The El Dorado Springs Sun, February 16, 1911:

DEATH OF J. H. DAVIDSON

"Parting is the bitterest experience of life.
Death is the dawn of morning.
The dawn will be eternal life,
Eternity will see the glad reunion."

Unbidden, unwelcome, and bringing to the hearts of his wife, children and other relatives and friends the inexpressible and poignant sorrow of a sore bereavement. Death, that relentless and insatiable destroyer, with brief warning, entered our midst last Friday and claimed for his victim our well known neighbor and citizen - J. H. Davidson. Now, that he is gone, that the heart that once beat with such generous impulses is still, and that the record of his life's labors has been completed, it can truthfully be said of him that he was a good neighbor, a loyal, generous friend, a tender, loving and exemplary husband and father, and a man who, in all the multifarious relations of life, exemplified those commendable qualities that are applauded the world over as the crowning virtues of good citizenship. Warm hearted, genial and sympathetic, he was quick to respond to the misfortunes of others by rendering them all possible needed assistance; and while he had faults - faults that strangely inextricably inhere in human nature, he had an exalted conception of the duties and responsibilities of human life; and in passing away, he has left behind him an example of personal conduct and a devotion to lofty ideals that will be a constant incitement to others to lead better and more useful lives. His death, which brings to his relatives, his friends and to the entire community a sense of supreme sadness, is a distinct personal loss, yet to these relatives and friends must come the comforting assurance that he died rich in that greatest possession in this world, and without which life would be a barren failure - the love and respect of his fellowmen. The sadness of his death - he was only seriously sick for two or three days - forcibly illustrates the uncertainty of life and the inexorable certainty of death. It brings home to each individual that realization that

In waiting at your door stands death.
Each steps of time draws nearer to
His outstretched arms your fragile form.

John H. Davidson was born in Warren County, Kentucky, June 26, 1841 and died at his home in this city from an attack of pneumonia on February 10, 1911. At the age of 16 years, he moved with his father to Kansas, and in 1859, in company with William, an older brother, he went to Colorado as the result of the gold excitement that year where he remained three or four years. He then returned to Kentucky, but some time later he joined his parents who removed to Hickory county in this state in 1865. Here for a year or two, he followed the occupation of a carpenter; but later he began a study of the law and was admitted to the bar in 1876, thirty-five years ago. He continued in the practice of that profession to his death. In 1869, he was married to Mary F. Allen. As a result of this union, two children were born, John W. Davidson and Mrs. Rose Jones, both of Pueblo, Colorado, and both of whom arrived here a few hours after his death. In 1890, the deceased removed to El Dorado Springs where he has since resided. He became a member of the Christian church forty-four years ago and lived in that faith to the time of his death. Besides his wife and two children, he is survived by five bothers and two sisters. He was a charter member of the W. O. W. of this city in which order he held a policy of life insurance in the amount of $1,000.

Short funeral services, conducted by Rev. C. E. Ruyle, pastor the the M. E. church, south, were conducted at the residence Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Many beautiful floral offerings and the attendance of a large crowd of people at the funeral service attested the high esteem in which the deceased was held. The interment took place in the city cemetery, in accordance with the rules and ceremonies of the order just mentioned.

"We know not what the future hath
Of marvel of surprise;
Assured alone that life and death
His memory underlies."
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From "The History Of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade And Barton Counties, Missouri," 1889, published by Goodspeed, pages 585 and 586:

J. H. Davidson, of Wheatland, Hickory County, Mo., was born in Warren County, Ky., June 26, 1841, and is the son of A. L. and Mary J. (Adams), both of whom were natives of the "Blue Grass State," where they were married in 1838. They came to Hickory County, Mo., in 1866, and resided in this county until the death of the husband in 1871. J. H., the subject of this sketch, is the second of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. He received a common school education in his native State, and came to Hickory County in 1867, where he was married to Mary F. Allen in 1869. This union has been blessed with two children, John W. and Rose M., the former now nineteen, and the latter seventeen years of age. The name of J. H. Davidson has become prominent in the history of Hickory County, and is well known among the leading men of the State. He was raised on a farm, and, after marriage, continued to follow that pursuit until 1876, when he was admitted to the bar as a practicing attorney, having devoted his leisure time while on the farm to the study of law for several years previous. In politics he early espoused the cause of the Democratic party, and has ever since cast his lot politically with the result of that party. Unfortunately, however, for him, the county of his choice was largely Republican, and his political aspiration was often cast in gloom. In 1874-76 he was the candidate of the Democratic party to represent Hickory County in the State Legislature; in 1880, for prosecuting attorney; and in 1886 was the nominee for State senator. In all these contests Mr. Davidson came out second best. In State matters has been more successful, and has served as clerk for several terms in both branches of the General Assembly, and three terms as clerk of the State Board of Equalization. From early manhood Mr. Davidson has been a member of the Christian Church, and a member of the A. F. & A. M., and now ranks as past master of the latter in Hermitage Lodge. He is now giving his attention to the profession of his choice, and enjoying a lucrative practice in his quiet and beautiful home at Wheatland, Mo.
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The Cedar County Republican, July 16, 1908:

