My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM C. DAVIS, Jr., one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Perry County, who is now living on section 20, township 6, range 4, has the honor of being a native of Illinois, for his birth occurred in Jackson County, on the 22d of April, 1852. His parents were William C. and Mary A. (Cross) Davis. His father was a native of Nashville, Tenn., and came to Illinois when a lad of eight summers with his brothers and sisters, who settled in Jackson County. When he had attained to a sufficient age he entered two hundred acres of land, going to Kaskaskia for that purpose. From that time he has made his own way in the world, dependent entirely upon his own resources. As his financial resources have increased, he has added to his possessions from time to time until he now owns one thousand acres. He was twice married, and by his first wife had three children, two of whom are yet living, Willis and William C., while George M. is deceased. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Abel Braughton, of Randolph County, and they became the parents of eight children, all of whom still survive, namely: Martha J., Emma, Maurice C., Murray H., Henry, Eliza, Amanda and Lena.

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood on his father’s farm and early became familiar with farm work in all its details, in the common schools he conned his lessons during his early years, and at the age of twenty-one attended the normal school for one term. He then embarked in teaching, which profession he followed for six years in connection with farming.

On the 6th of December, 1875, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Edna Irwin, daughter of Jacob Irwin, a well known farmer of Jack son County, Ill. They became the parents of four children, two of whom are yet living, Delia, born on the 22d of June, 1885, and Carrie M., born on the 10th of September, 1893. Lillie and Anna are now deceased.

The mother of our subject died in May, 1854. With her husband she was returning from a visit to Chester, Ill., and they were compelled to cross a creek which had been greatly swollen by the late rains. As they drove upon the bridge it was swept away, and they were precipitated into the rushing torrent. Mrs. Davis was carried down the stream and drowned. Mr. Davis only saved himself by his expert swimming.

Our subject has resided upon his present farm since April 17, 1876. It comprised one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, but it is now four hundred acres in extent and the greater part of it is under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He erected a handsome and commodious residence, one of the finest in the county, and it stands as a monument to his thrift and enterprise. It is located on the Campbell Hill road and commands a fine view of the surrounding country. Well tilled fields and other improvements also attest the careful supervision of the owner.

In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat, and served as County Commissioner from 1883 until 1887. In his social relations he is a Mason. He is regarded by his neighbors as a thrifty and progressive man. He takes a warm interest in the affairs of the county and is a valued citizen, who well deserves representation in this volume. Mr. Davis is also engaged in the lumber business at Percy in addition to farming.