My Genealogy Hound

DAVIS, JAMES M. prominent among the leading physicians of Greene County; was born in Boyle County, Ky., in 1828. His father, Cyrus A. Davis, was a prominent physician in Kentucky, who there married Miss Anna R. Montague, by whom he had eleven children, and of whom James was the fourth. He was in his fourth year when his parents settled at Carrollton, Greene County, Ill., then a village composed of a few rough stores and dwellings. Purchasing a farm, the head of the family followed agricultural pursuits, when he moved to Carrollton and began the practice of his profession. At first he gained but little practice, but as the town grew quite rapidly, his practice increased in proportion to the growth. Above the average in education and natural intelligence, in 1836 he received the nomination and was elected to the House of Representatives. When the Legislature was in session at Vandalia, then the capital of the State, Dr. Davis bade his family farewell and set out on horseback to attend to his new duties. On reaching the scene of his labors he remained until his term expired, when he once more entered upon the duties of his profession at Carrollton, and where he held many responsible offices. He died in 1852, universally regretted for his sterling qualities. At the early age of 19, James M. Davis began the study of medicine under his father. At the end of one year of unremitting study, he proceeded to St. Louis, where he attended the medical department of the Missouri State University, graduating as an M. D. March, 1852. Digressing a little it will be well to state that at 17 Dr. Davis entered the Mexican war, enlisting in Co. H, 2d Reg. Kentucky Infantry; honorably discharged on account of general disability, he resumed his studies. Dr. Davis, now a prominent physician of Carrollton, has held numerous responsible positions, but a short time ago becoming the regular Republican nominee for State Senator. In 1857 Dr. Davis was married to Sarah A. Vedder, a daughter of E. P. Vedder, by whom he has five children: Francis A., Edgar L., Nellie, Nettie, and Belle.