History of Clark County Indiana United States of America

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Jefferson Clarke Davis, soldier, was born in Clarke county, Ind., March 2, 1828. His ancestors were among the early settlers of Kentucky and Southern Indiana at the falls of the Ohio, and had been celebrated as Indian fighters. He was educated at the county academy and enlisted in the Indiana regiment recruited by Colonel Lane for the Mexican war. He won at Buena Vista a commission as 2d lieutenant in the 1st artillery which he received June 17, 1848. He was promoted 1st lieutenant in 1852. In 1858 he was stationed with the 1st U.S. artillery in Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S.C., an officer under Major Anderson and took part in the evacuation of the fort and the occupation and defence of Fort Sumter through a bombardment of thirty-six hours. In recognition of his bravery in this trying ordeal he was promoted captain and allowed leave of absence to recruit the 22d Indiana volunteers, which he commanded as colonel. He was assigned to the department of the Missouri as acting brigadier-general and for his action at Milford, Mo., Dec. 18, 1861, was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers. He commanded a division at the battle of Pea Ridge, March 8, 1862, and took part in the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, and the siege of Corinth, and after the evacuation of that place by the Confederates, May 29, he was assigned to the department of the Tennessee. During this campaign he had received, as he alleged, harsh treatment from Maj. Gen. William Nelson, his superior officer. The two officers chanced to meet in the Galt House, Louisville, Ky., Sept. 29, 1862, and a quarrel ensued, in which General Davis shot and instantly killed General Nelson. An arrest but no trial followed and General Davis was soon after assigned to duty in Covington, Ky. He commanded his division forming a part of the 20th army corps, at the battle of Stone's River, Dec. 31, 1862, when he greatly distinguished himself, and General Rosecrans recommended him for promotion to the rank of major-general. He commanded the 14th army corps in the Georgia campaign of General Sherman, including the march to the sea. At the close of the war he was brevetted major-general of volunteers and on July 23, 1866, he was promoted colonel of the 23d U.S. infantry. He served on the Pacific coast, in Alaska and after the murder of General Canby by the Modoc Indians in 1873 he succeeded to the command of the department and forced the tribe to surrender. He died in Chicago, Ill., Nov. 30, 1879.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Clark County Indiana

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