Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 38

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 38

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Wis., also was for twelve years Superintendent of Schools at Delavan, Wis., and Sparta.

DAVIS, George, who has been a resident of Springfield since about 1883, from that time to the present has been connected with mining in- terests in the vicinity. He has been employed as miue Inspector and mine manager by vari- ous concerns, and is at present connected with the Chicago & Springfield Mining Company. He has spent most of his life in miuing, having worked In severai Euglish mlnes before coming to America. He was born in Gloucestershire, Eugland, July 1, 1846, and after attending the country schools near his home, where he paid a tax of about two cents per week for the privilege, atteuded a college. He was one of the five children (four sous and one daughter) of Thomas aud Ann (Newell) Davls, both of whom spent their eutire lives in England, being uatives of Gloucestershire. The father was a contractor.

After leaving schooi George Davis was ap- prenticed to the trade of tinner, but worked at it only a short time and then became employed lu a miue. He traveled throughout England and worked in different capacitles in various mines. He emigrated to America In 1881, lauding in Bostou, and shortly afterwards came to Brace- ville, Ill., where he spent two years, before lo- cating in Springfield, which has siuce been his home. He possesses business and executive abil- ity aud has for several years past been a mau- ager for the company by which he is now em- ployed. He is popular with hls associates and respected by all who know him, as an enterpris- iug, useful citizen.

Mr. Davis was married, in Engiaud, Decem- ber 24, 1869, to Miss Joanna Jones, who was born iu Brecknockshire, South Wales, iu 1849, and died in Springfield, February 19, 1910. Her father was a shepherd in South Wales, where he and his wife spent their entire lives. They had two sons and three daughters. Mr. Davis aud his wife had eight sons and four daughters, of whom but four sons survive, namely : George, of Springfield; Ernest, of Kansas City, Mo .; Thomas J. and Willlam, of Springfield. Mr. Davis has seven grandchildreu. He resides at 1711 East Sangamon Avenue, Springfield. Mr. Davls is a member of the Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Royal Circle organization.

DAVIS, James E .- The family of which James E. Davis Is a member, has been well known in Sangamon County, Ill., for eighty years. Mr. Davis is a native of the county, born November 17, 1840, son of Richard and Ellzabeth (Neal) Davls, natives of Kentucky, the former born in April, 1800, and the latter born In Nelson County, about 1803. They were married and had one child in Kentucky and emigrated to Sangamou County, Ill., arriving before the deep suow of 1830-31. They had three children born In Sangamon County. Richard Davis was a shoemaker by trade and served In the Black Hawk War. The children born to him and his wife were: George L. dled unmarried in 1856;

1164

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Diana married Philip Loeb; John H., and James E.

The education of James E. Davis was acquired in the public schools of Springfield and he has lived in the city most of his life. Upon leaving school he began work at brick-making, and enlisted, August 2, 1862, in Springfield, in Com- pany F, Twelfth Volunteer Infantry, serving under General Wallace. He served to the end of the war in this company and made a record of which he is justly proud. He was mustered out at Richmond, Va., August 11, 1865, having participated in many of the important engage- ments of the war, among them: Battle of the Wilderness, Weldon Railroad, North Ann, Cold Harbor and Pebble Farm. He is a member of Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R., and also be- longs to the M. W. A.

Upon his return after the close of the war, Mr. Davis was employed in the blacksmith shops of the Wabash Railroad Company for abont eight years, then became a member of the Springfield Fire Department about 1900 and has lived retired ever since. He has always been an enterprising citizen of Springfield and has been deeply interested in its progress and welfare. Having been born and reared in the city, he has a large number of friends. He is highly esteemed for his kindly, genial disposition aud his many sterling qualities. He owns a very comfortable home at 907 North Third Street, Springfield, and there he and his wife delight in meeting and entertaining their friends. Mr. Davis is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and in politics is a Democrat.

The marriage of Mr. Davis took place at Springfield, August 8, 1868, when he was united with Rose McGrane, daughter of Lawrence and Catherine (Bradley) McGrane, born in County West Meath, Ireland, November 31, 1852. Her parents embarked on board a ship which was wrecked, and they were seven months at sea, before landing in New York. They came to Morristown, N. J. The wife died there about 1895. Mrs. Davis was the youngest of eight chil- dren and all are deceased. They were ali mem- bers of the Catholic Church. Two children have blessed this union, Christina, born July 30, 1880, and William J., November 22, 1874. Mrs. Davis is a woman of culture and high character and is loved by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.

