After college, his father helped him gain his first position as a journalist at the "Philadelphia Record", but he was soon dismissed. After another brief position at the "Philadelphia Press", Davis accepted a better-paying position at the "New York Evening Sun" where he gained attention for his flamboyant style and his writing on controversial subjects such as abortion, suicide and execution. He first attracted attention in May to June 1889, by reporting on the devastation of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, following the destructive flood. He added to his reputation by reporting on other noteworthy events such as the first electrocution of a criminal (the execution of William Kemmler in 1890).