My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Hickory County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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J. H. Davidson, of Wheatland, Hickory County, Mo., was born in Warren County, Ky., June 26, 1841, and is the son of A. L. and Mary J. (Adams), both of whom were natives of the “Blue Grass State,” where they were married in 1838. They came to Hickory County, Mo., in 1866, and resided in this county until the death of the husband in 1871. J. H., the subject of this sketch, is the second of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. He received a common school education in his native State, and came to Hickory County in 1867, where he was married to Mary F. Allen in 1869. This union has been blessed with two children, John W. and Rose M., the former now nineteen, and the latter seventeen years of age. The name of J. H. Davidson has become prominent in the history of Hickory County, and is well known among the leading men of the State. He was raised on a farm, and, after marriage, continued to follow that pursuit until 1876, when he was admitted to the bar as a practicing attorney, having devoted his leisure time while on the farm to the study of law for several years previous. In politics he early espoused the cause of the Democratic party, and has ever since cast his lot politically with the result of that party. Unfortunately, however, for him, the county of his choice was largely Republican, and his political aspiration was often cast in gloom. In 1874-76 he was the candidate of the Democratic party to represent Hickory County in the State Legislature; in 1880, for prosecuting attorney; and in 1886 was the nominee for State senator. In all these contests Mr. Davidson came out second best. In State matters he has been more successful, and has served as clerk for several terms in both branches of the General Assembly, and three terms as clerk of the State Board of Equalization. From early manhood Mr. Davidson has been a member of the Christian Church, and a member of the A. F. & A. M., and now ranks as past master of the latter in Hermitage Lodge. He is now giving his attention to the profession of his choice, and enjoying a lucrative practice in his quiet and beautiful home at Wheatland, Mo.

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This family biography is one of 53 biographies included in The History of Hickory County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Hickory County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Hickory County, Missouri family biographies here: Hickory County, Missouri

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