[transcribed from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Carroll County Vol II: 1913 pp 769-770 by Glenda Richter]
The modern farmer while he has many more opportunities of development than his forefathers, still because of the requirements made upon him, has to be a better trained man to succeed. Farming is no longer conducted in a hit-or-miss style, but logically and methodically, and nothing is done without there being a good reason back of it. For this reason Carroll county farmers are numbered among the best agriculturists in the country, and one who has attained a well deserved prosperity is Christopher Davis of section 20, Salem township. He was born in Franklin county, Pa., October 21, 1840 being a son of Thomas and Elizabeth [Rinedollar] Davis of the same county. These parents arrived by boat at Savanna, Carroll county, Ill, in 1852 and from thence came to Mt. Carroll, where the father opened a blacksmith shop. This he conducted until he was seventy-two years old, when he retired. His death took place October 13, 1887, when he was seventy-eight years old, having been born in 1809. His wife died March, 1899, aged eighty-one years, having been born December 27, 1818. They had ten children, seven of whom survive, Christopher being the eldest. In addition to him there were: Mrs. Camilla [Henry] Altenson, of Mt. Carroll; Mrs. Anna [John] Hoover of Mt. Carroll; John C also of Mt. Carroll; Mrs. Harry Sutton [sic:Mary Elizabeth married to George P Sutton] of Mt. Carroll; Mrs. Ellen [Jimeson F] Shores of Marseilles, Mo.; Mrs. Abbie [Emins H] Edwards of Missouri; and three who are deceased, Thomas, Sarah, and Elithebeth.
Christopher Davis was educated in the schools of Mt. Carroll, with one term at the seminary. When nine years old, he began working on a farm in summer and attending school in winter, and kept this up until he was sixteen years old, after which he devoted all his time to farming. In 1861 he enlisted in the first company formed in Mt. Carroll, but on account of his mother’s poor health was excused. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company C Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served with that regiment until mustered out at Concord, N.C. July 7, 1865. Although he saw much service, he was neither wounded or taken prisoner, and was only absent from his command five days, on account of sickness. He was in many skirmishes and in Georgia with General Sherman, marching to the sea with that commander. In 1865, he returned to Mt. Carroll, rented a farm, and began working for himself. Two of the brothers of Mr. Davis, Thomas and John C., also gave good service to their country during the Civil War. Thomas Davis enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was the first company to be raised in Carroll county, and he died suddenly of sickness while at the siege of Vicksburg. John C. Davis enlisted in Company C. Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in December 1863, and served until the close of the war. He was transferred to the Sixty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry while in the service.
On December 22, 1868, Christopher Davis married Mary J.Zuck, born in Freedom township, Carroll county, May 4, 1850, daughter of Henry and Sarah [Zillhart] Zuck. Mr. Zuck was born at Zuck’s Landing on the Potomac, in Virginia, June 22, 1816, his father being a ship builder. Mrs. Zuck was born in Lancaster county, Pa., December 24, 1816. The Zillhart family moved to Maryland, to which state Mr. Zuck moved when young. There he met and married Miss Zillhart, September 9, 1838. On September 10, 1844, they started for Illinois in a wagon, arriving in Ogle county October 10 of that year. In the spring of 1845, they settled in Freedom township, this county, where they rented land, but in 1849, entered land to the amount of eight acres on section 20, Salem township. To this removal was made in February 1852, and here Mr. And Mrs. Zuck resided until they went to Mt. Carroll in 1890. Mrs. Zuck died April 1, 1891, and Mr. Zuck December 9, 1895. They owned 287 acres on sections 17, 20, and 21, and were well-to-do. There were two children in their family: John, born April 17, 1840, now at Mt. Carroll, and Mrs. Davis.
