from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 812-814
Judging from the success that has attended the efforts of Thomas C. Davis, one of Hendricks County's leading farmers, he got a proper start in life and, although he has made some mistakes, yet he is today one of the splendid examples of our modern farmers. Much, if not all, depends upon the start in the battle of life, just as in the beginning of a race. The horse that gets the best start, all other things being equal, will almost invariably win. Realizing at the outset of his career that it took indomitable courage, unfaltering integrity and unfailing industry to achieve the best results, Mr. Davis began shaping his course gauged by proper ideals and is today eminently deserving of the reward that has so lavishly attended his efforts.
Thomas C. Davis, the son of Walter and Mary (Scott) Davis, was born June 15, 1871, about two miles east of North Salem, in this county. The history of the Davis family is fully portrayed in the sketch of Quincy A. Davis, which will be found elsewhere in this work.
Thomas C. Davis grew to manhood on the farm where he was born and received his education in the schools of his home township. He was married on February 28, 1892, to Ella C. Leach, the daughter of James M. and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Leach. James M. Leach was born in Hendricks County, February 9, 1834, the son of Enos and Elizabeth Leach, who were both natives of Kentucky. Enos Leach and his wife came to Indiana from Kentucky in 1831 and entered two hundred acres of government land in Unioin Township, this county. James M. was one of seven children born to his parents, and grew to manhood in this county. He married Elizabeth Hamilton, March 17, 1859. She was the daughter of Abraham Hamilton, of this county. James M. Leach is one of the leading farmers of the county. He and his wife are loyal members of the Christian Church and Mr. Leach has served as an elder in that denomination for many years.
After Mr. Davis was married he engaged in farming for himself on eighty acres which he had bought south of Montclair, in Union Township. In 1893 he moved to his present home, two miles east of North Salem, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land. He has within the past twenty years made extensive improvements on his farm in the way of rebuilding his house, erecting a new barn, outbuildings and fencing of various kinds. Success has come to him as a reward of his efforts and from time to time has been able to add to his holdings until he is now the owner of two hundred and seventy-seven and one-half acres in this township.
Mr. and Mrs. Davis are the parents of two children, Jewel, born April 28, 1893, who died when she was about six months of age, and Mamie L., who was born February 27, 1895, who is still at home with her parents. All the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of North Salem and earnest in their support of that denomination. Mr. Davis is a Republican and takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of his party. He has served several years on the advisory board of his township, a place of honor and trust which carries with it a salary of only five dollars per year. This position was a tribute to him as a public-spirited citizen, since it came to him unsought and shows the confidence which his fellow citizens had in his ability and integrity. He has one of the finest sugar camps in the township. He carries on general mixed farming, giving attention to both live stock and grain.