... John B., the youngest son, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1834. Came to Missouri when a child, with his father, and was raised mostly in Saline county. In 1855 he was married to Miss Sallie E. Smith, daughter of Gervis S. Smith, by whom he has had twelve children, nine of whom are living: Gervas W., Mrs. Mary V. Gilbreth, of Saline county, Lizzie H., S. Mattie, Lavinia A., Charles B., Joseph B., Zeleka, and John R. Mr. Davis has been a member of the Methodist Church South, since his eighteenth year. In 1859 he sold his farm and went to merchandising in Longwood, but in 1861 his store was robbed by United States troops, which broke him up. In 1863 he went into the tobacco business, and in 1864 into the Confederate army, in Price’s last raid. In the battles of the retreat he took no part, as he was unarmed. Surrendered as lieutenant at Shreveport, 1865. In 1867 he moved to his present residence in Salt Fork township. Suffered considerable loss of property during the war, but now has 190 acres of land, mostly in cultivation, good house and good improvements. All his family, except one son, are at home.