When Mr. and Mrs. Davis married, they rented the farm they now own, of Mr. Zuck. After a year they moved to Fair Haven township, but after a year more, they returned to Salem township, and rented the farm on section 17. In the spring of 1892 they bought 137 acres in Woodland township, making it their home until 1901, when they sold and moved to their present farm of 157 acres on section 17, Salem township, inherited by Mrs. Davis from her father’s estate. They own property on section 20, making in all 261 acres, devoted to general farming and raising of graded stock, including short horn cattle. Politically Mr. Davis is a Republican, and he belongs to Nace Post, No. 80, G.A.R. of Mt. Carroll. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Methodist Church.
Five children have been born to Mr. And Mrs. Davis: Thomas, who was born December 21, 1869, was killed by a bull on September 20, 1909; Sarah E. who was born July 4, 1872, is at home; Nellie S. who was born June 2, 1874, married Newman O Jones and they live at Savanna; Charles F., who was born September 10, 1876, resides with his parents; and Lulie Mae, who was born October 17, 1883, is the wife of Ray Altanson [sic: Altensey], of Mt. Carroll. The Davis family is one of the most representative in this section. Mr. Davis is an excellent farmer, a loyal citizen, and has given public-spirited assistance in securing many needed improvements.
Arrived in Savanna 1852 by boat with Rinedollar family. Set up blacksmithing shop.
5 Children listed in 1860 census--Cynthia [12], Sarah [12], Mary [8], Eliza [4], Harriet [2]. Last 2 children born in Illinois. In 1880 2 other children listed living with Thomas and Elizabeth--Camilla and John with John's son Benjamin who is 9
Thomas married Elizabeth Rinedollar daughter of Christopher Rinedollar and Sarah Beltz about 1837. Elizabeth was born on 27 Jan 1819 in Pennsylvania. She died on 20 Mar 1899 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
Arrived in Mt. Carroll in 1852 with Thomas and children. Accompanied by mother, Sarah Beltz Rinedollar, brothers John C and Mark. Father died en route.
Thomas and Elizabeth had the following children:
2 Christopher Davis was born on 21 Oct 1840. He died on 23 Sep 1928.
3 Thomas Davis was born about 1842 in Pennsylvania. He died3 in Vicksburg, Mississipi.
In the Civil War and died at Vicksburg. His name is listed on the Civil War monument in Mt. Carroll
Fought in Company K 15th Volunteer Infantry
4 Camilla Davis was born4 about 1844 in Pennsylvania. Listed with parents in 1880 census. Camilla married Henry Altensen on 14 Oct 1880 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
5 John Collin Davis was born on 27 Oct 1846 in Pennsylvania. He died on 24 Dec 1925 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Listed living with parents in 1880 census with son Benjamin Fought in Civil War Company C 92 Illinois Volunteer Infantry--entered Dec 1863, served until close of the war. Noted in History of Carroll County page 769. Wife Anna[ 1853-1910] buried with John at Oak Hill with Thomas and Elizabeth.
John married Anna . Anna was born in 1853. She died in 1910. She was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
6 Cynthia Anna Davis was born in Nov 1848 in Pennsylvania. She died on 12 Jul 1925. In 1860 census living with mother and father 1900 Cenus, Ann and John on King St in Mt. Carroll. Married 32 years, 5 living children. Husband and wife both born in PA. A "Syntha Ann Hoover" in Ill death records 12 July 1925. 3 children with them in 1900: Sherman [1872], Lizzie [1881[, Jessie [1885]. Cynthia married John Hoover on 30 Sep 1868 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. John was born in Oct 1836 in Pennsylvania.
7 Sarah Davis was born about 1850 in Pennsylvania. She died before 1913.
8 Mary Elizabeth Davis was born in May 1852 in Pennsylvania. 8 years old and living with parents in Mt. Carroll in 1860 census Referred to in Mary Jane Zuck Davis's obituary as Mrs. Mary Sutton. In 1913 history of Carroll County, referred to as Mrs. Harry Sutton. 1900 Census living on Wetter St. No children. Mary married George P Sutton on 14 Aug 1893 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. George was born on 26 Dec 1836 in New York. He died on 26 Dec 1907. George P Sutton bio in History of Carroll Co 1913. First wife Mary Dumbleton. 3 children:Edwin, Albert, Ann. George P in Civil War Company C 92 IL Vol Inf. Sheriff of Carroll Co for 2 years.