The county court is in session today (Wednesday) to pass on two saloon petitions, one for Mr. Paro who is represented by R.N. Banister and J.H. Davidson and one for Joe Baccus who was represented by J.F. Rhodes. The remonstrators are represented by Foulke & Brown.
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The Cedar County Republican, July 8, 1908:

Mrs. Walt Jones gave a dinner party, last Thursday, in honor of the birthdays of her father, J.H. and her uncle, C.C. Davidson, whose birthdays fall on the same date. J.H. is 67 years of age and C.C. is 51. The dinner was greatly enjoyed by the following: Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Davidson and daughter, Donis, Dr. A.C. Davidson of Taberville, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Allen and son, Edgar, Mr. and Mrs. John Hefley.
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The Cedar County Republican, April 16, 1908:

The Republicans won quite a victory in the city election at El Dorado Dr. C.A. Edgar was elected mayor. The local option following endorsed J.H. Davidson the Democratic nominee therefore the "wets" claim a share in the victory.
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The El Dorado Springs Sun, April 9, 1908:

Beaten By A Narrow Margin.

J.H. Davidson, the democratic candidate for Mayor, was defeated by the narrow margin of 14 votes. The editor of this paper supported him and supported him loyally for this position because he believed that he possessed the courage, the ability and the progressiveness to administer the affairs of the city in a manner that would best promote its moral and material welfare. The battle of ballots is over, and threshing over old straw is a very profitless occupation; but while this is true, a glance at the vote clearly reveals the fact that he would have been decisively elected if he had been loyally supported by the men who named him as the head of their ticket. Why he was treacherously betrayed and slaughtered is a matter, however, that is well understood by those who are conversant with the situation in El Dorado.
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The Cedar County Republican, June 21, 1906:

J.H. Davidson, a well known attorney of this place, but now of Pueblo, Colorado, arrived here the first of the week and will remain two or three weeks looking after business interests. Mr. Davidson, soon after locating in Pueblo, embarked in the newspaper business, and is now one of the editors and proprietors of the Colorado Democrat, an up-to-date periodical that promises to become an important factor in advocating the doctrines and principles of the democratic party in that section of the country. - El Dorado Sun.
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The Index, April 5, 1906:

We welcome to our exchange table The Colorado Democrat, published by Geo. H. Hutt and J.H. Davidson formerly a prominent citizen and Attorney of our county. We join with J.H.'s many friends in wishing him abundant success in his Journalistic venture.
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The El Dorado Springs Sun, March 8, 1906:

J.H. Davidson departed Tuesday for Pueblo, Colorado, where he will make an extended visit at the home of his son, John W. Davidson. If Mr. Davidson becomes impressed with that section of country he may decide to locate there permanently some time in the near future.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, June 17, 1904:

"SHELL GAME" IN MACHINE'S INTEREST

Cedar County Democrat Says Delegates Were Tricked Into Indorsing Cook and Allen.

"The convention in Cedar County, which instructed for Sam B. Cooke for secretary of state and Albert O. Allen for auditor, was an outrage on the Democratic voters of my community," declared J.H. Davidson, a prominent lawyer of Eldorado Springs, to the Post-Dispatch Friday morning.

"If the trickery to which the supporters of Allen and cook reported to to capture the four delegates from Cedar is an indication of the methods they have employed on other parts of the state, then I say the Democratic ticket, if theses gentlemen are placed on it, is not entitled to consideration.

"An overwhelming majority of the delegates were opposed to Cook and Allen, and yet these men are going before the state convention with the Cedar County delegates pledged to them.

"The committee on organization, order of business and resolutions stood 11 to 2 against Cook and Allen, and the majority report so showed. R.N. Bannister of Eldorado Springs, a machine man, and another delegate signed a minority report. The majority report instructed for Musgrave for secretary of state and Marmaduke for auditor.

"I was present in the convention hall when the committee made its report, and heard Mr. Bannister read both reports.

