James W. Davis

As printed in 1883

JAMES W. DAVIS, postmaster, Sarcoxie, is a native of Tennessee, born in Jeflerson county Jan. 5, 1838. His father, Thomas T. Davis, was born in North Carolina. His mother, Sallie Davis, in Virginia. During infancy subject was taken with parents to Cleveland, Bradley county, Tenn. While there he attended the city schools. In 1852 the family came west to Cass county. Mo., where young Davis learned the trade of wagon-maker with his father, who was a mechanic. Three years later family came to Jasper county, locating at Sarcoxie. After coming here our subject commenced blacksmithing for a time, but subsequently re-engaged at his trade. During the years 1859-60 he engaged in milling operations, in which he continued until the breaking out of the war. He then moved to Bunker Hill, Ill., where he remained for a time. Returned to Missouri in 1862, and shortly after enlisted in Company A, Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and served two years. His military experience was principally in operations against Quantrell and Jackson. Hence he knows of the hardships and dangers of guerrilla warfare. After the war he engaged in farming in Saline county. Mo. In November, 1865, he returned to Jasper county, locating on a farm one mile east of Sarcoxie. A decade later he moved to Sarcoxie and followed wagon-making until Dec. 1, 1882, when he took charge of the post-office at this place. Since he has added a full line of groceries, stationery, etc. Mr. Davis was married in Saline county. Mo., Dec. 10, 1857, ito Miss Sarah, daughter of Levi and Mary E. Andrews, of that county. From this union there were nine children: Thomas W., born March 31, 1859, died May 22, 1862; Charles P., born Oct. 20, 1861; Sallie R., born

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

JOHN" DENNEY, farmer and stock-raiser, post-office Reeds, was born in Green county, Pa., July 27, 1821. His parents were also natives of the Keystone State. When our subject was nine years of age the family moved to Knox county, Ohio, and located on a farm. There he grew to maturity, receiving a fair education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen he commenced milling, and a little more than a half decade later took charge of his father's mill and continued in that capacity four years. In the fall of 1846 he moved to Green county. Wis., and followed the same business until the breaking out of the war. He then enlisted in Company G, Twentysecond Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, and served until the cessation of hostilities. He was with General Sherman in all of his campaigns, and was taken prisoner at Brentwood, Tenn., by the rebel Forest, and confined in Libby Prison, but he was soon after exchanged and returned to his command. He was mustered out in June, 1865, and immediately returned to his home in Wisconsin. In the fall of 1866 he moved to this county, where he now lives, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Denney was married in Knox county, Ohio, April 13, 1843, to Miss Susanna, daughter of Adam and Susanna Earleywine, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Denney was born in the Buckeye State, July 8, 1822. This union has been blessed with ten children: Isaac M., born Feb. 4, 1844; Nancy M., born Feb. 6, 1846 Sarah J., born Feb. 12, 1849; Thomas W., born Aug. 29, 1851; Julia E. Eebecca A., born Dec. 1, 1856; Ida Mabel; Mary M., born Feb. 17, 1862 John Sherman, born July 25, 1868; Mary Miranda and Mary Amanda. Mr. and Mrs. Denney have a beautiful home, situated about three and a half miles west of north of Sarcoxie. The farm consists of 300 acres of fine land, well improved, under good fence, commodious dwelling, barn, and other buildings, and an orchard containing a general variety of each, apple, and other fruits. Mr. Denney is a man of industry, integrity, and enterprise, and is considered one of the most substantial farmers of Jasper county.

As printed in The history of Jasper county, Missouri : including a condensed history of the state, a complete history of Carthage and Joplin, other towns and townships : together with numerous portraits of prominent (1883). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.