Davis, John 1829-1901

DAVIS, FLEECE, ZIMMERMAN

Posted By: Janice Young (email)
Date: 12/1/2003 at 23:57:04

John Davis

Iowa State Democrat, Thursday, February 21, 1901
Page 1, Column 2

Another of Jasper County’s old and honored citizens has passed to his reward. Mr. John Davis, nearly 72 years of age, died at his home in Buena Vista Township on Thursday, February 14th.

Mr. Davis was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky, July 7, 1829. At the age of thirteen he moved from Kentucky to Hendricks County, Ind., where he grew to manhood.

On September 7, 1844 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Fleece, who departed life December 2, 1852. To them were born three children, one dying in infancy.

Mr. Davis again married October 6, 1854, to Miss Mary Zimmerman, who died January 19, 1893. To this union were born ten children, five of whom are living and five have crossed the river of death.

Father Davis was one of the honored pioneers of Jasper County, coming to Iowa in its infancy and therefore endured the hardships and advancements of this country. He settled on the farm where he has always lived and where he has always been surrounded by the comforts of home and family. Being a self-made man, he has been successful and leaves to his family a competency of this world’s goods, and best of all, an honored name.

He was converted at a Methodist camp meeting and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of nineteen years, and has ever since lived true to the faith that his Bible taught him, being a constant reader of the Book of Books. He was an honest upright citizen and held the respect of the entire neighborhood. His character was above reproach. As this father lived so he died, surrounded by his family and loved ones, after a few hours sickness. His vacant chair will be gazed at with a tinge of sadness, and we commend those mourning ones to the care of Him, who is able to wipe away all of our tears.

The funeral was held at Hixson Grove, Sunday, February 17, 1901, conducted by Rev. A. S. Loveall, pastor of the Methodist Church, and the body was laid in the cemetery near by.