John Streett "Jack" Davis, founder and developer of Harford County's first public golf course, died of cancer Feb. 11 at his home in Street. He was 81.
Mr. Davis was born and lived his entire life at Geneva Farm, his family's Harford County dairy and later truck farm. He was a descendant of Col. John Streett, who led the Harford Militia against the British at the Battle of North Point during the War of 1812.
"He never lived anywhere else," said his daughter, Kelly Louise Davis of Street.
After graduating from the old Highland High School in 1943, he enlisted in the Army Signal Corps and served as a private in the Pacific.
After World War II, Mr. Davis worked as a truck driver for several years before returning to the family farm where they raised Guernsey and Holstein cattle. He later converted the operation to a truck farm, where he grew beans for commercial canneries.
"When I first moved here, he was known as the Bean King," said Brian B. Judd, superintendent of Geneva Farm Golf Club. "He always tried to help out the folks who worked for him. He was exceedingly charitable and would give anyone his last dime."
In 1990, Mr. Davis decided to convert the 100 acre-farm into an 18-hole, par 72 championship public golf course.
"He kept the two silos and converted the barn's basement into a party room, and ... the main floor where we once stored hay he turned into a restaurant," said a sister, Katherine Davis Scarborough of Towson.
"He told me one day he wanted to get out of the farming business and wanted to use the land as a golf course," said Dennis L. Hildebrandt, a retired certified public accountant and business partner.
"He was a true gentleman farmer, and his word was his bond. He was very caring and always willing to work with people," Mr. Hildebrandt said.
"The funny thing is, Jack never even tried to play golf. We'd go out to try out the new holes after they were finished and you couldn't get a golf club in his hands. He wouldn't do it," he said. "And the restaurant he created gave golfers a nice atmosphere in which to relax."
Todd Holden, a photographer and former Aegis reporter, was a longtime friend.
"He had a spot at the end of the bar in the restaurant, Twin Silos, where he kept his pipe, pens and correspondence. It was a rather Spartan 'office,' but it's where you could always find him," Mr. Holden said.
"Every time I'd ask why he didn't take up the game, especially when he had such a nice course, he'd say, 'Naah,'" Mr. Holden said. "He was a real quiet guy but he ran a first-class operation."
Mr. Davis had a reputation of not only being easygoing and respected by his employees but also as a good idea man.
"He was the kind of guy who thought twice before he spoke once. He always carefully chose his words," Mr. Judd said.
"I don't consider myself to be an idiot, but when were trying to come up with [a] solution to problems, for instance, he'd come up with an idea that made us wonder, 'Why didn't we think of that?'"
Mr. Davis was an avid wildfowl and deer hunter and traveled throughout the eastern seaboard enjoying the sport. He also had collected Jim Beam commemorative bourbon bottles.
His wife of 18 years, the former Louise Marie Hanson, died in 1972. In 1974, he married the former Emma Lou Priestly, who died in 2000.
Mr. Davis was a member of Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 4603 Rocks Road, Street, where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow.
In addition to his daughter and sister, survivors include a stepson, Charles Priestly of Connecticut; a brother, Charles Gladden Davis of Pylesville; another sister, Louise M. Ruff of Dover, Del.; and two step-granddaughters.
fred.rasmussen@baltsun.com