Who is Arthur Davies from The Ox-Bow Incident and what is their importance?

Arthur Davies owns the general store in Bridger's Wells. Davies comes out against the vigilantes the moment he learns of the situation. Davies makes a strong argument against the people making small decisions that affect the larger population, an argument that expresses the basic principles of law and order. Art agrees with Davies as does the local preacher, Osgood. However, Davies fails to get anyone else to agree with him. Despite this, Davies continues to speak out against the hangings up until the final moments.