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Below is a family biography included in the book, The History of Putnam County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  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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L. P. Davis was born on October 16, 1845, in Clinton County, Ky., and moved to Knox County, Ill., in 1856. With his parents, two years later, he came to Putnam County, Mo., where he has since resided. When seventeen years old he started out in life upon his own responsibility, and as the fruit of labor and economy now owns 760 acres of finely improved and well stocked land. He enlisted in 1862 in the Missouri State Militia as a substitute, serving nearly a year. Then after remaining home a short time he enlisted August 12, 1864, in Company D, Forty-second Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He served about eleven months, being mustered out of service at Nashville, Tenn., having served from the organization of his company as second duty sergeant. His life occupation has been that of farming, and he is considered one of the best farmer citizens in the county. In March, 1867, he was married to Miss Mary A. Crist, daughter of J. M. and Amanda (McIlvain) Crist, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. Mrs. Davis was born May 3, 1852, in Miami County, Ind., but in 1854 was taken by her parents to Putnam County, Mo., going thence to Kansas in 1857; after a residence there of two years she returned to Putnam County, which has since been her home. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis four children have been born: Lincoln C., James M., Ora (deceased), and Alva Merritt. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Davis is a Republican in politics and has served his township five years as collector, in a highly satisfactory manner. He is a member of the G. A. R. To his parents, C. J. and Virginia Davis, eleven children were born, of whom he was the eldest. His parents are at present living and residing in Putnam County, aged sixty-four and sixty-two years, respectively. The grandparents, Absalom and Allie (Guffey) Davis, were natives of Sevier County, Tenn., and the grandfather was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church many years. His parents, Robert and Anarilla (Wood) Davis, were born in Amherst County, Va., and Botetourt County, Va., respectively, and died in the year 1843. They moved from Virginia to North Carolina, then returned to Virginia, and then went to Sevier County, Tenn., and in 1804 moved to Clinton County, Ky. While in Kentucky they became converts to the Methodist faith, and became active and conscientious workers in that church. J. M. Crist, the father of Mrs. L. P. Davis, was born March 10, 1807, and died February 4, 1887. His wife was born January 1, 1814, and died August 10, 1873. Ten children were born to this union. Mrs. Crist was a daughter of James McIlvain, who was born January 1, 1767, and married Miss Margaret Gay, who was born September 8, 1772. Eight children were born of this union, Mrs. Davis’ mother being the youngest.

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This family biography is one of 139 biographies included in the Putnam County, Missouri portion of the book,  The History of Adair, Sullivan, Putnam, and Schuyler Counties, Missouri published in 1888 by Goodspeed Publishing Co.  For the complete description, click here: Putnam County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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

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