Industrialist, Philanthropist. Born in Sharon, Massachusetts, he graduated from Amherst College, in 1888 and moved to Pittsburgh, to take a job in the modern aluminum industry. He soon helped set up the Pittsburgh Reduction Company and became general manager of the firm in the 1890s. Knowing the importance of aluminum, he became president of the new Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa), in 1910, chairman of the board in 1928 and developed the aluminum industry in the United States. He played a particularly prominent role in the aluminum production drive during World War II and for his work was presented a Presidential Certificate of Merit. Davis remained chairman of Alcoa until he resigned in 1957, retired to Florida and began a career in real estate. He died at age 95 in Florida, with a wealth of $350 million. (bio by: John “J-Cat” Griffith)