently entitled to representation in the history of his County.
John B. Davis was born in Warren County, Indiana, on April 15. i860. His parents, Dorse and Mary F. (Breuster) Davis, were natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee. The father was born in 1826 and in 1856 went to Arkansas, whence three years later to Indiana and there farmed until his death in 1867. The mother was born in 1830; her parents were pioneers in Indiana and her father operated a general merchandise store together with a farm. She had three brothers in the Civil war. Our subject was reared and grew to manhood in Indiana, remaining with his parents until he was fourteen.
Like all the hardy and energetic pioneers, he traveled all over the middle west, and the northwestern country. Finally, in 1883, he settled down near Waitsburg and farmed until 1889. Then Mr. Davis sold out and bought a farm twelve miles northeast from Colfax. At the opening of the reservation he came hither and secured his present place, which adjoins Mohler. He was among the very first to locate and moved the family there the next summer. He owns a quarter section and farms two hundred and thirty acres. Mr. Davis follows the diversified plan of farming and also raises fine Poland China hogs. He built the hotel in Mohler, ran it for one year then rented and later sold it.
In October 28, 1885, Mr. Davis married Miss Mary C. Pollard, whose parents reside near Walla Walla. She was born on February 7, 1867, and has the following named brothers and sisters; Melissa A., Oliver, Etta, Minnie, Frank, Robert, Roy, four deceased, John B., Betty, Ella and Delia. Mr. Davis has four brothers and one sister, Jasper, deceased, Newton, Frank M., Phillip, Mary Summons. The children of the household are two, George A., born September 19, 1886: Floyd E., born January 3, 1895.
Mr. Davis is a member of the W. W., the I. O. O. F. and Rebekahs. Politically he walks with the Republicans, although he is an independent thinker.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903