Fred Waren Davis, 1837

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Thu, 15 Feb 2001

Surname: DAVIS, PIPPEN, LEE, GERLACK, PIETERPOL

----Source: History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918), by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

FRED WAREN DAVIS, a widely known and esteemed citizen of Grant Township, and a pioneer settler in Clark County, was born in Essex County, March 13, 1837. His parents were West and Mary Ann (Pippen) Davis, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of St. Lawrence county, N. Y., in which county they were married. West Davis, who was the son of Calvin Davis, settled in New York state at an early age, and remained there to the end of his days, following the occupation of a farmer. he died at the comparatively early age of 44 years. His wife's span of life was nearly twice as long, as she died only five years ago, when in her 80th year. They had four children: Mary Ann, Samuel, Lucy and Fred W. The family were members of the Presbyterian Church. Fred W. Davis grew to manhood in Essex County, N. Y., and in his boyhood attended the common school.

In December, 1864, he was united in marriage with Ruth P. Lee, a native of New York state, and daughter of Aaron Lee. That year he and his wife came west to Clark County, Wis., locating on land in what is now Grant Township, but which then was known as Weston. His tract consisted of sixty acres, and was nearly wild, though there was a half-roof shanty on the place. He had a pair of horses, but soon sold them, and got a cow. His mill was at Neillsville, and it took two days to make the trip. At times he made a little money hauling supplies to the lumber camps. Soon after coming into the township, Mr. Davis bought forty more acres of land, and for many years afterwards he bought and sold land as he saw good opportunity, in time acquiring many acres. He also built a frame barn on his place, and the next year put up a good house; also raising good stock, in which branch of his work he favored shorthorn cattle. While engaged in loading logs in the woods he met with an accident which cost him his right arm, which handicapped him considerably in his general farm work. For the last thirty years, therefore, he has been a stock dealer, though he still oversees the farm work. Mr. Davis has gained high standing as a citizen, and has served more or less in public office.

He was for two years chairman of the township board, and has also been a member of the school board, and has had charge of road and bridge work for the county.

His wife, Ruth, died fifteen years ago at the age of 52 years, and he subsequently married Amelia Gerlack, who was born in Calumet County, Wis. Mr. Davis has had seven children, those by his first wife, six in number: Ellen Jeanette, wife of John Pieterpol; Frank E., who resides on the home farm; W. Scott, cashier of Granton Bank; Truman, a farmer in York Township; Louis, a civil engineer, residing in Montana, and Hale, who is engaged in the hardware business at Granton. Of Mr. Davis' second marriage one daughter was born, Caroline, who resides at home.