9 Elizabeth Davis. 1913 History of Carroll County indicates that three of Christopher's brothers and sisters are dead: Thomas, Sarah, and Elizabeth. No other records of Elizabeth.
10 Eliza Ellen Davis was born about 1856 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. She died in Sep 1929 in Versailles, Morgan, Missouri. Family Group Record with LDS lists 7 children for Jimeson and Eliza Ellen: John, Mark, George P, Avery, Reuben M, Thomas, and Mary Viola Shore. All children were born in Versailles, Morgan, Missouri. Eliza married Jimeson F Shore on 20 Sep 1874 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. Jimeson was born on 15 Sep 1851 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He died in Nov 1929 in Versailles, Morgan, Missouri. Father Aaron, mother Jane Snyder
11 Abbie H Davis was born in 1858 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. Baby Harriet in 1860 census is 2. Abby H Davis Edwards states her age as 22 in the 1880 census. She would have been born in 1858. I think Abby H and Harriet are the same person. 1880 census lists Emins, Abby H, and Albina age 3 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Emins is a laborer born in Illinois, father born in Connecticut, mother in Ohio. Listed in History of Carroll County as Mrs. Abbie Edwards. Abbie married Emins H Edwards on 24 Dec 1874 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. Emins was born in 1854. Listed in 1880 census living in Mount Carroll with 3 year old daughter Albina. His father is from Connecticut, mother Ohio according to census.
2. Christopher Davis 13 (Thomas) was born 14 on 21 Oct 1840 in Ft. Loudoun, Franklin, Pennsylvania. He died on 23 Sep 1928 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Obituary available in Appendix. Christopher married Mary Jane Zuck 16 daughter of Henry Zuck and Sarah Zillhart on 22 Dec 1868 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. Mary was born17 on 4 May 1850 in Freedom , Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She died on 27 Mar 1929 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. She was buried18 in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Obituary available in Appendix. Christopher and Mary had the following children:
12 Thomas H Davis was born on 21 Dec 1869 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He died on 20 Sep 1908 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. He was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. 1908 plat map shows C and Th Davis with 15 acres in Salem near Mary J and Chris Davis.
13 Sarah E. Davis "Sade" was born on 4 Jul 1872 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. She died on 11 Nov 1940. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Unmarried. Living with parents in 1920 cenus.
14 Nellie Sophia Davis was born on 2 Jun 1874. She died on 9 Nov 1953.
15 Charles Frank Davis was born on 10 Sep 1876. He died on 10 Oct 1955.
16 Lulu Mae Davis was born on 17 Oct 1883. She died on 27 Feb 1967.
Third Generation
14. Nellie Sophia Davis (Christopher, Thomas) was born on 2 Jun 1874 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She died19 on 9 Nov 1953 in Milledgeville, IL. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Nellie married Newman Oliver Jones son of John Hamel Jones and Elizabeth Lovingood Roberts on 1 Jan 1896 in Bethel Church of God, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. Newman was born on 13 Sep 1873 in Woodland, Carroll, IL. He died on 10 Jun 1947 in Savanna, Carroll, Illinois. He was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Newman born in Woodland Township where his father owned a farm. Met his wife Nellie in Woodland where she lived with her parents. First 5 children born in Woodland. Moved to Savanna in about 1908. Started working in 1891 for the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway as a machinist and worked for almost 50 years as roundhouse helper, switchman, yardman, and fireman. In 1930 census lists switchman as occupation. Two serious accidents related to railroad work.