"When Bannister had read the majority report down to that portion indorsing Musgrave and Marmaduke he switched off and read the minority report, declaring for Cook and Allen.

"The reading of the resolutions and the instructions at the same time confused most of the delegates and the machine manipulated matters to suit its own pleasure.

"The followers of Mr. Folk were clearly in the majority, but the Folk organization was without a leader. The result was that the machine carried the day and every delegate instructed for Folk is really inimical to his cause.

"The entire delegation, apart from that headed by W.S. Anthony, were opposed to putting Cook and Allen on the state ticket.

"If the Cedar County delegation, as it stands at present, could see a way to turn down Folk, it would promptly do so.

"I cite this example of the machine's tyrannical methods that the masses of Missouri Democrats may be warned of similar occurrences planned in their own counties.

"So far as Cedar County is concerned, there is little prospect of Democratic success, with men like Cook and Allen sweeping in on the crest of a reform wave."
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The Cedar County Republican, April 14, 1904:

Democratic Convention.

The Democrats met in convention on last Saturday to elect delegates to the judicial conventions at St. Joe and Nevada. It was a very quiet affair after such a stormy day at the primaries on Friday. Judge Johnson had everything his own way, Judge Thurman practically withdrawing from the race late Friday evening. Dr. Allen of Jerico was chairman and J.H. Davidson of El Dorado secretary. Resolutions instructing the delegates to the St. Joe convention for Judge Woodson for supreme judge and those to the Nevada Convention for Judge Johnson were adopted without opposition.

The delegates to Nevada are, R.L. Hartley, J.T. Stamps, Charles Clasby and Aaron Ioach. To St. Joe, M.A. Dodd, J.A. Haynes, John Stratton and C.C. Davidson.

Mr. J.H. Davidson, of El Dorado, introduced the following resolution. "Resolve that it is the sense of this convention that we regard Jos. W. Folk as the logical candidate of the Democratic party for governor of Missouri in 1904.

Some of the delegates made strenuous objections to the resolution on the ground that the convention was not authorized to take action on such matter. Mr. Davidson expressed himself as being anxious to have the party start off on the right foot. He did not say so, but his remarks were suspicious of the construction that the state administration had been running the party with the wrong foot in the lead. Mr. C.P. Shockley a veteran Democrat, favored entertaining the resolution and cited the lamented Sam B. Cook resolution of 1902 as precedent. This view of the question seemed to be well received. Thus the premature lift for Cook came in as a ghost at the feast to support Folk. After some calculations as to the Fractional rights of proxies the resolutions were adopted by a vote of 51 to 15.

It is a question whether this will do M. Folk any good Reed or Hawes which never may be selected to be pitted against him in this county may see enough encouragement in the opposition to contend for the state delegates.

After the delegates have been selected and instructed Mr. Johnson was called made a brief speech thanking his supporters and throwing the customary, bouquet to his opponent and his following, neatly and gracefully.
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The El Dorado Springs Sun, November 5, 1903:

KENTUCKY MEETING.

Colony Organized in this Place For Social Acquaintance.

At a meeting at the court house in this city Monday, November 2nd, for the purpose of organizing a Kentucky colony, the following business was transacted. Meeting called to order by C.C. Davidson. On motion, J.G. King was duly elected permanent chairman and J.W. Reeder secretary. After the object of the call was stated by the chairman, an appropriate talk was made by J.H. Davidson urging the necessity of organizing a permanent colony for social acquaintance, etc. Motion carried that the secretary record the names of those present and their respective counties, as follows:

C.C. Davidson - Warren
J.H. Davidson - Warren
C.P. Birchfield and wife - Warren
J.M. Hall and wife - Warren
J.L. Milligan and wife - Warren
S.J. Hall - Warren
C.B. Gray - Harlin
J.G. King - Hart
W.M. Cooper - Boon
E.C. Shaw - Bourbon
J.T. Shaw - Bourbon
J.W. Shaw - Bourbon
W.E. Briscoe - Owen
B.F. Shaw - Harrison
A.T. Shaw - Harrison
S.C. Shoemaker - Greenup
J.W. Reeder - Simpson
Nora Reeder - Simpson
T.M. Calitharp - Simpson
I.L. Smith and wife - Mead
V.E. Smith - Mead
W.W. Crabtree - Christian
W.S. Cassity - Bath

Motion carried that a committee of five be appointed by the chair to arrange time and place for a social dinner in the near future. (Appointment not made at this time) Motion carried that the secretary be instructed to furnish a copy of the minutes of this meeting to the city papers. Decided that the name of the society shall be the Kentucky Colony of El Dorado Springs, and all who were born in old Kentucky, together with their wives and families are especially invited to be present at the next meeting, Monday November 9th at 2 p.m. and send in their names to the secretary.

