This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Davidson Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1387 Message Board Post: Davidson, Robert M. J. – A citizen of Grundy County who has returned to agricultural pursuits after a number of years spent in other lines of endeavor and who has made a success of his ventures is Robert M. J. Davidson, whose well-cultivated property is located in Saratoga Township. Mr. Davidson was born in the township in which he now resides, April 12, 1855, and is a son of Robert J. and Harriet M. (Taylor) Davidson. Robert J. Davidson was born in 1800 in the north of Ireland, and when twenty-two years of age emigrated to the United States, locating at Newburgh, N. Y., where he was married to Harriet M. Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania. He was engaged in the livery business in New York until 1848, when he came to Morris, Ill., by water, and here for some years was employed as a coal miner. Subsequently he moved to a farm of 112 acres, adjoining the city, in Morris Township, and there continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of death, whic! h occurred November 28, 1868. His widow passed away in 1904. They were the parents of these children: Evelyn, who married Cornelius Condon, of Morris; Sarah, who married James Cummings of Seattle, Wash.; Robert M. J., and Belle, who married Thomas Lindsey, of Seattle, Wash. Robert M. J. Davidson received his education in the public schools of Saratoga Township, and at the age of twenty years began to divide his time between the mines in the winter months and the home farm in the summer. He continued to be so engaged until November, 1897, when he went to Sandcoulee, Mont., with his eldest son, and in May of the following year the rest of the family joined him. After four years spent in mining, he returned to Grundy County, and settled on the home place, where he owned forty-one acres, and subsequently added to this by purchase thirty acres. He also rents considerable property, and now has 300 acres under cultivation. His ventures have proven successful because of his industry and well-directed effort, and he is accounted one of the most substantial men of his township. Mr. Davidson was married August 20, 1877, to Miss Mary A. King, who was born in England, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Hardy) King. Mr. King was a miner by occupation and at various times worked in Pennsylvania, Illinois and Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have had the following children: William, a resident of Stockett, Mont.; Samuel, residing at Joliet, Ill.; Max J., of Morris; Thomas and Truman, both of Morris; Eliza and Louisa, both of whom died in infancy; and Elmer, Leslie, Morris and Mary all at home. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. In his political views he is a Democrat. A useful and public-spirited citizen, he has ever been ready to give his time or means in promoting movements for the general welfare, and few citizens of Saratoga Township are held in greater esteem. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 802