Davis - Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas DAVIS
Source: History of Montgomery County, Indiana. Indianapolis: AW Bowen, p 751.
One of the best known and successful horsemen of western Indiana, Robert Thomas Davis, of Crawfordsville, a man who is deserving of the large success he has achieved for he has worked for it along legitimate lines and has never depended upon others to either lay or execute his plans, and he has dealt honorable with the public, upholding the splendid reputation of his honored father before him, who for a long lapse of years was one of the prominent citizens of Montgomery County. Mr. Davis was born in Crawfordsville April 17, 1855, son of Warren and Mary J. Thomas Davis. The father was born in Shelby Co, Ky 1824 and was a son of Warren Davis, Sr. This family was prominent in that section of the old Blue Grass State during the earlyd ays. Warren Davis, Sr. followed farming in that county all his life and there his death occurred at the advanced age of 98 and five months. Warren Davis, Jr. came to Montgomery Co. when a young man, locating south of Crawfordsville in 1853 or 1854. Later he entered the livery business in Crawfordsville with ab rother and continued in this line of endeavor for a period of 9 years, then bought the present site of the stables now owned by his son, Robert T and went into business for himself. He was by nature a lover of horses and a good judge of them as was his father before him, so it is no wonder that our subject has ever manifested a fondness and a rare soundness of judgement in the business in which he has long been engaged. In 1874, the father of our subject was elected county treasurer of Montgomery County, the duties of which he continued to discharge for a period of 4 years ina manner that reflected much credit upon his ability and fidelity and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, his long retention in the same being sufficient evidence of the confidence reposed in him by his constituents. After the expiration of his term of officehe lived in practical retirement until his death Aug 1905. During the Civil War he was engaged in buying stock for the government. Politically, he was a Democrat and belonged to the Baptist Church. he was well known through this locality and was highly respected by all. His wife, known in her maidenhood as Mary j. Thomas was a native of Spencer Co, Ky where her people were well known. There her birth occurred Sept 18, 1833. She is still iving; making her home in Crawfordsville. Robert T. Davis grew to manhood in his native city and here he received a common school education, and whena young man he entered the county treasurer's office as depty, which position he continued to fill most acceptably until 1880. He then turned his attention to the work which he had long contemplated and for which he was especially fitted by nature - handling horses, and he soon acquired a string of baluable race horses, which he made a noted campaign of for a period of 8 years, owning the famous "Rosewood," known to most everyone in western Indiana. He was very successful and deserved to rank among the leading horsemen of tes tate. He then turned his atteniton to the livery business at his father's old stand, 27 years ago and here is still holding forth, having met with ever increasing success, keeping an excellent equipment in horses, vehicles, etc. and has been very faithful in giving the public prompt and high grade service. mr. David was married Jan 12, 1882, to Nellie A. RUTLEDGE, a native of Montgomery Co, who was born near Shannondale, Feb 1858 and is a duaghter of Crockett and Martha A. Rutledge, a well known family of this local. To our subject and wife 3 children have been born: Blanch M, wife of Walter a. Stump of Crawfordsville; Lloyd H, now attending the Unviersity of Illinois; Everett C, who is attending school in Crawfordsville. Politically, Mr. Davis is a Democrat and he has ever been loyal in his support of the party. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. he is a good mixer, a genial, companionable gentleman who has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. - typed by kbz
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