Portrait and biographical record of Christian County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and   representative citizens, together with biographies of all the Governors of the state, and of the Presidents of the United States.  Chicago, Ill. : Lake City Pub. Co., 1893.  Transcribed and annotated by Judy Rosella Edwards, 2007.

E.H. DAVIS was for many years one of the respected agriculturists of Taylorville Township, and owned a farm located on section 2, to the cultivation of which he gave his attention until he was summoned to rest from his labors. He was born in Warren County, Ohio, near Lebanon, October 25, 1827, being one of eleven children whose parents were Richard and Rebecca Davis. The boyhood of our subject was passed in the usual uneventful manner of a life which is spent on a farm, but there he received a practical training in agricultural duties, which was the basis of his future success. His time was divided between acquiring an education in the district schools and rendering such assistance as was in his power to his father. On attaining his majority he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he followed for only a couple of years, and then returned to farming. He remained in Warren County, Ohio, until 1854, when he determined to try his fortune in the West. On his arrival in Illinois Mr. Davis first settled in Adams County, where he became the owner of a one hundred and twenty acre farm, on which he continued to live for twelve years. In the spring of 1866 he came to Christian County, and after renting land for two years, while making up his mind where to invest, he purchased a farm on section 2, Taylorville Township, which was his home until his death. This place comprises one hundred and sixty acres and is well adapted for general farming and stock-raising. Prior to leaving his native State, Mr. Davis was united in marriage on the 10th of November, 1851, to Miss Adria M. Beel, who is a daughter of Noah and Rebecca (Kirby) Beel, natives of Warren County. Mrs. Davis is one of ten children, and by her marriage has become the mother of eight, as follows: John C., who operates the old homestead; George C., a resident of Taylorville; James H. who lives in Missouri; Alice M., wife of Reuben Bunstine, of Renton, Wash.; Richard, who is farmer of Taylorville Township; Adolphus, who also located in the State of Washington, being farmer in Thurston County; Jennie, wife of Frank Anderson, of Taylorville; and Isabella, who lives with her mother. In everything pertaining to the public welfare, Mr. Davis was greatly interested, and held a number of offices within the gift of the people. Among others he was Road Commissioner and School Director, and was a stanch supporter of the best educational facilities. In politics, he affiliated with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife were members of the Dunkard Church, to which the latter still belongs. The death of Mr. Davis occurred April 14, 1873, and his remains were interred in Taylorville Cemetery. He was respected and beloved by all who knew him, and was a man of upright character and true worth.

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