Davis, John

DAVIS, KIDD, FLEECE, VANSCOY, ZIMMERMAN

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/12/2009 at 07:22:37

John Davis, who resides on section 9, Buena Vista Township, is one of the honored pioneers of Jasper County. As he has witnessed the growth and development of the county for many years, and has borne his part in its up building, he well deserves representation in this volume, and it is with pleasure that we present his sketch to our readers.

A native of Kentucky, Mr. Davis was born in Montgomery County, July 7, 1820,and is a son of Nathan and Nancy (Kidd) Davis, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Virginia. The Davis family is of Welsh origin, and the father was a soldier in the War of 1812. He removed with his family to Montgomery County, Ind., becoming one of its early settlers. John was there reared to manhood and experienced the usual its slab seats, puncheon door, huge fireplace and other rude furnishings. The advantages of that day were not equal to those of the present, but through life he has been a great reader, and as he possesses a retentive memory he has made himself a well-informed man. The occupation to which he was reared has been his life work and we recognize in him a practical and progressive farmer.

Mr. Davis was married in Indiana in September 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Fleece, a native of Kentucky, who went to the Hoosier State with her parents and there grew to womanhood. By their union were born three children, two of whom are yet living: Mary C., wife of Milton Vanscoy, and Benjamin. George W. is deceased. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Davis was again married, in 1854, his second union being with Mary Zimmerman, who was also born in Kentucky. They became the parents of ten children, seven of whom are now living: Henry C.; Uriah, Trustee of Buena Vista Township; Nancy J., Josephine, Anthony, Antonia and Charles. Ulysses and Robert F. are now deceased.

In 1854, Mr. Davis came to Jasper County, Iowa; and settled upon his present farm, but in its condition at that time it bore little resemblance to the highly improved and valuable place of today. Mr. Davis at one time owned three hundred and eighty-five acres of land, but he bas given a considerable portion to his children and now owns one hundred and twenty-eight acres. He is a self-made man and in his business dealings has been very successful. Walnut Grove Farm, which he now owns, is one of the most desirable places of the community and in connection with its cultivation he engages to some extent in raising stock. He possesses good business ability, and his well directed efforts have brought him a handsome competence.

In religious belief Mr. Davis is a Methodist, and in political sentiment he is a stanch Republican. His wife, too, was a faithful member of the Methodist Church. She passed away January 19, 1892, amid the deep regret of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, who esteemed her highly for her many excellencies of character. This community has ever found in our subject a valued citizen, who manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the general welfare. Honorable and upright in all things, alike true to public and private trusts, he has the confidence and good wishes of all who know him, and is respected by young and old, rich and poor. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 416.

Contact Tracy Turek, E-mail: Fezz1@aol.com for more informayion.