My Genealogy Hound

Jesse R. Davis enjoys the reputation of being a substantial and progressive farmer and an intelligent and thoroughly posted man in all public affairs. He was born on the farm on which he is now residing, December 9, 1846, and is one of three surviving members of a family of seven children born to Joseph H. and Mary (Foster) Davis, both of whom were born in Randolph County, Ark., his birth occurring November 29, 1822, and hers on the 22d of September, 1824. She died here on the 18th of February, 1854, and after her demise Mr. Davis wedded Candace R. (Lane) Chandler, widow of John Chandler, an ex-sheriff of Randolph County. She was born in the State of Illinois, on the 11th of November, 1855, and died in this county on the 7th of March, 1857. Mr. Davis followed husbandry through life, and became quite wealthy in that calling. He died March 19, 1870. The children born to his first union are Thomas M., J. F. and Jesse R., all farmers by occupation. Two children were born to his second union, Margenia being the only one now living. His third wife was Miss Fanny Staggs, a Tennessean by birth, born January 1, 1848, and died in 1884. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, of whom only two are now living: James M. and Louisa. Jesse R. Davis has always resided in his native county, and here, of course, received his early schooling. At the age of seventeen he began for himself, and by good management and industry has become the owner of 360 acres of as good land as there is in the county. He is noted for his liberality, and owing to his many admirable traits has won the respect and esteem of all. October 12, 1871, his marriage with Miss Frances Stump was consummated. She was a daughter of George Stump, and was born in Hardin County, Ky., September 25, 1850, and died in Randolph County, Ark., August 28, 1872. Mrs. Melissa (Thomas) Rider became his second wife March 12, 1874. She was born March 31, 1851, also in Hardin County, Ky. The following are their children: Jacob T., Harry, Rufus A., Laura M. and an infant son. Mary E. was born February 6, 1875, and died March 19, 1880. The family worship in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Davis is a Democrat.