JAMES M. DAVIDSON.  Among the many residents of Marion who deserve notice in this volume, J. M. Davidson is most certainly to one of the least.  He is at present the efficient and accommodating agent of the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad Company, which office he has held since 1891.
     Our subject is a native of Indiana, having been born in Hagerstown, May 21, 1846.  His father was Dr. E. H. Davidson, a prominent physician of Indiana, whither he removed some time prior to 1844, from his native state, Kentucky.  He was born in Maysville, and departed this life in Celina, Mercer County, this state, in 1872, at the home of our subject.
     Mrs. Elizabeth (Daughtery) Davidson, the mother of our subject, was a native of Hagerstown, Ind., and a most estimable lady, well liked by all who knew her.  Her death took place several years prior to the demise of her husband.  She reared a family of three children, of whom James M. is the only one now living.  He was educated in the common schools of his native place, and when quite young started out to make his own way in the world.  His first move was to go to St. Louis, where he took a course in a business college.  Later, coming to Ohio, he engaged in the mercantile business, but his venture he abandoned in 1878, in order to accept a position with the Lake Erie & Western Railroad Company.  Although this kid of work was very agreeable to him and one to which he seemed to be well adapted, he resigned a year later, and with others formed a company to operate a mine in Silver Cliff, Colo.  They met with the same failure which many others did who expected to gain a fortune in the West.  Returning to Ohio, he was given his former position with the railroad, with headquarters at Celina, and has been identified with various railroads in different parts of the country from that time to the present.
     In January, 1891, Mr. Davidson came to Marion and was given charge of the business of the railroad with which he is still connected.  He possesses thorough knowledge of this particular branch of business, and is popular with all the residents of the city, commanding at once their respect and esteem.  He was married, in 1867, to Miss Amelia, daughter of Oliver and Elnora Ellis.  Mrs. Davidson was born in Celina, where her father was the proprietor of one of the best hotels.  To them has been born a daughter, Carra, now the wife of A. A. Mudge.  Our subject is the Chapter Mason, and in politics never fails to cast a vote in favor of Republican candidates.