J.W. REEDER, Sec.
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The Stockton Journal, August 27, 1903:

C.C. and J.H. Davidson, of El Dorado, were in Stockton Monday on probate court business. Mr. C.C. Davidson reports the Wonder City full of visitors and health seekers at present.
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The St. Louis Republic, May 14, 1902:

REBUKE FOR LOBBY METHODS.

Dickinson Made Senatorial Campaign Against Them and Won.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Clinton, Mo., May 13. - The indorsement of C.C. Dickinson for Senator by the Bates County Democracy yesterday is significant as indicating the growth of anti-lobby sentiment in Western Missouri.

Mr. Dickinson was a member of the House from Henry County at the last session and was noted for his opposition to lobby methods. Senator Whaley, from this district, was one of what was known as the lobby combine. Dickinson denounced him on the floor of the House.

Whaley vowed revenge and swore that he would defeat Dickinson for Senator if the latter became a candidate. He espoused the candidacy of J.H. Davidson of Cedar. The latter had Whaley's county, St. Clair, and his own, Cedar, giving him eight votes in the Senatorial Convention. Dickinson had Henry, with eight votes, and Bates, with her seven votes, was left to decide the contest.

Dickinson and Davidson made a friendly canvass of Bates, often speaking together. Whaley plunged into the county with an acrimonious warfare upon Dickinson that elicited a sharp rebuke from the local press. Whaley's course raised the issue of lobby domination, and Dickinson denounced him and his record. As a result, out of 142 delegates in the County Convention at Butler Dickinson secured 138, and Davidson withdrew from the senatorial race before the senatorial delegates were chosen, insuring Dickinson's nomination unanimously by the Senatorial Convention to be held at Appleton City May 20.
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The Henry County Republican, May 9, 1902:

"A youth to fortune and to fame unknown," like J.H. Davidson could get 1124 votes against the peerless Dickinson, whom everybody knows as "Dick," and who knows the initials and nicknames of every man, woman and child in all the realm of Henry, who has kissed more babies than Davidson ever gazed upon, who knows every hog path in the county, whose oratory brings tears out of the goo-goo eyes of these tan shoes and knocks the bark off the hickories along the placid Grand river.

"A man renowned, to all the country dear." Tell me how it happened. We see the effect, it is imperative that we know the cause. We need such information in our business. Why there's Charley Calvird, who could have discounted such a race if he had only had the grit to have stood pat and not been "pulled off." With the stars he had he could have taken his feet off the pedals and coasted into goal brilliantly. Sterling Dorman, without a home man as a competitor, could have distanced Davidson in the county. Has Dick got a bad leg, or was he carrying some heavy weight in this race? We want to know before the general election or it might make trouble.
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The St. Louis Republic, May 5, 1902:

Bates County Holds the Keys.

REPUBLIC SPECIAL.
Adrian, Mo., May 4. - C.C. Dickinson of Henry County and J.H. Davidson of Cedar County, Democratic candidates for State Senator from this district, spoke here last night to a good audience. Henry County has indorsed Dickinson and St. Clair and Cedar counties have indorsed Davidson. Each of the candidates now has eight votes in the Senatorial Convention. This puts Bates County in the position to name the nominee for State Senator from this district.
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The Sedalia Democrat, April 27, 1902:

PRIMARY ELECTION.

Result of That Held at Windsor Saturday.

The democrats of Henry county held a primary election yesterday to select candidates for the various county offices and to express a preference for United States senator.

At Windsor, W.J. Stone received 376 votes for Unites States senator to 45 cast for W.H. Wallace. The vote on the other offices in that township follows:

