Reprinted from Hood County News dated November 4, 1976
“Judge” Henry Davis died Monday morning at two at the age of 84 years, 11 months and 16 days.
Considered as Hood County’s leading historian for many years, he had been living in Valley View Home and died following a lengthy illness.
Davis was born on November 15, 1891 in Hood County. He spent his early years at Shady Grove School and when he completed all the work available there, he rode his horse into Granbury to finish high school where he graduated in 1913.
He continued his education by attending Trinity University in Waxahachie. After a year at Trinity, he was issued a teacher’s certificate to enable him to teach during the winters and continue his college studies in the summers.
World War I interrupted Davis’ school life. After serving at Camp Travis in San Antonio in the insurance department, he continued his duties after the war by helping to discharge the soldiers as they returned from duty.
After his own discharge, he resumed teaching and then advanced to Peabody College For Teachers in Nashville, Tenn. where he received a B.S. degree and then continued on to Canyon, Tex. to earn his Masters Degree at Canyon State College. He penned two books that were published by the college.
Returning to Hood County, Davis was elected county judge and served from Jan. 1, 1951 to Jan. 1, 1956.
He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder in the church.
Judge Davis was a Master Mason more than 50 years and a member of the Royal Arch and Council. He received 50 year pins from these two and the Order of the Eastern Star in 1975. He held various offices in all these organizations and held a life time certificate for teaching Masonry.
From his never-ending research in the county records, Davis had more or less committed the history of Hood County to memory. Work is underway to transcribe his notes for public service.
Davis is survived by his sister, Mrs. William Matlock of Granbury; niece, Mrs. Wanda Hoffman of Fort Worth and nephew, Eddie Woodard of Fort Worth.
Also surviving are four great-nieces Mrs. Ross Wolf of Stephenville, Mrs. Mike Treadway, Virginia Hoffman and Wendi Hoffman all of Fort Worth; and three great-nephews, Chuck Hoffman, Eddie Woodard II, and Gene Woodard all of Fort Worth.
Services were held Tuesday, November 2, 1976 at the First Presbyterian Church of Granbury. Rev. John Brannon and Rev. D. D. Seger officiated.
Masonic graveside services were held at Granbury Cemetery with Martin’s Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.