Calvin was born in 1832. He is the son of Isaac Davis and Fanny Esty.

Calvin married Ellen Kingsbury of Roxbury on the 12th day of July in 1860. Their son, Fred Woodbury Davis was born on 3 April 1862 in Roxbury.

During America's Civil War, New Hampshire held lotteries, then called "drafts", to fill the country's call for soldiers. These "Drafts" were always front-page news with each town in New Hampshire's political Districts publishing the results. Calvin's name was drawn from Roxbury's barrel in September 1863. This was all part of The Draft in the Third District of New Hampshire. This must have been frightening for Calvin, as he had an infant son and another child on the way at the time of "The Draft". A second son, Frank Erastus Davis, was born on 7 November 1863. Their last child, a daughter they named Lizzie Elvira Davis, was born on 15 September 1865. Sadly, six years later, Ellen passed away at their home in Roxbury on June 26, 1871. Her children were just nine, seven, and six years old.

Calvin was to remarry in 1876. He chose Miss Ellen A. Stone of Swanzey. The couple married in Keene, New Hampshire on the 28th day of February (1876). They were joined in marriage by the Rev. C. Richardson. That same year he was elected to the position of 'Congressional' in the popular Republicans of Roxbury political club. He remained active in the group for several years.

In June of 1881, Calvin paid a $3,000 bond to gain the guardianship of Fred, Frank, and Lizzie Davis.

At the Roxbury town meeting in March of 1890, Calvin is elected as one of the Selectmen.

He died on 21 June 1903 in Keene, New Hampshire. He had suffered from the effects of lead poisoning for many years. He is buried in the family plot in the Hillside Cemetery in Roxbury, New Hampshire.