For State Senator - C.C. Dickinson, 139; J.H. Davidson, 269.
For Representative - L.P. Beaty, 409.
For Collector - Sol. Blatt, 29; James M. Spangler, 133; R.H. Piper, 244.
For Prosecuting Attorney - John I. Hinkle, 29; G.V. Berry, 383.
For Sheriff - Ike Adair, 158; R.M. Gragg, 252.
For County Clerk - Joshua C. Davis, 259; Thos. B. Parks, 111; Harry Stewart, 26; W.H. Cock, 14.
For Circuit clerk - John I. Chastain, 328; J.H. Kennedy, 80.
For Recorder - W.A. McConnell, 11; W.H. Dorman, 3; J.N. Blakemore, 22; Jule Wall, 355; John C. Rivers, 11.
For Probate Judge - J.D. Lindsay, 337; J.D. Carney, 56.
For Treasurer - Stephen Coale, 407.
For Presiding Judge - J.F. Boyd, 254; H.S. Carey, 143.
For Judge First District - J.H. McCann, 100; J.B. Dunham, 70; Alfred Slack, 237.
For Coroner - B.B. Barr, 402.
For Justices of the Peace - S.J. Cotton, 308; R.F. Tylor, 282.
For Constable - S.W. Major, 102; Wm. Douglass, 156; W.S. Owen, 102.
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The El Dorado Springs Sun, April 17, 1902:

Twelve years ago, Judge Ballard was nominated for State Senator from Bates County. He removed to Henry County, and four years later was re-nominated for same position from that county. Four years ago, the honor of the nomination for this important trust was conceded to St. Clair County; and now, in regular order of rotation, and in accordance with every demand of fairness, the next State Senator should be taken from Cedar. This county is entitled to it, and, in the person of J.H. Davidson, she has a candidate, who not only merits recognition, but who is admirably qualified for the position. It is good politics - for it promotes relations of good feeling and friendships - to pass the state senator-ship around to all the counties in regular order in the district; and this being true, we hope there will be no deviation from this rule. To fail to give Cedar County, just and proper consideration in this matter, at this time, would be so manifestly unfair and so palpably unjust that it would tend in time, in no small degree, to destroy the amicable relations that have existed for so many years. If nominated, Mr. Davidson will be elected, and if elected, he will perform the duties of the position in an able and fearless manner that will be creditable to the judgement and intelligence of the democracy in every coming in the district.
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The El Dorado Springs Sun, March 20, 1902:

The brick work of the building, which is being constructed by J.J. and C.C. Davidson, on East Spring street for the use of the Bank of Eldorado, is rapidly nearing completion. It is being built of superior brick and will be fire proof; and when completed will be one of the handsomest structures in the city.
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The Henry County Democrat, February 20, 1902:

J.H. and C.C. Davidson of Eldorado, say they will commence to rebuild their fine business block, which was recently destroyed by fire at Eldorado, as soon as the weather will permit. The Cruces, it is said, will also rebuild on part of the burned district.
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The Weekly Post, January 17, 1902:

AN ELDORADO FIRE

Three Stores and a Number of Offices Destroyed.

The Town Narrowly Escaped a General Conflagration.

Origin of the Fire Has Not Been Definitely Determined.

Special to the Post.
Eldorado Springs, Mo., Jan. 10. - A disastrous fire started from an unknown cause in the Parrot dry goods store between 5 and 6 o'clock this morning. It quickly extended to the adjoining room occupied by the Sam Snodgrass drug store and then caught the Eldorado Bank building.

It burned so rapidly that very little was saved from the contents of the buildings.

In anticipation of the further spread of the flames, the stocks of merchandise owned by Willett & Petty and also that of W.F. Fowble, were moved into the streets, but the fire was stopped before reaching those buildings.

The Parrot and Snodgrass stores occupied the Cruces block, one of the best in the city. It was worth about $7,000 and was only partly insured.

Mr. Parrot's loss was $4,000 and that of Mr. Snodgrass about $3,500. They were only partially insured.

The Bank of Eldorado building was owned by J.H. and C.C. Davidson. It was worth $3,000 and insured for $1,500. The office fixtures of Messrs. Davidson which were totally destroyed, carried insurance and the bank fixtures which were also burned were insured for $400.

Dr. Tehilenius lost his dental office. It was insured for $400.

Dr. Dawson & Son, lost all their office furniture and J.R. Creel lost his law office and library.

C.C. Whipple fell and cut his arm severely while fighting the fire.
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The Cedar County Republican, March 9, 1899:

Attorney J.H. Davidson. of El Dorado is attending court this week. He is a clerk in the Senate at Jefferson City and says this howling about too many clerks is all nonsense. The people don't think so.
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The El Dorado Springs Sun, June 9, 1898:

Attorney J.H. Davidson left yesterday for Colorado where he will spend two or three weeks visiting his son, John W. Davidson, who removed to that state about a year ago.
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The Kansas City Times, August 7, 1894:

Hilsabeck Released From Jail.

