CHARLES B. DAVIS was born in Smithland, Ky., January 30, 1845, and is a son of Thomas M. and Emily (Roach) Davis. The father was born in Smithland in November, 1822; his father, John Davis, came from Ireland to this county when a young man. The grandfather was a hotel keeper at Smithland for many years. Thomas M., grew up in this county, and first served as deputy sheriff. About 1843 he began merchandising, and followed it until his death, in January 4, 1869. He was also president of the Southern Bank of Kentucky, at Smithland. He was a member of the Smithland Masonic lodge. The mother is still living at the age of fifty-seven. Charles B. is the eldest of three living children: C. B., Kate, wife of Dr. W. H. Sanders; and Dr. Frank, at Paducah. Charles B. clerked in his father's store until he was about twenty-five years of age, and then embarked in business for himself. He now carries a stock of about $5,000. He also pays considerable attention to farming, owning about 1,500 acres. Mr. Davis was married January 18, 1872, to Miss Ida Cade, daughter of J. W. Cade (see sketch), Mrs. Davis was born February 14, 1851, and is the mother of five children. Mr. Davis and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and he is a member of the Felulah Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F., of Smithland.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 816.