The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-03-11
'inia's Leading and most progressive


municipalities.
Upon the founding of the town, SEN
ator Davis moved his home from Pied
mont to Elkins. and on a commanding
hill, in the outskirts of the city, he
erected the most costly and palatial
mansion in the state. In close prox-
unity to his residence. the late Sena-
tor Elkins and Ambassador Kerens,
both OF whom were actively associated
with Mr.. Davis in his development Of
the state. have since built handsome
homes which adjoin his property.
On the completion of the road to
Elkins. spurs were built TO Huttons-
Vile. 20 Bellington where connection
Is made with the b. q o.. and to Dur
bin at which point the road connects
with the Chesapeake & Ohio.
Mr.. Davis continued as president OF
the West Virginia Central until in
1902 when an attractive offer for the
road. made by the Gould interests.
was accepted. and the system then be-
came an advantageous connecting link
In the rapidly expanding
Western Maryland Lines.
However. Senator Davis had &C
CURED the habit Of railroad build
ing and he could not remain idle. so
he conceived the idea OF spanning the
one hundred and seventy five miles
between Elkins and Charleston with
railroad that would develop another
region almost unlimited in its re-
sources.
Accordingly the senator Immediately
commenced the building OF the Coal
& Coke railway. completing II in 1906.
He has remained a. its president and
moving spirit ever since.
The new railroad has opened up for
development the counties OF Upshur,
Lewis. Braxton. Gilmer, Clay. and
Kanawha.
The road was built largely from
Senator Davis's funds; the unique fea-
ture about the construction Is that IL
was not necessary TO float bonds for
the building Of the road. furthermore.
be has always maintained The CONTROL
ing interest in the company.
He Took a Personal interest
in ever department Of the road and
has. ever since its completion, spent
goodly portion OF each day In act
lively directing and promoting its vii.
fare.
Despite the fact that he had been
the instigator and promoter Of these
'AARA AAtNAH AAlMMNNlANA MNNANANAfH WHICH
would require the entire time OF a
normal man. Senator Davis has always
devoted considerable attention 10 pol-
tiles, and the interests OF his state re.
mote from commercial nature. For
many years be had headed the West
Virginia delegation TO the National
Conventions. and IN 1884 had a strong
following who wished 10 make hin,
the Vice-Presidential nominee. but
Senator Davis discouraged them and
bis strength was given to Hendricks
Of Indiana. who received the nomina-
ton.
Repeatedly have the Democrats
from his own State urged him 20 be-
come their nominee for Governor. and
be had practically determined to be-
come their candidate IN 1904. when the
unexpected turn Of political events
changed his course.
In 1904. Senator Davis. advo-
eating the cause Of his distinguished
Maryland cousin. Senator Arthur
p. German. for the presidency.
Headed the West Virginia Delegation
TO st. Louis. AZ the day approached
however. for the assembling OF the
delegates. 10 became apparent that
Mr.. Parker would be nominated.
After complimentary vote for
Mr.. German. the West Virginia dele
cation changed their vote for Mr.