John W. Davis

JOHN W. DAVIS. The native-born citizens of Jefferson County are coming rapidly to the front in various lines of work, particularly in agriculture, which is pre-eminently the occupation of the residents herein. The gentleman above named is an intelligent farmer, residing on section 22, McClellan Township, who began his life career with no capital but his natural endowments, a common-school education and a strong will.

Our subject was born in the above township May 1, 1844, and is the son of Clinton and Susan (Wells) Davis, a sketch of whom will be found in the biography of William Davis on another page in this book. John W., of this notice, was a student for a short time at the Quinn sclioolhouse, and although his advantages were not of the best he improved his spare moments and is now one of the well posted men of his section.

Our subject assisted his father in the cultivation of his farm, and was thus occupied when, in 1865, he enlisted his services in the Union army and, as a member of Company C, Thirty-ninth Illinois Infantry, was mustered into service at Olney, this state. As the war was nearing its close, he did not have long to serve, and in December of that year was discharged at Springfield, and returning home, began farming on his own account. Miss Mary A., daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Nickleberry) Wells, became the wife of our subject in August, 1866. The Wells family are wellto-do people of this section, whence they came from Alabama.

To Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Davis were born nine children, of whom those living are, Eva, Annie, Alfred Perry, Dora, Edith, Rose and Clinton Mills. Mrs. Davis, together with her two eldest daughters, is a member of the Baptist Church.

While his private affairs naturally receive the major part of his time and attention, yet our subject is interested in matters of public importance and is prominent in local affairs. Both in principle and party belief he is a Democrat and has occupied a number of township offices, including those of Assessor, Collector, Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Highways.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson County, IL - 1894
Page 403-404
Submitted by Sandy Bauer