Biography - James McDavid
James B. McDAVID, farmer, P. O. Hillsboro, was born in Montgomery County, Ill., March 31, 1821, to William and Elizabeth (JOHNSON) McDAVID (see history J. T. McDAVID), and his early childhood was employed in assisting his parents upon the homestead farm, and in attending the neighboring log schoolhouse common at that early day, and to which his educational privileges were limited; but he has, however, by observation, and in contact with the world, succeeded in obtaining a practical education, that is, perhaps, above the average. He remained upon the homestead farm until he was about twenty-seven years of age, when he married and entered upon his own career in life as a farmer, and moved upon the place upon which he has since resided, engaged more or less extensively in farming. His first real estate consisted of eighty acres of land, to which he has continually added, until he now has in his possession about one thousand and twenty-five acres, the greater portion of which is under good cultivation. Although he grows all the usual farm crops, he has, during the last few years, made a specialty of grain, and has also been engaged quite extensively in handling stock. At present, however, he is, to a certain extent, retired from active labor and given place to younger men, who may do well to follow the example Mr. McDAVID's life will afford. Mr. McDAVID has held several of the county offices, having served as County Assessor for a term of ten years, before the township organization. He is the present Township Assessor, the duties of which office he has filled for two terms before the present. He has also served the people as Justice of the Peace about one year, which position he resigned at the end of that time. He was married in Montgomery County February 29, 1848, to Miss Mary A. BURK, who was born in Smith County, Tenn., December 26, 1827, and was brought to Illinois by her parents when she was about two years of age. She is the mother of one child, William A., who was born April 23, 1854, and is now a prominent young farmer living near the homestead. Mrs. McDAVID is a daughter of Andrew and Rachel (BURNETTE) BURK, natives of Tennessee, both deceased. Mr. McDAVID served in the Mexican war about nine months, and was discharged on account of sickness. He has always taken a lively interest in the political issues of the day, and has always been identified with the Democratic party. Himself and wife are connected with the Presbyterian Church. He has also been a member of the A., F. & A. M., at Hillsboro, for a number of years.
Extracted 22 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1882 History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, Part 2 Biographical Department, pages 294-295.
