Henry C. Davis (businessman)

Henry Clay Davis
Born	Template:Birth date Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Died	April 22, 1912(1912-04-22) (aged 66) Claquato, Washington, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Pharmacist, real estate entrepreneur, investor
Years active	1878–1912
Known for	Early settler of Washington State; Tacoma city treasurer; investor in real estate and anthracite coal mining

Henry Clay Davis (July 12, 1845 – April 22, 1912) was an early settler of Washington State who made his mark as a pharmacist, real estate entrepreneur, and investor in Tacoma and Claquato. After arriving in Tacoma in 1878, he partnered in a drugstore for eight years; however, the business endured three major fires that resulted in considerable financial setbacks. Following these challenges, Davis redirected his efforts toward real estate development in Tacoma, notably funding the construction of the city’s inaugural three-story brick structure.

Throughout his career, Davis occupied significant positions such as Tacoma’s city treasurer for a three-year term, general agent for the Northern Pacific Railway, and a member of Tacoma’s initial military unit. Later in life, he invested in real estate and anthracite coal mining operations near Claquato along the Cowlitz River.

Between 1896 and 1900, he contributed as a member of the board of curators for the Washington State Historical Society.

Early life, family and education

Born on July 12, 1845, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Davis experienced several relocations during his youth before his family settled near Cowlitz Landing, Washington, and subsequently moved to Claquato. Although Claquato initially showed economic promise, its development stalled after the Northern Pacific Railway designated Chehalis as its station location in 1874.

His parents were Lewis H. Davis and Susan Clinger; Henry was one of seven children. His father had military service in multiple conflicts, and Henry himself played a vital role in establishing and advancing Claquato’s community framework. The Davis family was influential in the early growth of Washington State.

Davis received his education through public schools located in Lewis County, Washington.

Career

Davis started his working life on the family farm. After the passing of his father, he explored various occupations before ultimately relocating to Tacoma, Washington.

Tacoma, Washington

Upon arriving in Tacoma in 1878, Davis entered the pharmaceutical industry by co-owning a drugstore alongside Dr. H. C. Bostwick, recognized as the city’s first physician. Although the business operated for approximately eight years, it suffered three devastating fires that led to substantial financial damage and prompted Davis to leave the enterprise.

From 1881 to 1884, he held the office of Tacoma’s city treasurer and was re-elected twice during this period. Subsequently, Davis transitioned into real estate development, where he financed Tacoma’s first three-story brick building that produced significant rental revenue.

In addition to these roles, he served as a general agent for the Northern Pacific Railway and became part of Tacoma’s earliest military organization formed in 1881.

Claquato, Washington

In 1888, Davis returned to his farm near Claquato and invested in anthracite coal mining along the Cowlitz River, exploiting deposits considered among the purest anthracite sources west of the Mississippi.

He continued his involvement in property speculation and generously donated five acres of land in Claquato—then valued at $100 per acre—to establish a cemetery for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Other positions and activity

Between 1896 and 1900, Davis served on the board of curators for the Washington State Historical Society. During this time, he worked alongside prominent figures such as Arthur A. Denny, a Seattle pioneer and founder, as well as William Farrand Prosser, who was known as a politician, historian, and colonel in the Union Army.

Personal life and death

In 1889, Davis wed Ida A. Scott, who had relocated from Pennsylvania to Washington State in 1884. Together, they raised two children: a daughter named Ethel Lillian Davis and a son, Donald Jerome Davis. The family actively participated in the Presbyterian Church community.

Davis passed away on April 22, 1912, in Claquato, Washington, and was laid to rest at Claquato Cemetery. His estate, estimated at around $110,000 (equivalent to about $170,000 today), was distributed evenly between his wife Ida and son Donald, with additional provisions made for his visually impaired sister.