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Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  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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RACHEL DAVIS, Piqua. Rachel Davis is a native of this place; her father, James Johnson, a brother of Col. Johnson, was a native of Ireland; married in Pennsylvania, June 7, 1798, to Mary Adams, and came to Piqua in 1811. Mrs. Davis, born Dec. 7, 1812, was married to Samuel Davis in 1841, who was born in Butler Co., Ohio, Dec. 10, 1810, and came to Miami Co. when a young man; he was a contractor in the construction of the canal from Piqua north, his section including the numerous locks in the vicinity of Lockton, all of which was constructed under his supervision; in the war of the rebellion, while not able to take the field, his patriotism found abundant expression in encouraging others, giving substantial aid to the friends and dependents of soldiers, and Mrs. Davis was prominent in the Ladies’ Aid Society; after his marriage, he engaged in the grocery business in Piqua, in which he successfully continued until the time of his death, which occurred April 4, 1865. Mr. Davis was a man of business, never sought public distinction, but was a liberal-hearted, respected citizen; his residence, on the northwest corner of Wayne and Green streets, now occupied by his widow, is a commodious, substantial building, comfortably and tastefully furnished, and surrounded by a pleasant yard. Mrs. Davis is now one of the oldest present residents of Piqua, and very much respected.

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This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

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