C.C. Davidson (1842-1926)

Class of 2026 – Educator

For more than 50 years, Charles C. Davidson was a leader in educational and financial circles in Alliance, active in the business of both at the time of his death in 1926 at the age of 84.

Vital in the development of the Alliance public school system, he served as superintendent of schools for nine years. Following retirement from that post, he served on the board of education at various times, including nine consecutive years at the time of his death and had presided as president of the body during a meeting just two weeks prior.

He was also influential in banking around Alliance, being among the organizers of every bank that existed in the city in 1926, including the Alliance Building and Savings Company, which he founded and was still actively associated, as well as the People’s Bank of which he was still a director.

A lifelong member and regular attender of the First Methodist Church and the Masons, C.C. Davidson was marked by devotion to any duty and had missed only two board of education meetings during his many years of service.

Born near Caldwell on February 24, 1842, he attended Ohio University and eventually graduated from the Normal School at Worthington.

Following graduation, he was superintendent of schools at Quaker City, near Columbus, for two years. In 1876, he took the same position at Lisbon, serving for seven years. In 1883, he took over as head of the Alliance Schools. One of his major contributions as superintendent was starting a book drive in 1886 that eventually led to the first public library service in Alliance.

He organized the Alliance Building and Savings Company in 1899, serving in an executive capacity until his death. He was recognized as a “major capitalist” of the city through his banking connections.

He married Mary Martha Patterson (1850 – 1942) on October 13, 1875. The couple were parents to Carl, who was a representative of the Goodyear Company in the Philippines in 1926.

They lived at 59 West Ely Street.

C.C. Davidson died on December 6, 1926 and is buried at Alliance City Cemetery.