Davis, Henry Gassaway. Capitalist. Born in Baltimore, November 16, 1823. Educated in country schools, but being left fatherless went to work young. Became superintendent of a plantation, then brakeman, conductor, and later agent at Piedmont, WV, of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Later merchant and a leading collier. Projected and carried on to success the West Virginia Central & Pittsburgh Railway, which was sold to the Wabash in 1902. Then built the Coal & Coke Railway of West Virginia, of 200 miles, of which he was president. Was president Davis Trust Company of Elkins, WV, etc. Member House of Delegates, WV, 1865; state senator 1867-71; United States senator, 1871-83, declining re-election. Democratic delegate to six Democratic national conventions, one of American delegates to Pan-American Congress. Was member United States Permanent Pan-American Railway Commission. Was candidate of Democratic Party for vice-president in 1904. Died 1916.

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