Jefferson County Historical Society

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Daniel L. Jarvis, farmer and stock dealer of Jefferson County, Mo., was
born in 1853, the eldest of seven children, four living, born to Thornton 
and Mary Ann (Williams) Jarvis, whose history appears in another part of 
this work.  Daniel L. was educated in the common schools, and for six 
months was a student in McKendree College, at Lebanon, Ill.; for about a 
year was a disciple of Blackstone under Judge J.J. Williams and at the 
same time assisted him as clerk of probate.  He then engaged in the 
mercantile business with Cornelius Marsden, but discontinued that business 
after a period of eighteen months.  He returned to farm life and in 1877 
was married to Rosetta, daughter of William H. and Perlina Hensley.  Mrs. 
Jarvis was born in Jefferson County, and became the mother of four children: 
Claude T., Norvill W., Edith and Daniel Orin.  Soon after his marriage Mr. 
Jarvis settled on a part of his father's old farm, and is now the owner of 
500 acres, 260 acres of which were given him by his father; 340 acres are 
under cultivation. He takes quite an interest in stock raising, and is 
extensively engaged in raising cattle and horses.  From 1877 to 1882 he 
was notary public, and in connection with farming is running a general 
merchandise store. On the establishment of a postoffice, where he resides, 
the same was named "Jarvis" in his honor.  Mr. Jarvis is a member of the 
A. O. U. W, is a Democrat in politics, and an ardent advocate of the 
temperance movement.  His wife belongs to the Baptist Church.  Rev. William 
Hudson Hensley, father of Mrs. Jarvis, was born in the "Old Dominion," in 
1820. When about six years old he came with his parents, Flemming and Jane
(Milton) Hensley, to Jefferson County, Mo.  He afterward resided ten years 
in St. Louis County, but then returned to Jefferson County, where he has 
since resided.  He is a farmer, and preaches in Jefferson, Washington and 
Franklin Counties.  In 1842 he married A. P., daughter of Lucius and Jane 
Hollinsbeck, who were natives of Vermont and Virginia, respectively.  They 
were married in Virginia, and came to Jefferson County, Mo., about 1838.  
Of their thirteen children, five are living, all of whom are members of 
the Baptist Church.