My Genealogy Hound

James E. Davis, whose name takes the lead in the list of prominent land­holders of Washington County, was born in Blount County, Tenn., August 10, 1831, and is the son of James and Charity (Philips) Davis. The father was born in Blount County, Tenn., was a successful farmer, was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and was a Union man and a Republican in politics. The mother was a native of North Carolina, and was married to Mr. Davis in Blount County, Tenn., where they both passed the greater part of their lives. He died at the age of seventy-three, and she at the age of sixty-five. She was also a member of the Baptist Church. In their family were twelve children, seven now living. James E. Davis, when twenty-one years of age, went to Cass County, Ga., but one year later returned to Tennessee and located in Blount County. In the year 1854 he moved to Washington County, Ark., where he has since resided. Although commencing without means he is now the owner of 2,000 acres of some of the best land in the county, with 600 acres under cultivation. October 12, 1857, he married Miss Elizabeth Woolsey, who was born in Washington County, Ark., February 12, 1838, and who is the daughter of Samuel Woolsey. To Mr. and Mrs. Davis were born eleven children, five sons and six daughters, nine of whom are now living, viz.: James W., Nina E., John S., George W., Mollie T., Nolie L., Cora B., Ella E., Ida M., Edgar C., Caleb L. Those deceased are Nolie L. and Edgar C. Mr. Davis served four years in the Confederate army, in Col. Carroll’s regiment, and was in many skirmishes. He was taken prisoner, was taken to Fayetteville, and there confined for two months. Another time he was a prisoner a short time, doing the duty of a scout. During this eventful period he lost all his property but his land, he being the owner at that time of about 300 acres. Mr. Davis, in his political views, has been a Democrat, but now votes for the best man. He is the largest land-owner in Washington County, and has some property in Benton County. He is one of the enterprising citizens of the county, and at all times supports the cause of education.