Special to the Kansas City Times.
Nevada, Mo., Aug. 6. - William Hilsabeck, the fellow who was arrested upon the charge of attempted assault upon little Minnie Rohrbaugh, in the city some weeks ago, and was subsequently remanded to jail in default of bond, was today released from jail, his father and mother, James A. Hilsabeck and wife, and Lawyer J.H. Davidson of Eldorado, becoming his sureties in the sum of $1,500. Hilsabeck's parents reside at Eldorado Springs, and he returned to that place this afternoon.
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The Cedar County Republican, May 19, 1893:

The REPUBLICAN directs the attention of its readers to the professional card of J.H. Davidson & Son, lawyers, which appears in this paper. These gentlemen are well known to the people of Cedar County. They office both at El Dorado and at Stockton.
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The Cedar County Republican, October 21, 1892:

Davidson Declines.

EL DORADO SPRINGS, Oct. 10, '92.
A.W. Sunderland, Esq., Chairman People's Party Convention, 26 Judicial Circuit.

DEAR SIR: I am just in receipt of yours of the 3rd inst., informing me of my nomination for Circuit Judge by the People's Party at Lamar, 1st inst. For this confidence manifest, I appreciate and esteem, and feel truly grateful to the representatives of this grand young party in thus honoring me. But for cause that I deem eminent and just for the party and myself I must decline the nomination, and leave the party free in determining its future action in regard to this important office. In declining this nomination, however, I don't wish to be understood as not being willing to make the race if the best interest of the party demanded it, but, on the contrary I believe the best interest would be served in my declination. It has been said, both in public and in private that my affiliation with the People's Party was induced by a desire for office. Such reasoning could only emenate from an infected brain. To leave the party in majority and join those in minority, "for office" would be an ambition the sane would hardly contemplate. My reasons for joining the People's Party is satisfactory to myself, and I am not in it for a selfish speculation, but because that party represents the true interest of the masses of the common people of whom, I am one, and in the ranks of that party I prefer to render it service.

I am very truly,
J.H. DAVIDSON
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The Greenfield Vidette, October 20, 1892:

From his letter, which we publish in another column, it will be seen that J.H. Davidson, the candidate of the People's party for Judge of this (the 26th) judicial circuit, declines the nomination tendered him by the Judicial convention of his party. This narrows the issue to a contest between Judge Stratton and Hon. A.J. Wray, the Republican candidate. Let every Republican cast his vote for Wray.
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The Index, January 22, 1891:

Hon. J.H. Davidson of Eldorado Springs, late of Wheatland this county, has been appointed enrolling clerk of the senate. Mr. Davidson has been a familiar figure about the capital, during every session of the legislature for the last twenty years and his long experience in legislative matters abundantly fits him for the position to which he has been appointed. Mo more efficient imployee will be found in the 36th General Assembly.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 18, 1891:

Mr. J.H. Davidson, of El Dorado Springs, late of Wheatland, Hickory County, was appointed Enrolling Clerk of the Senate. He is a careful, experienced and competent man for this responsible position.
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The Index, May 29, 1890:

The Democrats of Hickory county with a pretty considerable Union Labor contingent, met in convention at Hermitage yesterday. J.H. Davidson as Chairman of the Executive committee called the convention to order and proceeded to make a labored address on the political situation which was intended to please the members of the F. and L.U., without offending the rock ribbed, and his effort fell like a wet blanket upon the convention as the only noticeable feature was that a number of his hearers slept during its delivery. Mr. Davidson evidently did his best to impress the convention with the idea that the democratic party is the party for the laboring man but somehow failed to elicit any applause from the convention. Full proceedings of the convention will appear next week.
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The Index, February 27, 1890:

The Hermitage Temperance Council had a good meeting last Saturday evening. J.H. Davidson of Wheatland delivered the opening address, after which some excellent recitations were delivered by the little folks.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 6, 1888:

J.H. Davidson of Hickory County, who accompanied the committee in the capacity of clerk, is a candidate for Secretary of the Senate. His opponents are Nat C. Dryden of Lincoln, H.L. Gray of Boone, Joshua Ladue of Henry and Arthur Hughlett of Montgomery.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 6, 1888:

Secretary of the Senate.

