J. A. Davis, a much respected citizen of this city and a pioneer of the Pacific coast, died at the residence of his son, F. E. Davis, in this city, about 11 o'clock Thursday morning, at the advanced age of 84 years.
Mr. Davis was born in Walton, Delaware county, New York, in 1822, and at an early age removed with his parents to Ashtabula county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and was married to Miss Fannie Pardee, of the same county. In 1851 he and his wife started on their long and tedious journey for the gold fields of California, locating near what is known as Virginia City, Cal.
From there he removed to Sacramento and engaged in the grain business, and afterwards had charge of the construction work on the Central Pacific railroad. From Sacramento he moved to Marysville and took a position with the Sacramento Valley railroad, and afterwards engaged in farming. While living at Marysville his wife died.
In 1884, together with his son, F. E. Davis, he removed to Washington, and settled at Cedarville, better known as Block House Smith, and later went into business at Little Rock, and in 1890 he came to this city.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the residence of his son, the I.O.O.F. having charge of the services. The interment was at the Mountain View cemetery. He leaves but one son, F. E. Davis, of this city, to mourn his loss.
Source: The Centralia News-Examiner, 8 Dec 1905, p. 5.
Transcribed by Diana Smith. She has no further information on this individual.