Willian Murphy Davis

SOURCE: GOODSPEED HISTORIES OF SEBASTIAN COUNTY ARKANSAS

Submitted by Judy Spears
Would love to make a connection to this family.... Judy


William Murphy Davis was born in DeKalb County, Ga., April 2, 1840, and is a son of William M. and Frances (Morton) Davis. His father was born in Virginia, and when young went to South Carolina, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, and grew up upon a farm. From South Carolina he went to Georgia, and in 1845 came to Arkansas. In 1852 he removed to Texas, and there died in 1855. He was a farmer by occupation. The mother was a native of Virginia, but was married in Pendleton District, SC. She died in Jefferson County, Ark., in 1863, and was the mother of nine children, of whom our subject is the only survivor. The others were Miles A., Unity, Mary, Gabriel, Franklin, Caroline, Lewis and Frances. The grandparents on both sides were natives of Virginia, who went to South Carolina. The paternal grandparents died in that State, but the maternal grandparents died in Georgia.

William Davis was but four years of age when brought to Jefferson County, Ark, where he grew up upon his father's farm. Being the oldest child he was needed upon the farm, and consequently received but a limited education. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, of the Ninth Arkansas Volunteer Infantry, Confederate States Army, and served in that company until discharged in 1862. He was present at Grant's defeat at Belmont. He then enlisted at St. Charles, Ark, under Capt. Peoples, Confederate Army, and served until mustered out in 1865.

The company was disbanded at Louisville, Ark., with other Southern troops. After the war he engaged in farming in Jefferson County, Ark, but in 1872 came to Sebastian County, where he bought eighty four acres of land, fifty of which he cultivates. In 1869 he married Margaret, daughter of James Carr, a native of Gibson County, Tenn. Mrs. Davis came to this State when young, and has borne eight children, all save one now living: Dorah, Phaeby, Marshall, Morgan, Marches, Estelle, Motier, Ida L, and Morgan (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Davis belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Davis has served his township as school director and overseer, and in politices is a straight Democrat.