William P. Davis, farmer, P.O. Tilford, is a native of Surry County, N.C., and was born May 11, 1827. His father, Reece Davis, deceased, was also a native of Surry County, and brought his family to this county in 1849, where he died in 1854.

Our subject attended a subscription school in a log cabin with a dirt floor, and sat upon a split-pole bench. His mother's maiden name was Patsy Harris. She still resides in this township, and is eighty-five years old.

Mr. Davis was married, February 14, 1864, to Margaret Dagg, daughter of James Dagg, deceased, a native of Ireland. They had seven children, give living - Mary F., Martha J., Theodosia, Lucinda and William R. Mr. Davis owns 157 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. The family are Baptists.

Source: The History of Jefferson County, Illinois
By William Henry Perrin
Published by Globe Publishing Co in 1883
Biographies from Webber Township Page 74

Note from Sandy: William Perry Davis was affectionately known as "Pinchin' Billy"