In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1837, Platte County
From The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882)
JAMES L. DAVIS, farmer, section 12, post office Elmo, was born in Platte County, Missouri, March 18, 1837, and when three years of age his parents moved to Andrew County, where he was reared and educated. He has always made farming his occupation during life. In 186:, he moved to Nodaway County, where he has since resided, except from 1864 till 1866, during which time he resided in Nebraska, and from that time till 1871, he was a resident of Andrew County. He now owns ninety-five acres of land. In the fall of 1861, Mr. D. enlisted in the Confederate service, in which he remained till after the battle of Springfield, Missouri. During that time he acted as sergeant. He is at present a member of College Springs Lodge, No. 228, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Davis was married February 22, 1859, to Miss Mary Messick. She was born in Platte County Missouri, July 14, 1843. They have had six children, four of whom. are now living: Elizabeth F., born November 22, 1861; Mary A., born May 26, 1863; John W., born August 22, 1866, and Elias E., born November 6, 1868.
As printed in The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.