Mrs. D. Cornelia Davis, owner of the fine farm of 223
acres, in section 24, Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, known as
Woodside Farm, is the widow of the late John Andrews Davis, who for many
years was a prominent agriculturist of the southern section of the county.
Mrs. Davis was born February 22, 1830, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and
is a daughter of the late Moses and Permelia (Slack) Warford.
The
parents of Mrs. Davis removed to Livingston County, New York, when she was
small, and she grew to womanhood in Geneseo, where both parents died, each
aged about 70 years. They reared nine children, vi2: Mrs. Agnes Robinson,
deceased; Mrs. Matilda Stout, deceased; Thisby, who married a relative named
Warford; Wilson B., who served through the Civil War, as captain of a
company of the 133d Reg., New York Vol. Inf., now a resident of Coldwater,
Michigan; Stacy B., who served through the Civil War as a private in a New
York regiment; James Scott, of Coldwater, Michigan; Mrs. Harriet Young, of
Belfast, New York; Mrs. Amelia Locke, of Coldwater, Michigan, a widow of a
Civil War soldier; Mrs. D. Cornelia Davis, our subject; and a babe who died
in infancy.
In Geneseo, New York, December 14, 1854, our subject was
united in marriage with John Andrews Davis, and to this union these children
were born: J. Elroy, who with his daughter, Gladys B., resides on the home
farm, which he superintends, his wife is deceased; Scott Fletcher, who lives
at home; Frank Jackson, who died at the age of 10 months; Mrs. Sarah Ophelia
Meriwether, born December 28, 1864, who died at Alton, Illinois, October 7,
1895, survived by two children, — Katherine Edith and Sarah D.; Susannah E.,
at home; and Mrs. Katherine J. Badlay, of Marianna, Arkansas, who has one
child — Payton D.
The late John Andrews Davis was born February 6,
1826, at Ischua, Cattaraugus County, New York, where he resided until he
removed to Bunker Hill township, Macoupin County, in 1871. His death took
place December 11, 1903, on the farm which he had occupied more than 30
years. He was the second son of Jonathan Davis, born July 11, 1790, in
Massachusetts, and died in July, 1878, who could trace his ancestry through
Revolutionary stock, back to the "Mayflower." His grandfather and
grand-uncle, Jonathan and Edward Davis, are the two Davises mentioned in New
England history as having gone disguised as Indians on the ships in Boston
harbor, and assisted in throwing the cargoes of tea overboard.
Mr.
Davis spent his boyhood in Cattaraugus County and attended school at Alfred
Academy in Allegany County, and through life was a man of intelligence, who
kept not only well posted on current events, but accumulated a private
library as well. He owned a farm of 500 acres in New York, which is now
occupied by his brother Edwin F. After coming to Illinois, where his
intelligent foresight saw greater agricultural possibilities, Mr. Davis
purchased the fine property now the home of his widow, which he successfully
operated for so many years, being engaged in dairying as well as in farming.
The handsome buildings and superior improvements which he placed on the
property fully entitle it to be considered one of the handsomest homes of
the county. This home has always been noted for its hospitality and both Mr.
Davis and his estimable wife delighted to welcome their friends over its
threshold.
Mr. Davis always took an intelligent interest in politics
and voted with the Republican party. While bound by no religious creed, he
was liberal in his support of all religious bodies and moral measures and by
his influence furthered the cause of education and of morality. He had many
friends, for he was a man who deserved them, — honest, kind and helpful.
Mrs. Davis is held in the highest esteem.
Extracted 2018 May 07 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 221-225.
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