Walter M. Davis

Walter M. Davis, dealer in boots, shoes, harness, furniture, etc. at Evart, was born Aug. 31, 1847, in Washington Twp., Macomb Co., Mich. His father, Stephen H. Davis, was born in the State of New York and is an early settler of Macomb County. He is engaged in the sale of agricultural implements at Romeo in that county. His mother, Sarah Maria (Scott) Davis, is a native of the State of New York. They are the parents of nine children.

At the age of 18 years, which period of his life he had passed on his father's farm, Mr. Davis went to Ray, in his native county, to prepare for the business of a harness-maker. He served a period of three years, and in 1868 he opened a shop for the transaction of business in that avenue at Ray, which he conducted two years. In October, 1871, he came to Evart, accompanied by his brother - Henry A. Davis - and they erected buildings beside each other for the prosecution of their respective enterprises - harness-making and the sale of furniture. The death of H.A. Davis occurred in December, 1878, and, in company with M.C. Williams, the surviving brother purchased the stock of furniture, becoming sole owner three years later by purchase. His business has continued to expand, and he increased its connections by the addition of boots and shoes, and also keeps a full line of undertaker's goods. He also owns a hearse. Mr. Davis owns the building in which he established his business primarily, which is 20 X 62 feet in dimensions, rents the structure built by his brother, which exceeds his own in size, and also occupies a large stone house opposite, 20 x 80 feet in size. He erected the building in which the postoffice at Evart is located and where he formerly operated. His stock in the various departments of his business averages a value of $10,000. He owns his village property, consisting of a house and three lots, and also a 50 acre farm situated adjoining the village of Sears. Mr. Davis is a member of the School Board and is the present Village Treasurer, in which position he is serving his seventh term.He was married in Grand Rapids to Elizabeth Wolf, a native of Buffalo, N.Y. Their children were born in Evart as follows: Earl S., June 12, 1881, and Glenn S., Sept. 23, 1883. Politically he is an out and out Republican.

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