My Genealogy Hound

T. M. Davis, postmaster and farmer, Blanchard Springs, Ark. Mr. Davis was born in Union County, Ark, in 1845, and was the second of twelve children born to B. M. P. and Amy (Graves) Davis, both natives of Alabama. The father was a successful tiller of the soil, and in 1839, when about twenty-one years of age, he came to Arkansas, settling in Union County, near Champagnolle, where he engaged in cultivating the soil, and was there married. He was one of the most substantial farmers, opened up a large farm, and though not an educated man, was a great reader, and became well posted on most all subjects, particularly politics, in which he was a Whig. He died in March, 1869, and the mother in 1883. T. M. Davis passed his youth on the farm and received an ordinary education in the common schools. In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in Maj. Bird’s battalion of couriers, and was engaged in the duties of that position until the close of the war. He then began farming for himself. In May, 1866, he married Miss Laura J. Medlock, a native of this county, and afterward moved to Calhoun County, where he resided three years. He then returned to Union County, settled near Champagnolle, and there resided until 1876, when he moved to Caledonia and engaged in merchandising for four years. During his residence at Caledonia he saw the valuable properties of the mineral springs in that vicinity, and began agitating the advantage of building a town here. In July, 1881, he bought a load of lumber, began the erection of the first house and gave his settlement the name of Blanchard Springs. The town began to build up immediately, and before Mr. Davis’ house was completed about forty other houses were erected. Mr. Davis opened his house as the Blanchard Hotel, and carried this on very successfully until 1889. He was postmaster at Caledonia, and on his removal to this town the office was changed to this point. He was the first postmaster, and has filled that position ever since. In 1883 he was elected mayor, served for one year, and has served two terms since. In 1885 he bought his present farm of 100 acres, fifty acres under cultivation, and has a fine tract of land. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born seven children, three now living: B. M. P. (resides in Texas and is a clerk), Josie Ruth and Amos Duval. Aurenitis died at the age of two years; Minnie died when four years of age; Joseph L. died at the age of nine years, and one died unnamed. The mother of these children died in March, 1880, and Mr. Davis was married, the second time, to Mrs. Rachel A. Seale, a native of Alabama. Mr. Davis is a great school worker, and has served as director for eleven years. He is also active in politics, was justice of this township for four years, and is at present president of the Blanchard Agricultural Wheel No. 1436. He is a pleasant gentleman, a representative citizen, and one of the best farmers of the county.