John R. Davis, Sr., is a Tennessean, born in 1823. His parents, Anderson and Annie Davis, were born in Virginia and North Carolina, respectively, and came to Tennessee with their parents when young. The father was a farmer and pioneer citizen of the county, and departed this life in 1873. His wife died four years later. Our subject lived with his parents until twenty-one years of age, at which time he was united in marriage to Jemima Hill, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Felkins) Hill. She was born in Tennessee in 1825, and is the mother of ten children: Annie C., Nancy E., Henry E., Mary J., John J. J., Joseph A., Catherine O., an infant, (deceased, not named), Parlee (deceased), and Anderson (deceased). Since his marriage Mr. Davis has farmed in different portions of the county and in Missouri, being in the latter place about four years. In 1878 he purchased the farm, of 188 acres, on which he now lives. It lies about nine miles from the county seat, and is in a good state of cultivation. In 1883 he erected a water-power, saw and grist-mill on his farm, the same having proved quite successful. he has held the office of justice of the peace since 1868, and is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Davis are members of the Christian Church.