My Genealogy Hound

JAMES A. DAVIDSON is the oldest of his generation of this family now living, and is one of the most esteemed citizens of West Pennsboro township, where he has passed all his life. He was born July 11, 1827, on the place where he still resides, son of Alexander Davidson and grandson of John Davidson. Alexander Davidson was also a native and lifelong resident of Cumberland county. He settled on a farm in the Kerrsville district, and became very prosperous, owning five hundred acres of valuable farm land. In 1858 he retired from active labor, taking up his home in Newville, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their days in well-earned rest, Mr. Davidson passing away Oct. 19, 1865, at the age of seventy-eight years, and Mrs. Davidson on Aug. 19, 1879, when eighty-four years old. Their family consisted of eight children.

James A. Davidson was reared upon the home place, and received the greater part of his education in the common schools of the locality. After his marriage he settled on the old homestead, where he has remained ever since, though he retired from the active work of the farm some three years ago, and is now enjoying the accumulations of his years of industry. Though he gave proper attention to his business affairs he found time to serve his fellow citizens in various capacities, and has filled the offices of school director and assessor in his township with acceptance to all concerned. He has also held other local offices. Mr. Davidson gives his support to the Republican party. He is wonderfully active and well preserved for one of his years. On Sept. 1, 1853, he married Nancy C. Nettle, daughter of William Nettle, of West Pennsboro township, and to them were born ten children, of whom seven reached maturity: Jane Ellen, the eldest, born in March, 1854, was married to a Mr. McKeehan, and had three children, James D., George E. and William O. She died at Mt. Rock, West Pennsboro township, at the age of fifty. Lacy Cordelia married Robert E. Glimm, of West Pennsboro township. Mary Alice is the widow of David Paul, and is living with her parents. Nancy Merrette became the wife of Samuel Green, and is living in Plainfield, Cumberland county; they have two children, Lacy E. and Lina A. William Alexander, born in February, 1860, is at home on the farm. Annie Amelia is the wife of William Jauss, and lives at Harrisburg. Carrie Rebecca married J. W. Orr, and has one child, Helen P.; they live at Greason, Cumberland county. The mother of this family is beloved for her many Christian qualities, and shares the respect in which her husband has been held by friends and acquaintances alike for so many years.