Pictorial and Genealogical Record
of Greene County, Missouri • 1893

Together with Bibliographies of Prominent Men of Other Portions of the State, Both Living and Dead


DAVIS & STRALEY. The enormous increase in the demand for carriages and buggies of all grades has rendered their manufacture a prominent industry in the United States. There are few branches of industrial trade in which such a vast amount of capital has been invested and none other in which the American manufacturer has by his skill and ingenuity so far outstripped his competitors. The industries of Springfield are principally of an important character, ably and successfully carried on, the products being such as to have secured for this city a reputation of which any might well be proud. Among the most widely known and deservedly popular concerns whose productions are in constant and ever increasing demand is the firm of Davis & Straley. From the outset, owing to the superior merits and general excellence of its products, it has been recognized as the leader in this line of trade, and has had the benefit of the executive management of responsible and influential officers. This business was established in 1890 and they are men trained in the art of manufacture, and possessing an intimate knowledge of all the details of the business as well as the requirements of the public. Six or eight skilled mechanics are employed and Messrs. Davis and Straley are obliging gentlemen, whose reputation for sterling integrity and personal worth are already too well known in the city to require mention. Mr. Straley has been a resident of Springfield for ten years and has been a carriage maker since 1848, being one of the finest mechanics in this section. He learned his trade in Philadelphia, Penn. He came originally from the Keystone State, where he was reared, and during the Civil War he served his country faithfully. He was captured by the Winchester Riflemen under Stonewall Jackson, but shortly afterward released. In selecting a companion in life he chose Miss Catherine Shank, a Virginia lady, who bore him these children: Alboero, Florence, Clara, Henry and ----. The eldest child is married. For thirty-five years Mr. Straley has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party. Since 1854 he has been an Odd Fellow and is at present captain of the -------. Ever since his residence in Springfield he has been identified with all enterprises of moment and has gained the respect and esteem of all. For nearly fifty years he has manufactured buggies and by his acute perception and vast experience has secured the company a large and constantly increasing trade. W. H. Davis, also of the firm of Davis & Straley, owes his nativity to Illinois and,started to learn his trade of a blacksmith at Neosho, Mo., in 1876. Since that time be has worked at it and has become expert at his business, being considered one of the best workman in the city. He has had fifteen or sixteen years' experience, and brings to bear on the business a wide range of practical experience, sound judgment and thorough knowledge of the wants of the trade. His wife, formerly Miss Carrie Meodour, was born in Minnesota, and died in Springfield on the 12th of April, 1892. Three children were born to their union, Clifford, Larry and Clara. Mr. Davis is a thorough mechanic in every respect, and being public-spirited and enterprising, is respected by all.

[58-59]


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