D. D. DAVIES.

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         Among the foreign born natives of Iowa who have utilized the advantages offered by their adopted country to such advantage that they are now able to live retired, is numbered D. D. Davies. His birth occurred in Wales, on the 12th of March, 1842, a son of Thomas and Esther Davies, also natives of that country. He was but a lad of eight years when his parents left the little rock-ribbed country with America as their destination, and in the fall of 1850 the family home was established in Madison county, New York. His education, which had been begun in his native land, was completed in the schools of the Empire state, where he was reared amid the busy activities of rural life.

         He continued with his parents until he was twenty years of age when, imbued with the spirit of patriotism, he enlisted, in 1862, for service in the Civil war, becoming a soldier in Company Eleven, New York Independent Battery of Light Artillery, and with that command served until his discharge in January, 1865. In the meantime he had served in various important engagements, including Chancellorsville and the siege of Gettysburg. He received a scalp wound and in the battle of Bull Run was taken prisoner. He was mustered out at Petersburg in 1865, and with a most creditable military record returned home.

         Mr. Davies continued to make his residence in the Empire state until 1868, in which year he sought the opportunities of the middle west, locating in Louisa county, Iowa. Choosing agriculture as his life work he purchased his present farm which has remained his home throughout the intervening years. He now owns one hundred and twenty-six acres of rich land, all under a high state of cultivation and equipped with all modern accessories for facilitating farm labor. Although he has now retired from active life, he prefers to make his home in the country, surrounded by the wholesome scenes and environment of farm life, and here he is happily spending the evening of his days, enjoying the comfortable competence which has come to him as the reward of many years of earnest effort and endeavor.

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         Mr. Davies was married in New York, September 5, 1865, to Miss Jane Jones, who was also born in Wales, a daughter of Thomas and Rachel Jones, both natives of that country, where their entire lives were spent. Unto this union have been born six children, namely: Mary J., the wife of John M. Williams; David E., of Louisa county; Rachel M., who married J. E. Morgan, also of this county; Esther Ann and Margaret H., deceased; and Thomas L., residing in Mahaska county, Iowa. On the 12th of April, 1895, the wife and mother passed away, her remains being laid to rest in the Cambria cemetery.

         The religious faith of Mr. Davies is indicated by his membership in the Welsh Congregational church, and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has never desired nor sought public office, however, for his time and attention have been fully occupied with the conduct of his personal business interests. The success which has come to him in this direction is truly merited, for he started out in life without any especially favorable advantages and has risen to his present comfortable position entirely through his own industry, perseverance and well directed efforts. He possesses in marked degree the sturdy characteristics of the Welsh race and has ever displayed those qualities of citizenship which have won for him the confidence, respect and good will of his fellowmen.