LEGRAND R. DAVIS 

Legrand R. Davis, of Sutter Township, was born May 16, 1824, in Prince William County, Virginia, son of Isaac Davis, a native of Kentucky, and a farmer, and Malinda Davis. His father had four brothers: Jilson, James, Travis and Harrison. Travis was stabbed and killed by a negro who was endeavoring to escape. Isaac Davis returned to Louisville, Kentucky, and remained there the rest of his life, dying at the age of fifty years; his wife died at the age of thirty-five years. In their family were three sons and three daughters: Mary J., Julia, Lyman R., Legrand R., Maria N., wife of L.R. Figg, of Louisville, Kentucky; and William, deceased. The subject of this sketch was raised on the farm. When young he worked at painting with the intention of learning the trade, but he abandoned that project and resorted to farming. Starting for California in 1849, he proceeded as far as St. Louis and there his funds gave out, and he heard of so much sickness on the Isthmus that winter that he was persuaded by his friend to remain. He then engaged in brickmaking for R.W. Williams, and the next spring started again for California overland, leaving the Missouri River at the point where Kansas City now is; was four months making the trip, and had but little trouble with the Indians or with sickness. At one place they were halted by the Indians, and one of the company exchanged horses with them. They overtook the whites and demanded $20, which was given them. Near Ft. Laramie, Mr. Williams was placed in command of this train, to succeed the previous captain, who had died; and Williams was afterward killed by a man named Hunter, at or near Salt Lake. The train halted, and the lawyers and judges which were in it conducted a formal trial of Hunter and discharged him. After that there was no trouble. They arrived at Sacramento August 20. Mr. Davis’ first night’s sleep here was where the Plaza now is. Until February 10 he worked in the Southern mines, and then one summer season on Feather River, being moderately successful. In the fall of 1851 he went to Benicia and burned brick for Timothy Sage two months. Next he purchased a tract of land four miles below Georgiana Slough, consisting of three-fourths of a mile or more. On that he chopped wood for about two years and sold it. In 1853 he sold that land, went to San Quentin and made brick for a season, for General Taylor. At that place he lost about $600. During the next fall (1853) he purchased the sloop Bianca, of sixty tons register, said at that time to be the fastest boat on the river; and he used it for floating and hauling wood to San Francisco, in which business he made money. In the fall of 1854 he sold it, and it was afterward sunk on the Sacramento. He had to take it back, at considerable loss, raise it, repair it, and he sold it again. About that time he purchased the place where he still resides, four miles from Sacramento, off the lower Stockton road. At that time it was a claim of about 200 acres, and he commenced at once to fence and improve it. He followed teaming over the mountains to Virginia City, his ranch being kept up meantime. Since then he has given his whole attention to agricultural pursuits. At present there are 200 acres of the home place, on which he mostly raises wheat, with remarkable success. He has also other land in crops. Altogether he has 500 acres in wheat, 140 in barley and 100 in oats. Besides, he has about 2,000 vines and plenty of other fruit for family use. He is a member of the K. of P., and of Sacramento Grange, No. 12. Politics, Republican. He has made three visits to his home in Kentucky, and has crossed the Isthmus five times. He was married in 1870 to Emma L. Lennon, a native of Kentucky, and they have eight children: Newton B., Legrand R. Jr., George W., Lydia N., Florence M., Benjamin C., Raymond I., and Nellie P.