JOHN J. DAVIS.

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         John J. Davis, a retired agriculturist living on his farm in Columbus City township, was successfully identified with farming and stock-raising interests in Louisa county throughout his active business career and is still the owner of five hundred and forty-eight acres of rich and productive land here. His birth occurred in Wales on the 10th of August, 1844, his parents being John H. and Ann Davis, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1861, purchasing and locating on a farm in Louisa county and here continuing to reside throughout the remainder of their lives. Their children were six in number, namely: Mary S., living in Louisa county; Rachel, the wife of Evan Edwards, of this county; John J., of this review; H. J., who is also a resident of Louisa county; and two who are deceased.

         John J. Davis attended the common schools in pursuit of an education and remained under the parental roof until thirty years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising claimed his attention throughout his active business career and brought him a gratifying measure of prosperity. His landed holdings now embrace five hundred and forty-eight acres in Louisa county. When he had accumulated a . . .

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. . . competence that obviated the necessity of further toil he put aside the active work of the fields and has since lived retired in the enjoyment of well earned ease. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity and the success which has crowned his labors is but the merited reward of industry, energy and perseverance.

         As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Davis chose Miss Dorothy Evans, who was likewise a native of Wales and by whom he had five children, namely: J.M. and H. E., both at home; Walter C., living in Louisa county; Anna, the wife of John G. Thomas, of this county; and Price, also at home. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in March, 1886.

         Mr. Davis is a republican in politics and has held the office of school director. He has made his home in Louisa county for a half century and has long been numbered among its most prosperous and esteemed citizens.