History

Olney Davis, the son of Robert and Pauline Davis, was born on February 17, 1857, in Waxahachie, Texas. After graduating from the University of Illinois, Mr. Davis came to Collin County to oversee his father's agricultural interests. In 1881, Mr. Davis married Effie Mathews, daughter of two early Plano pioneers, Benjamin F. Mathews and Mary Ann Yager Mathews. Seven years later, in 1888, Olney and Effie moved to Plano.

The Davises were the parents of nine children, three of whom died in infancy or early childhood. The Davis children are as follows:

• Robert Arthur Davis--Married Myrtle Floyd (daughter of Lindsay and Laura Graham Floyd of Plano)
• Vera Davis--Married W.R. Harris
• Helen Davis--Married Lester W. Beckham
• Quincy Maud Davis
• Mary Edna Davis--Married Harry H. Houston (grandson of Governor Sam Houston)
• Mary Pauline Davis--Married Francis Thompson
• Willie Edward Davis--Born 1888 and died 1889
• Raymond Joe Davis--Born 1893 and died September 9, 1900 of scarlet fever
• Minnie Lee Davis--Born and died 1890

Olney Davis and his family were members of the First Christian Church, and Mr. Davis was very active in Plano. His credentials include: original director, organizer, and vice-president, of the Plano National Bank; two term mayor of Plano; first official president of the Plano School Board; organizer and president of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank; instrumental organizer and president of the Farmers Gin Company; instrumental organizer and president of the first Plano Lumber Company; alderman of Plano; and president of the Texas Ginners Association. Olney Davis served as president of the Farmers and Merchants National Bank from 1901, until his death in 1922. His son Robert A. Davis, became president after his father's death.

Plano in the early 1900's was a farming community, and Mr. Davis worked tirelessly to provide the services necessary to meet the needs of the community. The staff and students are proud our school bears the name Olney Davis Elementary.