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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Saline County, Arkansas 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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Davidson & Russell, dealers in general merchandise and proprietors of gin and mill, first established business in La Belle, in January, 1889. Their interests consist of a large stock of general merchandise, ginning, milling and blacksmithing, in addition to which they own and control the manufacturing right of Saline County, for Coleman’s patent combination plow. The firm is composed of William A. Davidson and H. B. Russell, well known in this locality. William A. Davidson is a native of Arkansas, and was born in Saline County, May 28, 1859, his parents, James and Mary (Russell) Davidson, having been among the early settlers of this county. Young William received his education in the schools of this locality, applying himself closely in youth, and was married November 23, 1876, to Miss Mary E. Cameron, a daughter of Daniel A. Cameron, assessor of Saline County. To this union have been born the following children: James A. (born March 21, 1880), Cullen J. (born February 15, 1882), Ashbury P. (born November 24, 1884), and William Russell (born February 3, 1886). After his marriage Mr. Davidson continued his occupation of farming, and bought a farm of 214 acres of woodland, thirty of which he cleared, erecting good buildings and otherwise improving it. In November, 1883, he purchased a farm of 157 acres near La Belle, which he also cleared and improved, but selling this tract, in 1888, to his partner, Mr. Russell, he bought 226 acres in Beaver Township, with fifty under the plow. This farm he has cultivated and improved, until now it is classed with the finest places in Beaver Township. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Davidson is trustee of the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a member of the school board, and also postmaster at La Belle, Ark. H. B. Russell is also a native of Arkansas, and was born in Saline County, January 10, 1859, the son of Alex. Russell, ex-representative in the State legislature. He attended the common schools of his native county, and at the age of eighteen began life for himself; first in assisting his father upon the home farm till his marriage, which occurred in 1881, to Miss Josie Cameron, the daughter of Daniel Cameron, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are the parents of three attractive children: Currie (born May 6, 1883), Florence Myrtle (born August 12, 1885), and Sylvester J. (born August 28, 1887). Previous to his marriage Mr. Russell had purchased a farm in Beaver Township consisting of 102 acres timber land, to which later on he added 124 acres. He at once began to improve it, erecting a handsome residence, good barns, etc., but in 1888 traded that farm (226 acres in all) to his partner (Mr. Davidson) for 157 acres near La Belle, and a half interest in his gin and mill. Mr. Russell at once moved to his new farm, and in January following embarked in the mercantile business with Mr. Davidson, in La Belle, where their subsequent career has gained for them extensive acquaintance. Sometime in 1886 Mr. Russell engaged in the blacksmith’s trade, and bought a complete outfit in the spring of 1889, opening a shop in La Belle. In this direction also his business is rapidly increasing, and is all that he could desire. His commercial affairs interfere in no way with the management of his farm, which is not excelled in the county. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the former is a liberal contributor to all church and school enterprises, in fact, giving his support to all worthy measures for the benefit of the county. In politics he is a Democrat, though not an enthusiast. He has served two years as deputy assessor for Saline County. The firm of Davidson & Russell is probably the leading business house in this part of the country. They are honest, conscientious, and are in every way worthy of the confidence reposed in them.

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This family biography is one of 100 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Saline County, Arkansas published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Saline County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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