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         EDWARD E. DAVIES, a well-to-do and leading farmer and stock-raiser, now residing on section 16, Elm Grove Township, was born in Wales in 1837, and is a son of Evan H. and Elizabeth (Evens) Davies, who were also natives of Wales. Edward received his education in his native land, and was reared to farm life. With his parents, in 1852 he emigrated to America, and located in Columbus City Township, Louisa Co., Iowa. He was there aiding his father in the labors of the farm when the Civil War broke out, and like many others of his countrymen, he enlisted in defense of his adopted land, becoming a member of Company F, 25th Iowa Infantry. He was mustered into service at Keokuk, whence he was sent to St. Louis, where the regiment was attached to Steele’s division. The first principal battle in which it engaged was that of Chickasaw Bayou, Dec. 29, 1862, which was followed by that of Arkansas Post, Jan. 11, 1863. This was followed by the second battle of Arkansas Post, where hundreds of brave men were killed and wounded, and 7,000 were captured. The shell and shot flew thick and fast, and many of the 25th Infantry were killed. The regiment afterward engaged in many minor battles, and was then sent to Young Point, in the rear of Vicksburg. It participated in the siege and capture of the latter city, and on the following Sunday morning attacked Haynes’ Bluff, where Mr. Davies came very near losing his life, but was saved by his canteen, which was struck by a piece of shell. Overcome with fatigue and heat, he was taken sick about fifteen months after his enlistment, and soon afterward was honorably discharged from service on account of disability, after which he returned to his home, but has never fully recovered from the effects of a sunstroke received on the Southern battlefield.

Our subject was united in marriage with Elizabeth A. Griffith, who was born in this county, Feb. 27, 1844, and is a daughter of Arthur Griffith, one of the pioneer settlers. By their union eight children have been born, of whom one died in infancy: Elizabeth J., was born March 19, 1866; Arthur E., Sept. 29, 1868; Evan R., Dec. 22, 1870; Margaret E., Nov. 4, 1872; Edward J., March 31, 1877; Ebenezer G., Oct. 7, 1879, and Marietta, Oct. 17, 1884.

After his return from the war Mr. Davies once more turned his attention to farming, and in 1866 bought 160 acres of land, known as the Elm Grove farm, on account of its natural grove of towering elms. There was but a small shanty upon the land, but into this the family moved, and the work of . . .

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. . . cultivation immediately began. By industry, enterprise, and the assistance of his family, Mr. Davies has added to his original purchase until he now owns 420 acres of land, comprising one of the finest farms in Louisa County. The little cabin has long since given way to a beautiful two-story residence, and his barns and out-buildings are models of convenience. The farm is stocked with a good grade of horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. Starting in life in limited circumstances, by his industrious and upright life Mr. Davies has gained a comfortable property, and won the confidence and good-will of his fellow-citizens. He is a member of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church, as is also his family, and he does all in his power toward the upbuilding of the social and religious interests of the community. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, an ardent adherent to its principles, and is numbered among Louisa County’s most loyal citizens.