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Almer L. Davis

Almer L. Davis, dealer in general merchandise and a prominent and influential citizen of Alpha, was born near Janesville, Rock County, Wis., July 12, 1851. His parents were Philander and Eunice E.  (Talcott) Davis, who were reared and married in Ohio, emigrating soon afterwards to Wisconsin. They came to Iowa in 1856, locating in Waucoma but subsequently removed to Alpha, where the family still make their home. The father died at this place in 1890, an esteemed citizen, respected by all who knew him.

The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools and early in life learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed for about fourteen years in partnership with his twin brother, Almon. Both were expert workmen and did a lucrative business, but in September, 1887, Mr. Davis turned his attention to other pursuits. He bought out a stock of goods in Alpha and embarked in merchandising in that place, where he now owns and operates a general store, keeping a full and complete line of dry-goods, groceries, boots and shoes, ready made clothing, notions, etc. He also exchanges goods for all kinds of country produce which is marketable. He has an extensive and lucrative trade, possesses the unbounded confidence of patrons and creditors, and the sales of his establishment amount to upward of $10,000 per annum. A fine farming country lies contiguous to Alpha and thus his store is desirably located. The Star Mills, the leading flouring mills in this part of the county, also bring trade to Alpha and Mr. Davis' choice of a location shows his sagacity and foresight. He owns ten shares and is Treasurer of the Alpha Farmers' Creamery Company, which dispersed over $30,000 worth of the products of the creamery among the patrons of that popular institution during 1890. This company owns eight hundred cows and their business is one of the leading industries of the place. On the 8th day of September, 1875, our subject was married to Miss Ada E. Johnson, daughter of Samuel and Laura A. (Jones) Johnson, of Alpha. Her parents were natives of New England, and at a very early day in the history of this county settled in Eden Township. Her father, in company with his son, V. L., established the Star Mills, which they owned and operated until the death of the senior partner in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children: Laura F., born March 13, 1878; and Harold A., born April 12, 1884.

In his social relations our subject is an Odd Fellow and Good Templar. He is Past Grand of Waucoma Lodge No. 303, I. O. O. F., and a worthy and prominent member and zealous worker in the Independent Order of Good Templars of Alpha. He was the first Chief Templar of that organization and was also the honored Chief Templar of the district comprising the counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Winneshiek, Howard and Chickasaw. In politics he is a stanch Republican and has always taken an active interest in the political issues up before the people. He has held the office of Township Assessor, is at present one of the Trustees of Eden Township, and at the last election was the people's choice for the office of Justice of the Peace. His extensive business interests and the active part which he has taken in public affairs makes him a prominent citizen. He is an upright, honorable man who has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in  and the success which has crowned his efforts he richly deserves.