DAVIS, James W .- After many years devoted to arduous toil, Sangamon County farmers feel that they have earned the right to enjoy the fruits of their labors and, retiring from active work, settle down in towns adjacent to the scenes of their former homes, where they are free to give more attention to civic matters. A representative of this class is James W. Davis, of Illiopolis, born in Adams County, Ohio, March 4, 1833, a son of John and Martha A, (Douglas) Davis, the former born in New York City, and the latter in Pennsylvania. John Davis was a cabinetmaker and wheelwright.

The Davis family originated in Germany, the grandparents of James W. Davis having come from that conntry to America, locating in New York City. Later they moved to Ripley Connty, Ind., but, after farming there a short itme, went to Kentucky, dying there. From Kentucky John Davis moved to Adams Connty, Ohio, at an early date, locating in West Union, where he followed his trade of cabinetmaking until 1847, but in that year, losing his, wife, he went to Lewistown, Ill., and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at the home of a danghter. There were five children in the family, but ail are now deceased except James W.

Mr. Davis was given better educational ad- vantages than many, having the privilege of attending the city school of West Union. Dur- ing his boyhood he assisted his father, later en- gaging in different lines. He was in Kentucky when the war broke out, and farmed eight years in Mason County. He theu came to Illinois, locating at Mechanicsburg. At the end of two years he went to Lake Fork, Logan Connty, farming there for three years. From there he came to Illiopolis, resuming farming. He is now one of the retired residents of his town, owning his comfortable home.

Mr. Davis has been thrice married, his first wife having been Margaret Scott whom he mar- ried in Kentucky. She was born in Mason Connty, Ky., and died in Mechanicsburg. She bore her husband four children: Joseph, living at Harristown, Ill .; Sarah, living in Springfield ; Mattie, wife of George Phillips, an engineer, living in Illiopolis; George living in Springfield. Mr. Davis was married in Mechanicsburg to Lnia Rousch, born in Macoupin Couuty, Ill., and died in Illiopolis, having borne her husband one son. William, living in Springfield. The third mar- riage of Mr. Davis took place in Illiopolis, to Mary Regar, born in Ohio. Her parents were among the pioneers of Illinois. Mrs. Davis died April 11, 1906. By this marriage there were five children : Edward and Roy, living in Iliiopolis ; Pearl married John Gano, of Spring- field, and one child, Walter, deceased.

A stanch Democrat, Mr. Davis has always sup- ported his party, and appreciation of his services was shown in his election to the office of Con- stable, in which he served fonr years. He also served for five years as Town Marshal, and has been Street Commissioner, giving faithful and valuable service in each office. In the Christian Church he has long been a power, con- tributing liberally towards its support and aid- ing in its good work. Through earnest efforts he has accumulated considerable property, which places him in comfortable circumstances, and he is now enjoying the results of a well-spent life. There are few men who stand higher in his community than he, and his success is mer- ited, for it has been earned through hard work.

DAVIS, John, who owns a tract of twenty acres of valuable land on the edge of the city of

1165

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

Springfield, III., has been very successful in carrying 'on farming and gardening and has lived in the vicinity of his present home for twenty-six years. Mr. Davis was born in Somersetshire, England, August 27, 1852, and is a son of Samuel and Anna (Garland) Davis, both natives of England, the former born in 1835 and the latter in 1831, and both died in England. The parents resided on a farm and were parents of four children, three daughters and one son : Eliza Jane, deceased; Sarah Ann. wife of Walter Penn, living in England; Emily, wife of John Culien, a farmer living near Ma- comb, McDonough County, III., and John. The motiver passed away in 1901 and the father the following year.

In boyhood John Davis attended the public schools of his native country and worked on his father's farm until about seventeen or eighteen years of age, then worked by the week at farming for three years, being employed by various neighboring farmers. He came to America in 1873 and located first in Sangamon County. He went to Christian County in 1876 and worked there two years, then returned to Sangamon County and purchased a small tract of land where he now lives. He owns twenty acres and. as the land is within the city limits, it is worth about six hundred dollars per acre He devotes much of it to market gardening and has met with gratifying success in this enter- prise. He has a comfortable house at 2300 East Laurel Street.

