My Genealogy Hound

William R. Mayfield, a retired farmer, was born in Casey County, Ky., April 2, 1834, and is the son of James and Mary (Johnson) Mayfield, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation, was a soldier in the Mexican War, and he and wife were earnest workers in the Christian Church. They moved from Kentucky to Illinois, and later to Missouri, locating in Gasconade Township, Laclede County. Here the mother died, and here the father followed her to the grave in 1853. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom lived to be grown, but only three now living. The eldest, Mrs. Anna Wisdom, is now a widow; James lives in Laclede County, Mo., and William R., subject of this sketch; Mayfield Township was named in his honor. The last named attained his growth in Laclede County, and was left when a boy to do for himself. He began farming for himself, and April 13, 1855, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah M. Davis, a native of Kentucky, born January 23, 1839, and the daughter of George W. and Elizabeth W. Davis, who were natives of Madison County, Va., and both born in the year 1810. The grandfather, James Davis, was a native of Maryland, and his wife’s maiden name was Dent. George W. Davis came from Virginia to Kentucky in 1831, and located in Warren County. He was a grain dealer by occupation. He lived in Kentucky for a number of years, then moved to Tennessee, from there back to Kentucky, and settled in Missouri in the fall of 1839. He located on the Gasconade River, bought land, and here followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred February 6, 1878. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also the I. O. O. F. His wife died November 2, 1883. She was an active worker and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They were the parents of eight children. To Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield were born nine children: Sarah E. (deceased) was the wife of A. J. Holman; she died June 2, 1881, leaving three children. [See sketch of A. J. Holman.] Irvin W., W. Melvin, Andrew O., L. C, Lulu Bell, and three children who died in infancy. August 25, 1880, Mr. Mayfield moved to his farm on Dry Glaize, and in September, 1886, moved to Lebanon. During the war he enlisted in the Forty-sixth Missouri Infantry Volunteers, and served six months, after which he returned home and resumed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Mayfield is a member of the A. F. & A. M. at Lebanon, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the former having held all the offices of that church.