Charles E. Davis
In the November election of 1912 the citizens of Grant County made a very happy choice for the office of county recorder. Charles E. Davis came to Marion only a few years ago to take a position in one of the local manufacturing enterprises, and by his ability as a business man, and the ready esteem and popularity which he quickly acquired among all classes of citizenship, has for several years been recognized as a citizen who deserves promotion, and is thoroughly worthy of the confidence of the voters.
Charles E. Davis was born December 6, 1873, at Oswego, New York. His parents were Richard S. and Lydia (Court) Davis, the former a native of England, and the latter of New York State. For half a century the father sailed the high seas, and visited every port on the globe. In 1888 he came to the middle west, locating in Allegan County, Michigan, which remained his home until his death in 1898, when he was seventy-four years old. The mother is still living there. Of their three children, two are living, and the brother of the Marion citizen is James F. Davis of Allegan County. The father was a man of unusual education, and took a very prominent part in Masonic circles.
Charles E. Davis has a career in which individual initiative and self effort have been prominent factors. Born in New York, educated there and in Allegan County in the common schools, he left Allegan County at the age of fourteen, and went to seek his fortunes first in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He got a job as ash-wheeler in a a large powerhouse, and his willingness to work and readiness to learn were appreciated by several promotions until he was assistant engineer. From there he went to Chicago, and while working there came to a keen realization of the advantages of a good technical training as a preparation for life. Consequently he gave up his leisure and social pleasures, entered Armour Institute of Technology and paid his way ;while studying the course in electrical engineering until; his graduation in 1902. He followed his work as an electrical engineer in Chicago until 1907, when he came to Marion to become engineer for the Marion Handle & Manufacturing Company, a position which he has since held.
On November 8, 1894, Mr. Davis married Alice Ortman of Allegan County, Michigan, a daughter of J.H. Ortman. Their four children are Mahlon O., Lucy E., Barbara and Charles E., Jr., all of whom are at home.
Mr. Davis was elected on November 5, 1913, recorder of Grant County on the Democratic ticket, and took office on the first of January, 1914. Fraternally he belongs to the Order of Eagles, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Crew of Neptune.
Submitted by: Gina Reasoner