A Portrait and Biographical Record of Hendricks County (Chicago: A.W. Bowen & Co., 1895)--page 1098
Willis M. Davis, one of the prominent and successful farmers of Washington Township, Hendricks County, is a son of James and Anna (Hawkins) Davis, and was born in this county in 1841. The father was born in Kentucky in 1802, and was a farmer all his life. In 1823 he was united in marriage to Anna Hawkins, also a native of Kentucky, and came to Hendricks County in the early thirtys, was numbered among its first pioneers, and died 1880.
Willis M. Davis was reared on the farm of his father, and given the advantage of the common schools of his county, then in a very primitive state. He then identified himself with the agricultural interests of Hendricks County and has been quite successful. From his father's estate he received a tract of land to which he added by purchase until he now has a farm of 160 acres, all in an excellent state of cultivation. In 1864 he was united in marriage to Mary E. John, daughter of L. and Elizabeth John. To their union one child was born: Charles H. The wife died in 1867. She was an earnest Christian woman, a loving wife and mother, who was sadly missed in the home she had adorned so well. In 1875 Mr. Davis took as his second wife Mary Larimore, and to this union two children have been born: Ellis L. and Vestal C. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Church, to which they freely contribute. Mr. Davis espouses the cause of the Republican Party and works for its success. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Brownsburg.