In 1861, W. A. DAVIS was inducted into this important office [county clerk], and served for four years.

WILLIAM A. DAVIS, deceased, at one time the most active business man in Carrollton, engaged in the mercantile business in 1852, being then 22 years of age. He engaged in handling grain, pork-packing and in purchasing all kinds of country produce, and this continued until 1865, when he sold out here, and, going to St. Louis, opened up a commission house, which business he carried on until his death. He was married in 1858 to Louisa Hodges, daughter of Judge C. D. and Ellen (Hawley) Hodges. Judge Hodges was a native of Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of three children - Jennie, Charles H. and Ella, wife of W. C. Wertheimer, of St. Louis. In 1861, Mr. Davis was elected to the office of county clerk, which position he filled for a term of four years, with honor to himself, and satisfaction to all. He was regarded as a man of perhaps the finest business tact in the county, and at the time of his death, being then only in his 36th year, had amassed a fine property. Mrs. Davis was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He fell a victim to that dread scourge, cholera, and was deeply mourned, not only by his family and immediate relatives but by the people generally, throughout the county. His widow is still a resident of Carrollton.