The late 19th century marked the beginning of a transformative era for Sanger, Texas. Established in 1886, this budding community attracted ambitious pioneers who brought vision and determination to shape the town’s future. Among these individuals was Dan Davis, a remarkable man whose story illustrates the spirit of progress that defined early Sanger.
Arrival in Sanger
Dan Davis arrived in Sanger from Illinois in December 1902, making an unforgettable first impression. A long-time resident, Barlow Everly, recalled Davis stepping off the Santa Fe train, a picture of refinement with his black derby hat, Van Dyke beard, gloves, and umbrella. As Davis strolled through the streets of Sanger, he was both taking in the town and leaving an indelible impression on its citizens.
A Man of Many Talents
Davis was a locomotive and stationary engineer by trade, but his talents extended far beyond his profession. After marrying Lizzie Ledbetter Thatcher, the widow of local industrialist Frank Thatcher, Davis settled in Sanger, where he and Lizzie raised their daughter, Ruby. Davis soon became a vital part of the community, purchasing Charlie Henderson’s interest in the waterworks business and using his mechanical expertise to ensure a reliable water supply for the town.
In addition to running Sanger’s waterworks, Davis operated a jewelry and watch repair shop, first in the back of Bower’s Drugstore and later in Kay’s Drugstore. His reputation for fine craftsmanship extended beyond Sanger, earning him clients across the country for his skill in repairing intricate, foreign-made clocks.
Contributions to Sanger’s Growth
Davis wasn’t just a businessman; he was a problem solver and innovator. The Sanger Courier once noted in 1909, “A man couldn’t do anything in Sanger without seeing Dan Davis about it first.” This sentiment was well-earned, as Davis often lent his skills to critical community needs. He even designed a custom part for the Sanger Courier’s Linotype machine to ensure the newspaper could be printed on time.
Davis’s contributions extended to modernizing the town’s infrastructure. He and Charlie Henderson upgraded Sanger’s water system with a new Stover engine and Ingersol air compressor in 1908. In 1919, after a fire destroyed the engine room, Davis oversaw improvements that increased the system’s capacity to 23,000 gallons per day. By 1921, Sanger’s water system had expanded to cover the entire town, a testament to Davis’s commitment to progress.
Lighting the Way
Davis also played a pivotal role in bringing electricity to Sanger. Alongside Calvin Dodson, he helped install the town’s first light plant at the corner of Locust and 2nd Streets. While early efforts to introduce acetylene gas lighting were fraught with challenges, Davis’s work paved the way for electric lighting, which was later adopted citywide in 1924.
Community and Legacy
Davis’s influence wasn’t limited to infrastructure. His ingenuity extended to hobbies like building radios, a feat he accomplished alongside fellow Sanger resident Emmett Kirkland. Davis also became a trusted figure in the community, earning the confidence of his neighbors and building a legacy of dependability and innovation.
His daughter, Ruby Davis Cherry, shared stories of her father’s impact, including his acquisition of Dr. J.C. Rice’s motor buggy, a precursor to modern automobiles in Sanger. Ruby fondly remembered the joy of riding in the unique vehicle, which became a symbol of the town’s progress.
A Remarkable Life
Dan Davis’s life was one of service, innovation, and community building. From ensuring Sanger had clean water and reliable power to creating a thriving jewelry business and introducing technological advancements, Davis’s contributions helped lay the foundation for Sanger’s growth and modernization.
Today, his story serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have on a community. Dan Davis wasn’t just a pioneer—he was a cornerstone of early Sanger, a man whose legacy continues to inspire.
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