Mr. Josh LaDue of Henry County has not been counted on in the race for the Secretary-ship of the State Senate, a position which the friends of Mr. J.H. Davidson of Hickory have counted on confidently. Mr. LaDue was one of the hard workers in the last campaign. He has a strong backing and expects to capture the place. He and Mr. Davidson are the leading candidates for the position.
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The St. Joseph Gazette, November 17, 1888:

The fight for secretary will be between H.P. Gray of Boone and J.H. Davidson of Hickory. Mr. Gray was assistant secretary two years ago, and Mr. Davidson has held various positions during the last two or three sessions.
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The Index, February 9, 1888:

Hon. J.H. Davidson, of Wheatland, was in town last Tuesday and made us a short call. Mr. Davidson will receive a clerkship from the State Board of Equalization, which meets in Jefferson City the last of the month and continues to October.
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The Kansas City Times, October 26, 1886:

J.H. Davidson of Hickory county, the democratic nominee for state senator from the twentieth district, is certain to defeat W.P. Sheldon, his opponent. St. Clair will also send a democrat to the legislature to succeed the republican member of the last session.
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The Index, September 9, 1886:

The republicans of Cedar county met in convention last week and nominated their county ticket.

The Democrat gave J.H. Davidson a most uncomplimentary cut last week when it refers to "the many excellent qualifications passed by J.H. Davidson."

Last week's Democrat would occupy about two columns of space in the INDEX. But we couldn't even allow that small space to be occupied by such miserably bad reading.
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The Index, September 2, 1886:

The delegates to the Democratic Senatorial convention at Osceola, returned home yesterday morning. Hon. J.H. Davidson was nominated on the 3d ballot. There were three candidates in the field - Mashburn, of Polk; Davidson, of Hickory; and Alton, of Dallas.
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The Index, August 19, 1886:

How nice and "goody-goody" the Democrat is getting to be all at once. It even finds fault with the INDEX for saying that certain democratic ringsters in this county are resorting to unworthy and indecent practices in order to defeat certain men on the republican ticket. The article in the last issue of the Democrat headed "look out for them" reads just like J.H. Davidson talks when he is talking to republicans, but does not sound much like his speeches in democratic conventions. Then he does not hesitate to abuse all republicans and sneer at republican institutions and beliefs; but just now he wants to make republicans believe he loves them dearly, and we have no doubt that he will give them lots of this sort of taffy until the day of election, but after that time he will again be a full-fledged democrat, with no love nor use for republicans until another campaign. The democratic ringsters cannot work any of their dirty little schemes in this county without having the INDEX after them red-hot, and when we hear them lying we shall tell them of it, and use just such language as their dirty and unprincipled work demands.
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The Index, April 22, 1886:

A Dallas county correspondent of the Lebanon Rustic says the name of Frank Furth, of Buffalo, is being mentioned in connection with the Senatorship in this district. J.H. Davidson, of this county, has also thought of himself in the same connection, but from the recent murmurings of Democrats, it is doubtful if he could secure the endorsement of his own county.
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The Kansas City Times, March 19, 1886:

Money Wanted for the Osage River.

(Special to the Kansas City Times.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., March 18. - Pursuant to a call issued by the board of trade of this city a convention met in the hall of the house of representatives this afternoon, taking action to secure from congress an appropriation to permanently improve the Osage river. The counties of Osage, Cole, Gasconade, Camden, Moniteau, Morgan, Maries, Miller, Bates, Benton and St. Clair were represented.

The convention was called to order by Dr. C.G. Brooks, president of the board of trade, and the following permanent officers were chosen: president, H.J.L. Smith of Jefferson City; vice presidents, John Barrow of Bates, K. Crawford of Benton, Charles H. Shubert of Camden, Clement L. Jordan of Cedar, M. Clarke of Cole, B.G. Boone of Henry, J.H. Davidson of Hickory, Henry Warren of Maries, James Johnston of Miller, J.H. After of Morgan, August Werner of Osage and J.J. Spencer of St. Clair.
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The Index, March 18, 1886:

Money to Loan.

Representing the well-known and reliable Loan Company of J.B. Watkins L. M. Co., of Lawrence, Kansas, I am prepared to negotiate loans of $200 and upwards, on improved farms in Hickory county, for 5 years, on favorable terms.

Having been engaged in the business for five years, gives me an experience that those desiring loans would do well to consider, and give me a call before making positive arrangements elsewhere.

J.H. DAVIDSON,
Wheatland, MO.
February 18, 1886.
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The Index, March 11, 1886:

State Senatorship.

We do not know that Cedar county will have a candidate of her own in the field for the office of State Senator to be elected next fall, and think very likely she will not. Pending the development of any home aspirant we would lift up our voice in favor of Hon. J.H. Davidson, of Wheatland, Hickory county. Mr. Davidson has a reputation throughout the State as a lawyer, and has also held numerous important clerkships at the State capital. His Democracy has been tried in many hard fought contests, and with his splendid record and wide acquaintance we believe no stronger man could be found. - El Dorado Springs Democrat.