Newman and Nellie had the following children:
17 Mary Elizabeth Jones was born on 10 Sep 1896. She died on 4 Sep 1973.
18 John Christopher Jones was born on 11 Aug 1898 in Woodland, Carroll, IL. He died on 18 Jun 1974 in Salem, Carroll, Illinois. He was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. By 1920 living with his grandfather Christopher Davis in Salem. John married Etta Neuschwanger . Etta was born on 5 Sep 1891. She died in Jun 1986. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
19 Newman Oliver Jones Jr. was born on 18 Apr 1900. He died on 22 Sep 1923.
20 Ada Mae Jones was born on 13 Jan 1902. She died on 28 Nov 1996.
21 George Paul Jones was born on 2 Feb 1904 in Woodland, Carroll, IL. He died on 3 Feb 1904.
22 Florence Harriet Jones 21 was born on 22 Jun 1905 in Woodland, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She died on 25 Jan 2002 in Morrison, IL. She was buried on 28 Jan 2002 in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Florence married (1) Vere Hanna on 4 Jul 1923. Vere was born on 4 Jul 1923 in Coleta, Illinois. He died on 11 Sep 1945 in Los Angeles, CA. Florence married (2) Lyle E Blair on 28 Dec 1946 in Oswego, Kansas. Lyle died on 7 Jul 1959 in Del Rio, Texas. Florence married (3) Orville W. Lantz on 2 Apr 1969 in Dixon, IL. Orville died on 29 Jan 1998 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL.
23 Mabel Laverta Jones was born on 31 Jan 1907 in Woodland, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She died on 5 Jan 1955 in Morrison Community Hospital,Morrison,Carroll, IL. The cause of death was renal failure. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Mabel married Milo C Alford on 23 Dec 1925. Milo was born on 8 Feb 1897. He died in 1986 in Chadwick,Carroll, IL. He was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
24 Thomas Henry Jones was born on 15 Jun 1910. He died on 25 May 2002.
25 Walter Eldridge Jones was born on 3 Jun 1912 in Savanna, Carroll, IL. He died on 28 Mar 1984. He was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
26 Margaret Winifred Jones was born on 29 Jun 1917. She died on 20 Jan 2004.
15. Charles Frank Davis was born on 10 Sep 1876 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He died on 10 Oct 1955. He was buried Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling, IL. Charles married Lena Volz on 22 Feb 1905. Lena was born on 24 Jun 1885. She died on 24 Jan 1978.
They had the following children:
27 Helen Marion Davis was born on 4 Feb 1906. She died on 22 Mar 1947.
16 Lulu Mae Davis "Mae" was born on 17 Oct 1883 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. She died on 27 Feb 1967 in Savanna, Carroll, Illinois. She was buried on 1 Mar 1967 in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL
Lulu Mae married Ray E Altensey 22 . Ray was born on 27 Jul 1883. He died on 17 Oct 1918. He was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
They had the following children:
28 Alice Altensey was born on 23 Feb 1910 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She died 20 Februry 1912.
29 Zella E Altensey was born on 15 Aug 1912 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. She died on 9 Jan 1981 in Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. Zella married Harold Hartman .
30 Maryellen Altensey was born on 11 Jan 1917. She died on 11 Jun 1987.
17. Mary Elizabeth Jones (Nellie Sophia Davis, Christopher, Thomas) was born on 10 Sep 1896 in Woodland, Carroll, IL. She died on 4 Sep 1973 in Chadwick, IL. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Mary married Walter Fulrath . Walter was born in 1898. He died in 1944 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
They had the following children:
31 Dorothy Louise Fulrath was born on 27 May 1921.
32 Raymond Fulrath was born on 26 Apr 1923.
33 June Fulrath was born on 12 Oct 1925.
19. Newman Oliver Jones Jr. (Nellie Sophia Davis, Christopher, Thomas) was born on 18 Apr 1900 in Woodland, Carroll, IL. He died on 22 Sep 1923 in Peoria, IL. He was buried in Peoria, IL. Newman married Zoe Valentina Wellenraiter on 1 Apr 1922 in Peoria, IL. Zoe was born on 14 Feb 1903 in Chicago, IL. She died in 1932 in Peoria, IL. She was buried in Peoria, IL.
