James Davis, Jr., eldest son of the James already sketched, and Hannah
(Ingols) Davis, was born in his father's house No. 15 Prince Street,
Boston, April 23, 1806, and was the fourth in descent of that name.
[Illustration: J Davis Jr. & signature]
He received his education partly in the public schools of Boston, and
subsequently as a private pupil residing in the family of his teacher,
the Rev. Joseph Richardson, for many years Pastor of the First Church in
Hingham. He is spoken of as "a quietly behaved and rather sedate boy" by
a gentleman now living who remembers him at the time.[11]
His business career began in the office of Messrs. Josiah Bradlee & Co.,
then on India Street. Graduating therefrom in the year 1827, he was
shortly after admitted to partnership with his father, under the
firm-name of James Davis & Son.
Immediately upon the organization of the Company, he was appointed the
agent in Boston. He was elected Treasurer January 22, 1843, and
continued to fill this latter office until his retirement from active
business, February 27, 1872. During all this time,--from 1828 to
1872,--covering a period of forty-four years, he managed the affairs of
the Company with untiring energy and consummate skill. Upon the death of
Mr. Lincoln he was made President, filling that position until his own
death, May 28, 1881.
He was never married and the family name, in this branch, became extinct
upon his death.
He visited England for the first time in 1835, and subsequently made
several trips abroad, traveling considerably, on one occasion making an
excursion up the Nile.
He accumulated quite a large general library; read and observed
intelligently, and was well informed on the current topics of the time.
Having a strong, imperious will, he could with difficulty brook any
opposition; but his intentions were just and his impulses generous.
Exact and exacting, demanding, however, no more of others than he
required of himself; energetic, enterprising, sagacious, and bold, his
ability and his high standing as an accomplished merchant were indicated
by his success, and were readily recognized by the community in which
his work was done. His character for integrity and honorable dealing
secured to him the esteem of those having any transactions with him.
It is cheerfully and gratefully acknowledged that whatever there may be
of real value in the present management of the Company is very largely
due to his careful and practical teaching and the decided impress upon
it of his wise, able, and successful administration.