Since the above was received at this office we have taken pains to enquire as to the feeling of democrats at home in regard to the candidacy of Mr. Davidson, and we find a unanimous sentiment in his favor. In our opinion the democrats of this district cannot find a better man in every respect. He has a more extensive acquaintance throughout the district and State, and is, perhaps, better posted in State politics and legislative affairs, than any other democrat in the district. Should he receive the democratic nomination, the republicans will have to put forward their best timber if they wish to defeat Mr. Davidson.
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The Index, March 11, 1886:

J.H. Davidson is the most inquired-after man in Wheatland. If he gets a quarter out of every man who calls on him for legal advice, Davidson will soon be a millionaire.
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The Index, March 4, 1886:

J.H. Davidson attended Justices court at Elkton last Saturday as attorney, while Dr. G.N. White went as a witness. It has been said that a witness or juror in Justices' court are not sure of getting pay for their services. How is it gentlemen jurors and witnesses?
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The St. Louis Globe-Democrat, June 25, 1884:

J.H. Davidson, of Hickory County: I am decidedly in favor of Cleveland and Rosencrans as the Democratic ticket. With such candidates I think success is within reach if not assured. In my section of the State the feeling is harmonious as far as the Democracy was concerned, and the county will come up to the rack as usual. Marmaduke is my preference for Governor.
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The Sedalia Weekly Bazoo, April 22, 1884:

Mr. J.H. Davidson, clerk of the state board of equalization. will spend the week at his home in Hickory county.

The state board of equalization will meet again on the 21st inst., to equalize the assessed valuation of the railroad, bridge and telegraph property in the state.
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The Henry County Democrat, August 28, 1879:

Jas. W. Silsby, of Osceola, and J.H. Davidson, will soon begin the publication of a weekly agricultural paper at Wheatland.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 25, 1877:

J.H. Davidson, a young man well known in St. Louis, who left for the Black Hills recently, got as far as Cheyenne, and writes to a friend in this city that the Hills are a fraud, and the nearly everybody who went out there in search of a fortune will be glad enough to get back within the pales of civilization. Davidson will return to St. Louis at once.
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The Daily Journal of Commerce, March 18, 1877:

Last night John A. Noland, of Chillicothe, and J.H. Davidson, of Hickory county, two of the popular clerks in the house, handsomely entertained their brother clerks. An amusing feature was the trial of Judge Gray, of Vernon, also a house clerk, for slighting a young lady who requested to bask in his sunshine.
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The Sedalia Weekly Democrat, July 11, 1872:

Notice,
Notice is hereby given that I have purchased all the Notes and accounts for (illegible) D. Swicegood, due them by various persons in the county, and have placed them in the hands of Sidney Wilson at Hermitage for collection.

Call and settle and save costs.

J.H. Davidson.
July 1st 1872.
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From "Samuel Reader's Diary, Volume 5," page 240, posted on Kansas Historical Society website kansasmemory.org (Samuel Reader settled near Indianola, Kansas, in 1855), dated October 23, 1861:

"Saw Home Guard boys going off in Bouenis wagon with recruits, viz: Henry Davison, F. Merdel, Jim Stewart (!) and another x Bid good bye to Corp. Frank McK. "
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From Samuel Reader's Diary, Volume 5, page 390, dated October 7, 1862:

"Henry Davison has deserted at Bowling Green."
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From Samuel Reader's Diary, Volume 5, pages 390-391, dated October 8, 1862:

"We were much surprised to hear that Henry Davison has deserted. I saw his father today. He said he would rather Henry had remained even if he had died than to have had him desert. It is likely that Henry's Secesh relatives at Bowling Green persuaded him to leave the Union Army. We have not much news."
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From letter sent to Alfred Clement Davidson II, from Elizabeth Nancy "Nannie" (Adams) Duncan, March 8, 1942:

"During the Civil War Cousin Henry stayed with my father & mother hiding out to keep the Yankees from getting him. That was before my day."
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Served during the Civil War in the 7th Kansas Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Company E.
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1860 Census - Occupation: Laborer (Soldier Township, Shawnee Co., Kansas Territories)

1870 Census - Occupation: Farmer (Montgomery, Hickory Co., Missouri)

1880 Census - Occupation: Attorney at Law (Wheatland, Hickory Co., Missouri)

1900 Census - Occupation: Lawyer (El Dorado Springs, Cedar Co., Missouri)

1910 Census - Occupation: Lawyer, Industry: General Practice (El Dorado Springs, Cedar Co., Missouri)