Melissa Jane PETTIS came to Minnesota Territory when she was 13 years old. The PETTIS family became friends with some of the Native People who then lived in the area. Melissa and sister Emily could speak some key words of the Dakota language. She knitted mittens for some of the Native children whom she knew.

She married Henry Clay (twin) DAVIS on 25 September 1862.
Henry Clay DAVIS and Melissa Jane PETTIS DAVIS were the parents of 10 children.

1. Chester 'Chet' Henry DAVIS
2. Victor Clay DAVIS died young
3. Lillian May DAVIS
4. Ella Stacia DAVIS
5. Dolly 'Annette' DAVIS
6. Mary Stella DAVIS
7. Albert Eben DAVIS
8. Cecil 'Isaac' DAVIS
9. Charles 'Roscoe' / C. Roscoe DAVIS
10. Harriet Eva DAVIS

Le Sueur Center Leader
11 June 1925

"CO. RESIDENT SEVENTY YEARS
Mrs. Melissa J. DAVIS, one of the pioneer residents of the Lake Emily and Cleveland communities, passed away on June 1 at the home of her son-in-law, E. E. Smith, near Cleveland. She was a few months past 83 years of age.

The maiden name of the deceased was Melissa Jane PETTIS and she was born in Pike County, Ill., in 1842. When she was twelve years old the family came to the Lake Emily community, where she resided ever since and up till the time of her husband's death some years ago. She had been a resident of the county more than seventy years. She was married to the late Henry C. DAVIS in 1862. She was the mother of ten children. The living children are: Mrs. M. A. HILL, Mrs. Albert LURTH, A. E. DAVIS, Isaac DAVIS, Representative C. Roscoe DAVIS, Mrs. DAVIS also leaves her sister, Mrs. Emily BROWN, and 27 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, besides many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services, conducted by Rev. Chester Balf, were held last Thursday afternoon. Many old friends of this estimable pioneer woman will regret to learn of her passing. "