William Davis, P. O., Marshall Was born in Augusta county, Virginia, May 21, 1821.When he was still quite young, his parents moved to Howard county, Missouri where he was raised and educated. At the age of 21, he studied law with Judge Napton, studying at home, and the judge examining him two or three times a week. At the age of 23 he was admitted to the bar in Marshall, and practiced his profession in this county for about five years. February 1, 1844,he was married to Miss Nancy H. Brown, daughter of Judge Bernis Brown. They had seven children, of whom six are living – Bernis B., Wycliff, Walton, Mrs. Mary J. Harvey, Mrs. Willie Odell, and Mrs. Lizzie M. Gregory. William Davis and his wife were divorced in 1864, Mrs. Davis bringing the suit, habitual drunkenness being the alleged cause of action. Mrs. Davis and her children are living on a fine farm of 200 acres of choice land. Her father came to Missouri in 1828, and settled in Saline on what is now known as the E. W. Brown farm. He was a practical surveyor. For several years he was county surveyor, and laid off the town of Marshall.
