He graduated from Howell High School in 1870, and in 1882 he opened a large dry goods store in Port Huron.

It was the first such plant in St. Clair County, and proved so successful that Davidson soon organized the Port Huron Light and Power Company, and turned his efforts from dry goods to the electricity business.

Over the rest of his life, Davidson organized a number of power companies and electric railways, and branched into other real estate and financial businesses in Port Huron.

He lived there until his death in 1912, after which his daughter Cornelia moved in with her husband, Alfred West.

The original trim is still extant, and includes walnut, butternut, oak, and cherry woods.