Burial was in K.P. cemetery Sunday afternoon. Rev. Logan Martin conducting the services, and burial was under direction of the Garland Masonic Lodge of which deceased was charter member. Pall bearers were old friends and lodge brothers. Being W.C. Kingsley, Dr. G.W. Newman, John T. Jones, Calvin Taylor, James Fugit and H.C. Smith.

John W. Davis was probably the oldest citizen of Dallas County, coming here from Rayport County, Indiana in 1843, settling on White Rock. He came to Shreveport by boat, and walked from there to Dallas. He married Miss Chenault, another pioneer citizen, in 1855, and is survived by her and seven children, three children having died. The living children are, Ben, Dan, and Caleb, Mrs. Taylor Wallace, Mrs. Tom Brandenburg, Mrs. Margret Deering and Mrs. Hou Ramsey. All were at home at the time of his death except Mrs. Ramsey, who could not be gotten over the wires. Mrs Naylor, the youngest sister of Mr. Davis, also survives him, together with a large number of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and relatives.

Mr. Davis was probably the oldest Mason in the county, having assisted in the organization of the Scyene Lodge, the oldest in the county. He attended that lodge for many years until the organization of the lodge here.

There is not a question as to his exact age, the family record having been lost, but the last information obtainable is that he would have been 97 years old on his next birthday, Dec 24.

Mr. Davis was an interesting character. He was a great reader and until becoming totally deaf several years ago was one of the most interesting conversationalists in the community. He possessed a remarkable memory, and kept close track of events, especially political, and had a large fund of historical events at his tongue's end. He voted for Texas' first governor and every governor since then and took an active interest in all elections, being a staunch Democrat with decided views on all public questions.

In the early days Mr. Davis did considerable surveying and helped to make of Dallas County one of the leading agricultural counties of the state. Early court records show that in August 1849 John Jackson and his neighbors Benjamin Dye and A. G. Collins were appointed Commissioners to review the best route for a public highway from the town of Dallas to the Crossing of the East Fork of the Trinity. The plan was approved in February 1850, and among the hands appointed to work were his sons Andrew and James Jackson, Benjamin Prigmore (his future son-in-law), and Benjamin and John Davis (brothers of James E. Jackson's wife Diana Jane (Davis)).

He owned the farm on which he died for many years and planted pecan trees around his home, which have furnished many nuts for the family. Some of his last work was planting these in his yard. He worked a large garden himself and took great pride in having the best in the county. On Monday before his death he went fishing, this being his chief recreation.

In the death of this old citizen, there is removed from our community one of its most interesting, industrious and likeable character, and he will be missed in the daily walks of life.

The photo at the head of this article was taken about three weeks ago on his home porch, when the News editor accompanied a Dallas News special writer down to get some data on his life. The News and Journal carried a lengthy article about him and his wife. Peace to his spirit.

Garland News, June 1919