from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 762-764
There is nothing which stimulates a man to deeds of worth and a life of uprightness and rectitude more than the recollection of the strength of character and examples of right living which have been shown by his forbears. In this respect Mr. davis if fortunate beyond the majority of men in being descended from a line of men who have been in their communities men of strength and influence, doing their duty well, whether in the peaceful pursuits of ordinary life or in positions of public trust. A heritage of such memory of the lives of one's forefathers is of more value than a heritage of material wealth. In the business affairs of North Salem the subject of this sketch occupies a position of importance and among those who are today conserving the commercial and industrial prosperity of this community none occupy a higher standing among their associates than he whose name appears at the head of this sketch.
George B. Davis, a banker of North Salem, was born April 14, 1869, near this town. His parents were Francis Marion and Sarah E. (Brown) Davis. Francis Marion Davis was born near North Salem in 1837, the son of Nathan and Nancy Davis, who came to this county about 1833 from Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Nathan and Nancy Davis spent the remainder of their lives in North Salem, dying here in the early history of the state. Francis Marion grew up to manhood in this county, farmed, operated a saw-mill, flour-mill, a planing-mill, dealt extensively in lumber in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and was one of the most enterprising business men who ever managed a financial transaction in this county. He was active up until the time of his death in 1887. He was a member of the Masonic order, active in the Christian Church, a public-spirited citizen, who was very frank in his manner. His wife, Sarah E. Brown, was born near Cove Spring, Kentucky, and came to this county early in childhood with her parents, George M. and Martha Brown. Later her parents moved to Crawfordsville, where her father spent his last days. His mother still lives in North Salem.
George B. Davis was given a common school and high school education in his home town and then attended Butler College for four years, after which he graduated from the State University at Bloomington in the spring of 1894. He received the degree of Bachelor of Arts from Butler College, and the degree of Bachelor of Laws from Indiana University. Before he had finished his course at Bloomington, he had become part owner of the North Salem Bank and to this financial institution he has devoted his time ever since leaving college.
The North Salem Bank was organized in 1891 by Pritchard & Son of Illinois. In 1893 they sold it to C.W. Davis, G.B. Davis and Samuel R. Stewart. Soon after this, Mr. Stewart sold his interests to J.B. Fleece and the bank is now owned by C.W. Davis, G.B. Davis and Samuel R. Stewart. The deposits now average one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and it is considered one of the strongest and safest private banks in central Indiana. It is well managed and is an institution which has won the confidence of the people of North Salem and vicinity, because all of the owners are upright men of excellent education.
Mr. Davis was married in December, 1897, to Lulu C. Duncan, the daughter of George H. and Nancy (Davis) Duncan. She was born and reared in Eel River Township, this county, near North Salem, and received her education in the North Salem schools. Her parents were both born and reared in this county and have spent their whole life here. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have three children: Rollin, aged eleven; Mildred, aged nine, and Mary Eunice, aged six. The family are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Davis is president of the board and treasurer of the church. Mr. Davis is a man of unassuming demeanor in his relations to his fellow men, among whom he enjoys a well deserved popularity, and has, without reserve, always been for the best things in life for the community honored by his residence and here his name has become known for his sterling character and worth.