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Below is a family biography included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published by Mills & Company in 1883.  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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JAMES W. DAVIS, postmaster, Sarcoxie, is a native of Tennessee, born in Jefferson county Jan. 5, 1838. His father, Thomas T. Davis, was born in North Carolina. His mother, Sallie Davis, in Virginia. During infancy subject was taken with parents to Cleveland, Bradley county, Tenn. While there he attended the city schools. In 1852 the family came west to Cass county, Mo., where young Davis learned the trade of wagon-maker with his father, who was a mechanic. Three years later family carne to Jasper county, locating at Sarcoxie. After coming here our subject commenced blacksmithing for a time, but subsequently re-engaged at his trade. During the years 1859-60 he engaged in milling operations, in which he continued until the breaking out of the war. He then moved to Bunker Hill, Ill., where he remained for a time. Returned to Missouri in 1862, and shortly after enlisted in Company A, Fifth Missouri Cavalry, and served two years. His military experience was principally in operations against Quantrell and Jackson. Hence he knows of the hardships and dangers of guerrilla warfare. After the war he engaged in farming in Saline county. Mo. In November, 1865, he returned to Jasper county, locating on a farm one mile east of Sarcoxie. A decade later he moved to Sarcoxie and followed wagon-making until Dec. 1, 1882, when he took charge of the post-office at this place. Since he has added a full line of groceries, stationery, etc. Mr. Davis was married in Saline county, Mo., Dec. 10, 1857, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Levi and Mary E. Andrews, of that county. From this union there were nine children: Thomas W., born March 31, 1859, died May 22, 1862; Charles P., born Oct. 20, 1861; Sallie R., born Feb. 25, 1864; John A., born Aug. 29, 1866, died Oct 5, 1867; Mary E, A., born Dec. 17, 1868; Maria F., born Feb. 1, 1872, died Feb. 15, 1872; Margaret J., born Jan. 31, 1873; James C., born Dec. 12, 1875, died Jan, 14, 1876; and Joseph E., born July 24, 1876, Mrs. D. died Nov. 11, 1878. Subject was again married in Saline county Oct. 12, 1879, to Mrs. Catharine Gott, of that county. They have two children: Leslie F., born Aug. 1, 1880, and William, born Oct. 1, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have a quiet pleasant home in Osborne’s addition to Sarcoxie. Subject has held numerous political positions.

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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published in 1883.  For the complete description, click here: Jasper County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Jasper County, Missouri family biographies here: Jasper County, Missouri Biographies

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