My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT DAVISON, a well known, prosperous, and representative farmer of Texas Valley, was born in Cumberland County, England, and is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Scott) Davison.

Thomas Davison was also a native of Cumberland County, was born in 1800, and grew to middle age on his native soil, coming to this country in 1853 and locating on a farm in the town of Truxton, this county. He conducted this farm for fourteen years, when he moved to the town of Marathon, taking up his residence in Texas Valley in 1867, and living there until his death, which occurred in 1885. He was a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was married to Elizabeth Scott, a daughter of William Scott, and they were the parents of four sons and two daughters: Mary, born in 1837, wife of E. C. Taylor, a carpenter and joiner of the town of Homer; Franklin, born in 1839, a prosperous, well to-do farmer and miner of California; Robert; William, born in 1847, a partner of Robert; Thomas, born in 1849, a farmer of Freetown, married Diana White; Jennie, born in 185 1, married Thomas Johnson, a farmer of Willet.

Robert Davison attended the common schools, at the same time assisting night and morning with the farm work. He remained with his father until he arrived at the age of twenty-one, learning thoroughly all the details of farm work, and developing a shrewd business ability far beyond his years. When he had attained his majority, and become his own master, he began speculating in stock, having as a partner in the business his brother William. They purchased a farm containing 134 acres, upon which Mr. Davison resides, and which they have placed under a fine state of cultivation. This property, at the time of its coming into their possession, was not in a good condition, the buildings being of the most ordinary kind, but under their management it would scarcely be recognized as the same place, so great is the improvement; the old buildings, used for the housing of stock and implements and the storing of the farm produce, have given way to large barns of the most commodious and convenient style, with other outbuildings in keeping with them. Their methods of farming places them in the front rank of successful farmers, while the business they do in the buying and selling of live stock is no small source of profit to them. In addition to this property, Mr. Davison owns a number of town lots in the village of Homer. Both he and his brother are Republicans, and always interested in the success of their party. He has never been an aspirant for office, but William has been constable for fourteen years. He is a member of the Marathon Grange, and believes in the co-operation of the farmers for mutual benefit.

Robert Davison was united in marriage to Miss Martha French, January 24, 1872. She is a daughter of Calvin French, who was born in Rutland, Vt., June 11, 1811, and at the age of eighteen years came to New York and located in what is now the town of Marathon, then the town of Harrison. Mr. French lived on a farm there for the remainder of his life; his wife was Eleanor Smith, a native of Coxsackie, this state, and a daughter of Henry Smith. To this union were born six children: Harriet; Parney; Louisa Rodney; Jane; Lydia Charlotte; and Martha, born February 8, 1842, the wife of Mr. Davison. Mrs. Davison is a woman possessing many excellent traits of character for which she is greatly esteemed, and has been a true and faithful helpmeet to her husband in their quarter of a century of married life.