Mr. Davis was married in Springfield, April 5, 1879, to Miss Mary A. Eddington, born August 27, 1853, daughter of Joseph and Rhoda (Pittman) Eddington, who came to America from England in 1880, locating on Cook Street in Springfield, and both are now deceased. The father died in 1903, at the age of ninety-five years, and the mother in 1907, at the age of eighty-four years. Ten children were born to Mr. Davis and his wife, namely: William, a gardener of Sangamon County ; Genevieve, wife of Everheardt Heissinger, a gardener of Sanga- mon County; Joseph, a gardener; Edward works at home; Anna, wife of Troy Foster, at home; Lillie and Albert at home; Samuel, a miner in Springfield. Mr. Davis has four grandchildren, two girls and two boys.

Mr. Davis is a member of Liberty Camp No. 1534, Modern Woodmen of America, and has belonged to the order about twenty years. His wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors. He also belongs to the Congregational Church. In political views he is a Republican. He came to America a poor young man, about the time he reached inis majority, and through his own efforts has acquired a competence. He was reared to habits of industry and sobriety and has governed his actions in accordance with principles of honesty and integrity. thus win- ning the esteem and confidence of his fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been to England twice and expect to visit their native home again.

DAVIS, J. McCan .- There are few more in- teresting personalities in Sangamon County, Iii., than J. McCan Davis, through whose inti- mate knowiedge of men and events, grasp of politics and political situations, his fellow citi- zens have gained their comprehensive view of what has been the making of history. A man of versatile talents, seemingly he would have been successfui in almost any line of endeavor, and has been particularly so in his literary work, which has covered both journalism and author- ship.

J. McCan Davis was born in Fulton County, III., November 19, 1866, and obtained his eariy educational training in the public schools. In boyhood he developed a taste for journalism and at the age of fifteen years was a contributor to newspapers. He learned shorthand by self-in- struction and while yet a boy was able to report speeches. Later he taught school for a short time, but when nineteen years oid became editor of a weekly paper at Canton, III., and during that time aiso acted as official court stenog- rapher. For a short time he was engaged in newspaper work in Iowa, being managing editor of a daily paper at Council Bluffs.

In the fall of 1SSS Mr. Davis came to Spring- field and became connected with the Illinois State Journal. In 1889 he became resident cor- respondent for the Chicago Times and other metropolitan papers, and from 1890 for many years he was correspondent of Chicago, St. Louis, New York and Boston newspapers. In 1891 he was appointed correspondent of the St. Louis Globe Democrat, and has continuously represented that paper at the State Capital. For a number of years Mr. Davis held the posi- tion of manager of the Legislative Bureau of the Associated Press. He has a wide acquain- tance with and a comprehensive knowledge of public men. From 1895 until 1899 he practiced Iaw. Iu 1897. he was appointed Secretary of the State Board of Arbitration and became an authority on industrial conciliation and arbi- tration. In 1900 he was called before the U. S. Industrial Commission for expert testimony and drafted the acts passed by the Legislature in 1899 and 1901, amending the arbitration law.

Mr. Davis is widely known as a writer, and is a high authority on the life of Abraham Lin- coln, as well as the politics and history of Illi- nois. Among his books are "The Breaking of the Deadlock," "Abraham Lincoln-His Book," "How Abraham Lincoln Became President" and (in collaboration with Ida M. Tarbell) "The Early Life of Abraham Lincoln." In April, 1911. he founded "The Illinois Statesman," an illustrated weekly magazine for Illinois.

In 1908 Mr. Davis made a notable campaign for the Republican nomination for Clerk of the Supreme Court of Illinois. He was successful and in November of that year was elected to that office by a plurality exceeding 165,000. His term expires in 1914.

Mr. Davis is married, his wife having been

1166

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

formeriy Miss Florence Flower Packard of

Canton, Ilinois.

DAVISON, James .- Most of the early settiers of Sangamon County have disappeared from the busy haunts of men. Thelr names may be for- gotten, thelr dust moldering in the tomb, but their influence remains. These fertile fields, these busy, teeming cities, are all the magnificent results of their sacrifices and forethought, and will be their silent and enduring monument forever. One who has tile distinction of be- longing to one of the old pioneer families of the county is James Davison, one of the most prosperous farmers of his part of the State. He was born in Sangamon County, February 20, 1835, a son of Willlam and Sadie Davison, natlves of Kentucky, and sturdy pioneers who came to Illinols in 1818 and spent the remain- der of their useful lives within the confines of Sangamon County. Their first home was a lit- tle log cabin, but they worked hard, reared their children, and departed this life, having rounded out their lives, and developed fine Christian qualities.

