Davis, Rev. R.J. 1819-1903

DAVIS, LYONS, MERCER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 4/5/2017 at 15:36:45

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
Nov. 6, 1903

R.J. DAVIS

Rev. R.J. Davis, one of the respected citizens of this place, departed this life Monday, Nov. 2, after a period of long duration of gradually failing health, although he had been confined to his house but six weeks.

Mr. Davis was born in Harrison Co., O., near Georgetown, June 25, 1819. Here he lived until 1850, except for one year spent in Pennsylvania, before he was twenty-one years of age.

In 1846, he was united in marriage at his Ohio home with Miss Miriam Lyons. To them one son, John, was born, now deceased. In 1850, Mr. Davis and family moved to Princeton, Ill. Here his wife died and in 1858, he was married to Eleanor Mercer, who survives him.

About 1864 he entered the ministry of the Methodist Protestant church of the Northern Illinois district. In September, 1865, he was appointed to the Magnolia circuit in Bureau Co., Ill. In 1875 he removed to Boone, Iowa, and in 1880 to Grinnell. Here for several years he was in the employ of Craver, Steele & Austin. In 1887 he was appointed to the pastorate of a church at Florence, Iowa, serving three years until an attack of lagrippe undermined his health and compelled him to retire from active life. Since 1890 with his wife he has lived in Grinnell, a man of rugged and earnest character, hating wrong and living a simple Christian life, respected by all.

His funeral occurred Wednesday, conducted by Rev. J.M. McClelland of the M.E. church.