John Davison
John Davison, superintendent of the public schools of Lima, is an educator of almost 30 years' experience and is well-known and appreciated all over the State. He was born in Allen County, Ohio, on the 22d day of July, 1858, and is one of a family of four children born to his parents, Amaziah and Eliza (Nye) Davison.
The Davison family is an old one in Ohio, the parents of our subject having resided on a large estate in the vicinity of West Newton, Allen County, for more than half a century. His grandfather, Joseph Davison, was born in Virginia, and there grew to manhood. Before he came to Ohio, where his last years were spent, he had become prominent in his native State and had served in the General Assembly. Amaziah Davison, father of our subject, was born in Virginia, and there followed farming before his removal to Ohio, where he engaged in similar work.
John Davison's education was a liberal one, including attendance at the local schools and the Ohio Northern University at Ada, from which noted institution he was most credibly graduated in 1879.
From the university Mr. Davison immediately entered the educational field, teaching first in the public schools and later in the normal department of Lima Collage, where his efficiency was so generally recognized as an instructor of teachers that universal regret was expressed when he left this institution to accept the chair of English literature and language in the Ohio Northern University, where he succeeded Prof. Warren Darst, also a well-known educator. For five years, until he came to Lima to take charge of the schools, Mr. Davison was identified with that great educational institution, where he was instructor to classes which averaged 300 students. In assuming the superintendency of the public schools of Lima. Mr. Davison succeeded Charles Miller, now president of Lima Collage.
The schools of Lima have always been of a high order, in keeping with the superior intelligence and high character of the city's founders. Mr Davison has proven himself well equipped for the work he has undertaken. He a necessity, as well as the native ability, the social culture and years of experience.
In 1886 Mr. Davison was married to Clara E. Hay, daughter of James Hay, who was a pioneer of Allen County. Her father was born in Ireland and died in this country. Mr. Davison's politics are Republican. He and his wife reside at No. 734 West Market Street.
From History of Allen County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, Edited by Charles C. Miller. Richmond & Arnold, Publishers, Chicago, 1906