DAVIS MEREDITH. - One of the best known citizens of Ball Township, is Davis Meredith, who in company with his parents, came to this county in 1829. His father, Absalom Meredith, and his mother, Mary Meredith, and whose maiden name was Royal, were both natives of the Keystone State - Pennsylvania. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Butler county, Ohio, where they remained some years, and from there moved to Miami County, in the same State. While residing in Ohio, the second war with Great Britain took place, and Mr. Meredith enlisted, and served his country faithfully as a private soldier. In 1829, he sold his farm in Ohio, and emigrated to Illinois, choosing as the place of his future residence the "beautiful county of the Sangamo," and Ball township, in Sangamon county. Here he arrived October 27, of the same year, and where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1842. His widow survived him two years, when she too passed away. Davis Meredith was one of a family of six children, and was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 14, 1812. His early life passed without any incident of special interest. From the time he was old enough, he had to do his share of work upon his father's farm, being permitted to go to the common country schools of his neighborhood about three months in the year. When he arrived in Sangamon county, he was in his eighteenth year, and, like a dutiful son, he remained with, and assisted his father in opening up a new farm and making a house for the family. When the call for volunteers was issued to put down the invasion of Black Hawk, he enlisted, and served till his company was discharged. After the close of the war, he went to Galena, and worked for a time in the lead mines. He then returned to Sangamon county, and purchased a farm on section twelve, Ball township, where he has since continued to reside. IN 1836, Mr. Meredith was married to Mary, daughter of Christopher and Susan Newcomer, by whom he has had seven children: Susan, now the wife of Drury Jones; Charles N.; Mary Jane, now the wife of John R. Kincaid; Sarah Ann, now the wife of Lewis R. Hedrick; Christopher C., Luther Osborn and Fannie L. Mr. Meredith's first son, Charles N., was a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and served until discharged, October, 1864, at Memphis, Tennessee. In politics, Mr. Meredith is a true blue Republican, and has been ever since the organization of the party. In his political views, he has always been consistent and the opposition always know right where to find him. On the establishment of the Cotton Hill post office, of which mention is made on a preceding page, Mr. Meredith was appointed its first postmaster. In the meetings of the old settlers, Mr. Meredith has always taken an active interest, and served one year as President of the association. In his old age, he loves to recount the scenes of the "long ago," having a vivid recollection of past events dating back previous to the deep snow. Mr. Meredith is a plain, unassuming man, one who believes in doing unto others as he would be done by. He is a kind and indulgent father, an accommodating neighbor, a good citizen in every sense of the word, and one who will be missed when life's journey is over. He has provided well for all his children, and is living comfortably with his companion of almost half a century, upon the old homestead.