MARSHALL COUNTY, TN - BIOGRAPHIES - William M. Davis and William R. James
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WILLIAM M. DAVIS AND WILLIAM R JAMES are members of the firm of Clayton, Davis
& Co., millers, of Cornersville, Tenn.  The former is a son of Nathan C. and
Mary (Woods) Davis, who were born in the State and became the parents of seven
children.  The father was an agriculturist and a Democrat, and died in 1882.
After his wife's death, in 1860, he married Mrs. Sallie Johnson, by whom he
had five children.  William M. was born August 23, 1851, and secured the
rearing and education of the average farmer's boy.  After attaining his
majority he began farming for himself, and in 1876 married Ella M. McMahon, by
whom he had two children:  Minnie K. and Sallie J.  In 1883 Mr. Davis engaged
in his present business of grist and saw-milling, and is now making
preparations to put in the patent rollers.  Mr. Davis is a Democrat, and a man
who attends closely to business, consequently he has prospered in his
undertakings.  William R. James one of the above named firm, is a son of
Pleasant L. and Emily (Freeland) James, who were born and passed their lives
in Tennessee.  Their family consisted of four children, our subject and one
other son being the only living members.  The father was a Democrat, and died
in 1853.  The mother's death occurred in 1862.  William R. was born in Giles
County, October 16, 1845, and was reared on a farm in Marshall County.  In
1861 he volunteered in Company H, Third Tennessee Infantry, and was one of the
defenders of Fort Donelson.  He was captured and imprisoned at Chicago, and,
after being exchanged at Vicksburg, returned to the army, but was soon
discharged, being too young for the service.  He then returned home and
resumed farming.  In 1869 he and Amanda K. Ferguson were united in marriage.
She died in 1878, leaving four children.  He then wedded Jennie McMahon, who
died in 1884, having become the mother of two children.  The following year
Mr. James married Nannie McMahon, sister of his second wife.  In 1884 he moved
to Cornersville and in 1886 engaged in the milling business.


Surnames: Davis, Ferguson, Freeland, James, Johnson, McMahon, Woods
Source:  " The Goodspeeds History of Tennessee, 1886."