Edward L. Davis
Edward L. Davis, grocer, Garrettsville, was born in Shropshire, England, March 8, 1840, and was brought to America when eleven years of age by his father, Ellis Davis. They first located in Ravenna, and from there went to Hiram Rapids, where they lived a few years. Ellis Davis, who was a miller by trade, died in Garrettsville September 3, 1865; his wife died in England about 1843. Their children were two in number: Ellis, who is in the insurance business in Cleveland, Ohio, and Edward L. Our subject received a common school education, and early in life began to work at the miller's trade. He was twice married, on first occasion November 3, 1861, to Ann Ferry, who died August 19, 1875, leaving to his care two children: Mary G. and Ellis F. Mr. Davis was again married March 23, 1876, this time to Emma L. Morgan (widow of H. Morgan, of Hartsgrove Township, by whom she had one daughter—Maud, now living with her stepfather). By this union there were two girls: Grace and Daisy. Mrs. Davis died October 18, 1880. Our subject in 1861 took charge of the grist-mill at Garrettsville and five years later purchased an interest in the same, but in 1880, owing to the effects of dust on his lungs, he was forced to retire from milling. He then purchased an interest in a grocery, but two years later again gave up active business. The following year he purchased a stock of groceries, and is still engaged in that business. Mr. Davis has served the people as City Clerk two terms, and on the Board of Education three years. He is an active member of Portage Lodge, I. O. O. F.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885