James Davison was educated in Sangamon County and remembers well the primitive log schools which form such a vivid contrast to those of the present day. His life work has been farming, and there is probably little about practical farming that he does not know. IIe owns a magnificent farin in Cartwright Town- ship, where ite has spent ali his life, and no one there stands higher in the esteem of his nelghbors. Mr. Davison has uever married. His iife has been ordered by the Golden Rule, and he has given of his means to many of whom tbe worid knows nothing, for he does not tell of his charities. A Democrat, he is content to show his support of the party by voting for its candidates. Genial, kind-hearted, always willing to lend a helping hand, Mr. Davison is a great favorite, and is easily one of the leading men of his township.

DAWLEY, Joseph C. - The carpenters and builders of a community contribute mnuch to- wards its material advancement, as well as to its beauty and substantial appearance. One who has been engaged along this line of en- deavor for some years is Joseph C. Dawley, who was born near Rochester, Sangamon County, June 20, 1861, a son of Harrison and Jane (Campbell) Dawley, the former a native of New York State and the latter of Tennessee. The father was a farmer and came to Illinois at an early day, first settling near Old Salem, where he remained several years, then moving to a farm In the vicinity of Rochester. Sangamon County. In addition to farmning during the early days, he drove the stage coach between Rochester and Beardstown. He remained on his farm untii his death, which occurred in 1883, his widow surviving him until 1885. They had six sons and three daughters, but only two

survive, Joseph C. and William, who live with him.

The education of Joseph C. Dawiey was se- cured in the schools of the county and in Roch- ester, and during his boyhood he worked on the farm, growing up amid healthy agricultural conditions. When he attained his majority he began learning the carpenter's trade, which ile has followed ever since, some of the best build- ings in Rochester being the resuit of his work. He is conscientious about carrying out his con- tracts and has gained a weli-merited confidence.

Mr. Dawiey has never married, he and his brother living together. He gives much of his spare time to the Methodist Church, of which he is a consistent member, enjoying his asso- ciation with Its religious life. A Democrat, he confines his public efforts to voting for the candidates of his party, not desiring office. In addition to his home, Mr. Dawley holds four city lots in Rochester which are very valuable. He has confidence in Rochester reaity, as is evinced by his Investments, and is one of the solid, reliable men of his community.

DAWSON, Henry M .- The agricultural inter- ests of Sangamon County are important and ex- tensive, and some of the most progressive and energetic men of the locailty are engaged in farming, realizing that in this calling are big profits for those who understand their work. Que of these representative agriculturists is Henry M. Dawson, of Section 32, Woodside Township. He was born in Scott County, Ili., July 11, 1859, being a son of Jesse and Anna (Groomu) Dawson, farming people, born iu Deiaware and Scott County, Ill., respectively.

Jesse Dawson came to Iiiinois from his native State, at a very early day, locating on a farm in Scott County, where he resided until his deatii, which occurred in February, 1908, wheu he was ninety-three years of age. His wife passed away in 1882, having spent her life in Scott County, where her parents had been early settlers. She bore her husband four sons and four daughters, and the family is weli and favorably known throughout southern Illinois. Four of Jesse Dawson's brothers served in the Civil War.

Growing up on his father's farm, Henry M. Dawson attended the country schools and iearned how to tiii the soil. He remained in Scott County until 1890, but in that year canie to Springfield, where he formued a partnership with R. M. Dockum, for the purpose of conduct- ing a grocery on North Grand Avenue, but after six years in this conuectiou embarked in a grocery business of his own on North Sixth Street, continuing there for a year. He then moved to the vicinity of the Leland Hotel, con- tinuing there for ten years, but in 1906, pur- chasel eighty acres in Woodside Township, moving there and becoming very successful as a farmer.

On April 22, 1880, Mr. Dawson was united

1167

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

in marriage at Winchester, Scott County, to Anna Towel, born iu Canada, January 5, 1858. Her parents moved to Illinois, settling in Madi- son County, where they lived until their deaths. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dawson : Nettie (Mrs E. V. Percival, of Urbana, Ill.) ; Leonard, Clintou, Mary, Heury and Nellie, all at home. They, with their parents, belong to the Methodist Church.

