James W. Davis

As printed in 1902

JAMES W. DAVIS.

This name is one known throughout Knox county, for here Mr. Davis has passed his whole life and here his parents lived for many decades. He was born in Monroe township, June 9, 1849, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Downs) Davis. The father was born near Hagerstown, M'maryland, on the 4th of April, 1800, and died on the 12th of September, 1857. He was a son of Hairy and Christina (Swope) Davis. The former was born in Germany, and there learned the tailor's trade, but when a young man he left the home and friends of his youth and came to the United States, locating in Maryland. In later life he engaged in the milling business, owning flour mills on the Potomac river. In 1808 he made his way to the Buckeye state, locating in Knox county, and a short time afterward he was here joined by his wife and family, his son Jacob being then a lad of eight years, and they made the journey on horseback. After his arrival in Knox county Henr)- Davis opened a flour mill in Mount Vernon, and as the years passed by he became known as one of the prominent and leading business men of the county.

Jacob Davis, the father of our subject, became his father's assistant after attaining to mature years, and from that time until his twenty-seventh year he had almost entire charge of his father's extensive business interests. In 1827, after his marriage, he removed to Monroe township, where he was engaged in the milling business on his own account. Success abundantly rewarded his well-directed efforts and he soon took rank among the leading business men of his locality. He became the owner of three flouring-mills, a carding-mill, a woolen-factory, where he was extensively engaged in the manufacture of cloth, and also became the owner of about one thousand acres of land, but the latter was taken from him through a partner's loss and by going security for others. Although not a member of any religious denomination, he was a liberal supporter of all churches, the cause of Christianity ever finding in him a firm friend. His political support was given to the Democracy, and for many years he held township offices. Mr. Davis was married in IMount Vernon, Miss Elizabeth Downs becoming his wife. She was born in Clinton township, Knox county, a daughter of George and Rebecca (Thrift) Downs, both natives of the Old Dominion. After coming to the Buckeye state the father acquired considerable land in Clinton township, which is now known as the Sperry farm, and also became the owner of six hundred and forty acres in Monroe township. Mrs.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

James W. Davis acquired his early education in the common schools of his locality, and afterward became a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University, entering that institution with the intention of preparing himself for a profession, but after two terms there spent he was called home on account of his brother's sickness. In accordance with the wish of his mother, he then took up the quiet duties of the farm, which has ever since claimed his time and attention. After his marriage he located on a tract of one hundred and fifty acres of his present homestead, a part of which was killed to him by his mother, and the remainder he secured by purchasing the interest of the remaining heirs. In 1882 he also purchased the old home farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, and in addition he owns a tract of seventy-five acres in the northeast corner of Monroe township, all of which is under his immediate supervision. His home farm is one of the best improved in the township, and the many valuable improvements which now adorn the place stand as monuments to his thrift and ability. He is very enterprising and progressive in his methods, and his well-directed efforts and unfaltering perseverance have succeeded in winning for him a handsome competence. On the lath of December, 1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Davis and Miss Jennie Daymude, a native of Monroe township and a daughter of William Daymude, who was called to his final rest in 1 86 1. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Davis has been brightened and blessed by the presence of five children, four of whom still survive,— Elmer, a prominent farmer of Mbnroe township; and Herman, Belle and William, at home. Mr. Davis cases his ballot in favor of the men and measures of the Democratic party, and for over twenty years he has faithfully served his township as clerk. In his social relations he is a m'cember of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., of Mmmt Vernon; Clinton Chapter, No. 26, and Clinton. Commandery No. 5, also of Mount Vernon; and of the Grange, No. 874, P. of H.

As printed in The Biographical record of Knox County, Ohio : to which is added an elaborate compendium of national biography (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.