Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


GEORGE B. DAVIS 
 
was born in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1821. His parents, Thomas H. and Maria 
(Barnes) Davis, were both natives of Massachusetts. Mr. Davis was reared and 
schooled in his native place. While a young man he left the farm and learned the 
trade of boot and shoe maker, and soon after reaching his majority he 
established himself in the boot and shoe business, and as his trade increased he 
commenced manufacturing upon an extensive scale, in Concord. He conducted his 
enterprise in that place for nearly forty years, and was one of the 
representative business men of that section. In addition to other enterprises he 
was a lumber dealer, and was also engaged in the real-estate business. In 1884 
Mr. Davis decided to retire from the active business pursuits and seek a more 
genial climate, and in October of that year he came to California and located in 
the Sierra Madre Colony, taking up his residence upon a forty-eight-acre tract, 
which he had purchased in 1881. This land is situated on the east side of 
Baldwin avenue, northwest of Live Oak avenue. It was then in a wild and 
uncultivated state. He at first planted a vineyard of thirty-five acres, but 
later decided to devote his attention to fruit culture, and in 1885 commenced 
tree-planting. At this writing (1889) he is the owner of forty-five acres of his
original tract, eleven acres of which are an orange grove and orchard, producing 
Washington Navel oranges and a large variety of deciduous fruits for family use. 
Twelve acres are in Muscat grapes. The rest of his land is devoted to hay and 
grain. The substantial improvements, consisting of a well-ordered cottage and 
suitable out-buildings, denote the successful farmer and horticulturist. Mr. 
Davis has taken an interest in developing the resources of the colony and 
advancing its interests. He is a director of the Sierra Madre Water Company, and 
in 1888 was the vice-president of the company. Politically he is a Republican, 
and though not an office seeker, takes an intelligent interest in the success of 
his party. He is a consistent member of the Congregational Church of Sierra 
Madre, and a strong supporter of the same; has been a trustee, and in 1885 and 
1886 was one of the deacons of the church. In 1854 Mr. Davis married Miss Sarah 
A. Cracroft, a native of New York City. They have one child, Alice L., who 
married Chester A. Andrews, formerly of Connecticut, but now a resident of 
Sierra Madre.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 728
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler