George H. Davis of Blackwater township a prosperous farmer and stockman, has established the well-merited reputation of being one of the leading hog breeders in this section of the state. He has been interested in the hog business since he was a boy. He gives special attention to breeding Chester White and Poland China hogs. In addition to his success as a breeder of pure-blood hogs, he also feeds hogs for the market on an extensive scale.
Mr. Davis is a native of Missouri. He was born in Maries County, April 13, 1856, a son of Granaway and Nancy Jane (Smith) Davis and is the youngest of their nine children, three of whom are living. The parents were both natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri at an early day and the father died in Maries County, about 1868, aged 45 years and the mother died in Saline County in 1874, aged 54 years. They were both descendants from a long line of American ancestors which dates back in this country to Colonial times.
George H. Davis was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools. His father died when George was about twelve years of age, and it fell to his lot and his brothers', to assist their mother in the support of the family. Thus he began hard work at an early age and was of necessity denied many opportunities enjoyed by the average boy, even of his time. Shortly after the death of his father, the family removed to Webster County MO, where the mother rented a farm which she operated with the assistance of George and his brother. In 1871, George H. Davis came to Pettis County and settled in Heath's Creek township where he worked rented land until 1880. He then bought a farm east of Houstonia in partnership with his borther. About eight years later, he sold this farm and bought his present place in Blackwater township. He owns 382 acres of well improved land and is one of the successful farmers and stockment of Blackwater township.
Mr. Davis was united in marriage, December 25, 1877, with Miss Maria Jane Hill, a native of Saline County Missouri, born March 4, 1855. She is a daugther of Ewing and Maria (Caghorn) Hill, both natives of Kentukcy. To this union were born the following children: Edgar E., Clarence E., Robert E., all of whom died in infancy; and Harry E., who is now engaged in farming the home place in Balckwater township. He married Fay Bullock of Sweet Springs, Missouri. To Harry E and Fay (Bullock) Davis have been born one child, Meredith Jane. Mrs. Davis, wife of George H. Davis departed this life September 28, 1913.
Mr. Davis is a Democrat and while not a member of any particular church, has contributed liberally to churches and religious work all his life. His career has been a successful one and he has contributed his part to the building up and betterment of his county and community.
[Transcribed by Laura Paxton.]