The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Washington Township, pages 738-739
Willis M. Davis, farmer, Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Jan. 27, 1841, a son of James and Ann Davis, natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Hendricks County. The mother died in Washington Township in 1863, and the father in 1880. Six of their nine children are living--Sarah, Lydia, Josephine, Thornton S., John H., and Willis M. Our subject was reared a farmer, receiving a common-school education. He has been successful in his pursuits and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres. He was married in September, 1864, to Mary E. John, who died in April, 1867, leaving one child--Charles H., born in 1866. In February, 1875, Mr. Davis married Mary J. Larimore, of Marion County, Ind., and to them have been born two children--Ellis L. and Vestal C. Mr. Davis is a member of the Odd Fellow's order, Lodge. No. 372.