[p. 789] proprietor of a feed store at Ellwood City, has the distinction of owning, with one exception, the oldest store in the place, and located here in the spring that followed the laying out of the town. He was born June 3, 1859, in Big Beaver Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of James and Sarah (Davidson) Davidson.
James Davidson was born in Big Beaver Township, Lawrence County, in 1823, and died May 5, 1908, aged almost eighty-five years. His father, Andrew Davidson, came from Ireland and settled at an early day in Big Beaver Township, where twelve children were born to him. He married Sarah Davidson, who was born in Big Beaver Township and was one of a family of ten children born to her father, who was John Davidson. She still survives and has reached her eightieth year. James Davidson owned a farm on which he resided for forty-eight years. To James Davidson and wife were born four children, namely: Andrew, who is deceased; J. Wesley, who resides in Big Beaver Township; R. J., who lives on the old homestead, and William Wilson. In early manhood, the late James Davidson worked at the blacksmith trade, but after his marriage devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He was a well informed man, took a deep interest in public matters despite his advanced years, and up to the close of his life exercised his right of suffrage, voting the Republican ticket. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
William W. Davidson was educated in the public schools and the Edinboro Normal School, until he was twenty years of age. He assisted on the home farm until he decided to enter into business in the newly laid out town of Ellwood City. In April, 1891, he entered into the flour and feed business, which he has continuously and successfully conducted ever since. He built his present commodious store building and wareroom at No. 318 Seventh Street, on the corner of Crescent, where he has excellent facilities.
In October, 1879, Mr. Davidson was married to Matilda Carson, who is a daughter of Carlon and Martha (Phillips) Carson, and they have three children. Sarah Elva married William J. Baxter, and they have one daughter, Arline, and reside at Wellsville, Ohio; Carlon C. is associated with his father in business, and Mabel married Lawrence E. Springer, and they reside at Ellwood City.
As there were only two or three houses in Ellwood City when Mr. Davidson purchased his property, he is certainly entitled to the veneration usually accorded pioneers. In political sentiment he is a Republican, has always been pre-eminently public-spirited and enterprising, and all that pertains to the public welfare has ever received his hearty endorsement.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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