They had the following children:
34 Robert Oliver Jones was born in 1923.
20. Ada Mae Jones (Nellie Sophia Davis, Christopher, Thomas) was born on 13 Jan 1902 in Woodland, Carroll, IL. She died on 28 Nov 1996 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Ada married James McCray son of John Albert McCray and Elisabeth Frederick on 24 May 1919 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. James was born on 21 Sep 1885. He was christened on 28 Sep 1885 in Evangelical, Fair Haven, Carroll, IL. He died on 19 Feb 1965 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He was buried on 23 Feb 1965 in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL.
They had the following children:
35 Virginia McCray was born on 11 Aug 1919.
36 Franklin Oliver McCray was born in Jul 1921. He died on 7 Jul 1921.
37 Marjorie McCray was born on 13 Jul 1923.
38 Robert McCray was born on 8 Jun 1925.
39 Kathleen McCray was born on 2 May 1927.
40 Joseph McCray was born on 8 Jun 1940.
24. Thomas Henry Jones (Nellie Sophia Davis, Christopher, Thomas) was born on 15 Jun 1910 in Savanna, Carroll, IL. He died on 25 May 2002. Thomas married Mildred Linker on 3 Dec 1938.
They had the following children:
41 Marvin Jones
26. Margaret Winifred Jones (Nellie Sophia Davis, Christopher, Thomas) was born24 on 29 Jun 1917 in Savanna, Carroll, IL. She died on 20 Jan 2004 in San Diego, California. She was buried in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Margaret was confirmed on 14 Apr 1946 in First Lutheran, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, Illinois. Margaret married Carlyle Edward Richter son of William Richter and Bertha Poffenberger on 1 Jan 1937 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. Carlyle was born on 18 Oct 1912 in Salem, Carroll, Illinois. He was christened26 on 13 Jul 1913 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Salem, Carroll, Illinois. He died on 3 Jul 1976 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL. He was buried27 in OakHillCemetery, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Lyle was mayor of Mt. Carroll 1957-1973.
Carlyle and Margaret had the following children:
42 Glenda Kay Richter was born on 5 Feb 1938 in Freeport, Stephenson, Illinois. She was christened on 30 Oct 1938 in First Lutheran Church, Mt. Carroll, Carroll, IL. Glenda married Michael Romero Pearlman on 29 May 1988 in Jamul, California. Michael was born on 17 Feb 1942 in Ontario, California.
27. Helen Marion Davis (Charles Frank, Christopher, Thomas) was born on 4 Feb 1906. She died on 22 Mar 1947. Helen married Edward C Loechel on 26 Dec 1923. The marriage ended in divorce.Edward was born on 19 Aug 1904. He died on 25 Dec 1965.
They had the following children:
43 Jacqueline Fay Loechel was born on 10 Oct 1927. She died on 18 Oct 2001. Jacqueline married Owen Nye on 8 Jun 1952. Owen was born on 27 Jul 1929.
44 Joyce Doloris Loechel was born on 26 May 1929. Joyce married Wayne Howard on 22 May 1949. Wayne was born on 8 Sep 1929.
45 Wilma Ione Loechel was born on 17 May 1934. Wilma married Roland Stewart on 17 May 1953. Roland was born on 6 Dec 1932.
46 Nona Marie Loechel was born on 10 Nov 1935. Nona married David Lee Bushman on 5 Oct 1952. David was born on 12 May 1934.
30. Maryellen Altensey (Lulu Mae Davis, Christopher, Thomas) was born on 11 Jan 1917. She died on 11 Jun 1987. Maryellen married Warren Lucas on 21 Aug 1934. Warren was born on 11 Aug 1911. He died on 23 May 1995.
They had the following children:
47 Waren Lucas was born on 20 Apr 1935. He died on 21 Jan 2000.
48 Arthur William Lucas. Arthur married Christine Bailey Ellis on 19 Jun 1964 in Mt. Carroll,Carroll, IL.
