Davison, I. H.

I. H. DAVISON, merchant, Polk, son of W. W. and Bithiah (Van Dyke) Davison, the former a native of Mercer county, and the latter of Butler county, Pennsylvania, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1843, and here grew to manhood, first attending the common schools, and later obtaining a practical knowledge of the higher branches in Allegheny College, Meadville. In July, 1863, he enlisted in a state company with which he served for three months, and in July, 1864, he entered the naval service at Erie, Pennsylvania, and was soon afterward assigned to duty on the United States steamship Moose, commanded by Captain Leroy Fitch. He spent one year in the naval service, during which time his ship took part in a number of engagements. At the close of the war he returned to Venango county and engaged in farming and the mercantile business at Sunville in partnership with two brothers. This firm continued about two years, at the end of which time he engaged in agricultural pursuits exclusively until 1878, when he was elected by the Republican party county treasurer, the duties of which position he discharged in a creditable manner until the close of his official term, when, at the solicitation of his successor, W.C. Cross, he accepted the deputyship and served as such until 1884. In that year be was again the Republican candidate for the same office, and after an exciting campaign against a popular competitor was again elected. At the expiration of his second term, Mr. Davison engaged in the mercantile business in the borough of Polk, where he has since carried on a successful trade. He was married December 1, 1866, to Miss Adaline E., daughter of R.R. and Harriet Grove, of Venango county, who bore him four children: George E.; Harry M.; William W., add Floyd. She died in September, 1885. Mr. Davison has been a member of the Presbyterian church since childhood, and belongs to the congregation at Polk. He is an active member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity, and also of Mays Post, G.A.R., of Franklin.