While residing in Springfield Mr. Dawson served as a member of the Fire Department under Mayor Phillips and gave the city efficient alld faithful service. He is a Republican in political faith. Fraterually he belongs to Capi- tal Tent, No. 1, Maccabees, and is much inter- ested in that order. He is a live, energetic business man and an excellent farmer. He con- ducts his business in a thoroughly up-to-date manner, and has won and retains the confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact.

DAWSON, James H .- Some men attain prom- inence through financial importance or political influence, but those who endear themselves to their associates because of their Christian vir- tues are truly great, for their treasures are uot of this earth. As long as the religious history of Sangamon Couuty is written it will bear conspicuously upon its pages the name of James H. Dawson, who has ever been active in church and Sunday School work in connection witlı the Methodist denomination of Buffalo. Mr. Dawson is also a well-known business man of this place conducting, as he does, a first-class wagon-making aud blacksmith establishment. He was born in Sussex County, Del., July 12, 1821, being a son of Jesse and Sarah (Beau- champ) Dawson, natives of Delaware. The grandfather on the paternal side of the house was born in England, while the descent on the unaternal side was from German stock. Jesse Dawson migrated to Illinois in 1835, arriving in Scott County on August 25th and locating on a farm which he operated in conjunction with a saw-mill, thus continuing for six months, when he bought a half-interest in a grist-mill, operat- ing it for three years. He then bought 240 acres and continued to farm this property until his death, in 1861. His widow survived him for several years. Eight children were born to these parents, two sisters of Mr. Dawson beiug the only survivors in addition to himself. They reside in Jacksonville. Jesse Dawson served his country as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a brave man in both war and peace.

James H. Dawson attended school in both Delaware and Scott County, Ill., and worked hard for his father. At the same time he learned the carpenter trade and found ready employment at it in Scott County. Later he conducted a carpenter shop in Winchester, Ill., for seven years. He then went to Harrison- ville, Mo., where he worked at his trade for six months, then returned to Scott County and there operated a steam saw-mill, but in the fall of 1863 he came to Sangamon County, to spend two

years in farming. For the four years follow- ing this he again worked at his trade, after which he located in Buffalo and in 1866 estab- lished his present business, conducting a wagon- making and blacksmithing business. Although eighty-nine years old, he is very vigorous, and does a full day's work regularly.

On November 14, 1844, Mr. Dawson was united in marriage in Scott County, Ill., to Elizabeth McLaughiin, born in Ohio, August 16, 1827, and died June 26, 1890. Her parents came from Ohio to Scott County, Ill., at an early day, settling on a farm where both died. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Daw- son, three of whom survive: Thomas R. who lives in Denver, being engaged in the insurance business ; James M. who lives in Danville, Ind., being a paperhanger, and Anna V., who lives at home, keeping house for her father. There are thirteen grandchildren and six great-grand- children in the family. Mr Dawson owns his comfortable home in Buffalo, and is a man of means.

His first vote was cast in 1842, and when the Republican party was organized he discovered in its platform a true expression of his political views, henceforth giving its principles and can- didates his hearty support. Since boyhood he has been an earnest worker in and member of the Methodist Churchı. He it was who organ- ized the first Sunday School in Buffalo, con- ducting it in connection with the Methodist Church, and he has served as Superintendent aud teacher. Mr. Dawson is a man who carries his religion into everyday life, and it would be difficult to estimate how much good he has done, both by teaching and exampie. His is a beauti- ful Christian character, and he is beloved by a wide circle of friends throughout the county.

DAWSON, John (deceased) .- In the records of every community there are certain names which stand for much that is good and noble. Their owners are responsible for large developments ; have lent their influence to securing improve- ments, or borne an important part iu the politi- cal life of the locality. The history of Sanga- mon County would not be complete without a sketch of the late Jolin Dawson, a hero of the War of 1812, and a man whose probity of char- acter and public-spirited interest in local affairs placed him among the foremost pioneers of this county. Mr. Dawson was born in Fairfax County, Va., in November, 1791, being a son of William and Nancy Dawson, also uatives of Virginia. The winds of Kentucky attracted them, and they moved to that State with their family prior to the War of 1812, and were identified with its growth.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 38

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774