Born in Wisconsin and raised there and in Walla Walla, Washington, John Davis (1863-1917) moved to Seattle in 1887 where he founded his eponymous real estate brokerage. Following the panic of 1893, Mr. Davis expanded into property management, mortgages, loans, and insurance sales. The company grew steadily into one of the largest real estate corporations on the West Coast, and continued for several decades after his death. In 1915 Mr. Davis married Margaret B. Smith (1890-1973), and they had one child, John Handley Davis (1916-2003).

This map from Kroll Map Company was prepared by John Davis & Co. and shows the "Ballard District," or Market Street from 24th Ave NW to Tallman Ave, with Ballard Avenue extending southeast of 22nd Ave NW. The map lists all numbered addresses along the route, with type of business or residence and owner of the building.

Map number 2A

Caption information source: "John Davis Passes Away While in Pasadena," The Seattle Daily Times, November 30, 1917, p. 3.