Davison, John

DAVISON, EIKE, VAN WAGONER

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 10/7/2020 at 14:59:20

John Davison, one of the early settlers of Marion Township, is a well-known citizen of Washington County. He was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1817, and is the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Eike) Davison, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Pennsylvania. His father had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was among the pioneers in Ohio. He died when John was a boy of nine years. John Davison was reared on a farm and came to this county in 1847, and settled on section 30, Marion Township. He was accompanied by his mother, who subsequently married James Wolf and settled in Keokuk County, Iowa, where they have both since died.

On coming to this county, Mr. Davison first purchased eighty acres of timber and eighty acres of partially improved prairie land. To his original purchase he has since added from time to time other purchases, and is now the owner of about 2,000 acres of land, most of which is under cultivation. He was married, in 1838, to Elnora Van Wagoner, a native of New York. Ten children have blessed their union: Elizabeth, the wife of William Snyder, of Marion Township: Renson died in 1883; Perry resides in Marion Township; Martha is the wife of George Snyder, of Jefferson County, Iowa; Mary is the wife of Henry Davis, of Henry County, this State; Francis Marion resides in Brighton Township; Solomon resides in Frontier County, Neb.: Benjamin, who was drowned in 1878, in the Skunk River, was born Oct. 18, 1856, and was remarkable for his tact and talent, was of mirthful disposition, true to every promise, knew the value of a friend, and was a favorite among his associates; Lydia married Madison Tucker, and died in 1886; John resides in Washington Township.

John Davison, like thousands of others, commenced life without a dollar, but he had industrious habits, and was possessed of a determination to acquire more than a bare living in his life. That he has succeeded is abundantly testified by his large possessions. He first began life by working as a farm boy by the month, after which he rented a farm for three years, in Ohio. He then bought a farm in Washington County, Iowa, which he sold on his arrival, and purchased that on which he now resides. Politically, he is a Republican, and as a temperance man, he favors prohibition. As a citizen, he enjoys the respect of his neighbors and of all who know him. He is a man of more than ordinary ability, and all his actions are governed by a desire to do that which is right, and to live at peace with his fellowmen. He is a man of great heart, and will not turn the unfortunate from his door empty-handed. Lydia Elnora Tucker is the child of his deceased daughter; she is now making her home with her grandparents, and is their especial care.

A fine portrait of Mr. Davison may be seen upon and adjoining page, which was taken especially for this work. Page 546

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of John Davison, pages 546-547.