Samuel Davis

b. 24 December 1755, d. 31 August 1842
FatherNathaniel Davis d. bef 15 Oct 1765
MotherSarah (?)
Birth24 Dec 1755 Samuel Davis was born on 24 Dec 1755 in Augusta (now Rockbridge) County, Virginia.1,2,3 
Research  Samuel states in his pension application that he has no record of his age; it was burnt when his father was killed by the Indians when Samuel was about 3 years of age. His mother told him his birthdate was Dec. 24, 1755.1 
Research  The pension also states that Samuel was raised by his brother John Davis (1832 statement added that John had been dead more than 20 years).1 
  Samuel's statement that he was born in 1755 and that he was 3 years old when his father died is problematic as Nathaniel and Sarah sold their land in Augusta County after 1758-9. Nathaniel patented 115 acres on Buffalo Creek in Augusta (now Rockbridge Co.) in August 1763. 
Research  A biography of Samuel's grandson, Samuel K. Davis states, " The paternal grandfather, Samuel Davis, was a Revolutionary soldier and the youngest of 8 brothers. He was married to Jane Allison, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent, which blood also coursed through his own veins."4 
Research  4 Davis brothers were present at an early date: Nathaniel, John, James and Samuel - per writings attributed to Gov. David Campbell in Early Settlers of Washington Co., part of Historical Sketches of the Campbell, Pilcher and Kindred Families by Mgt Pilcher (Nashville: Marshall and Bruce Co., 1911). He also states that 4 Davis brothers were present at an early date: Nathaniel, John, James and Samuel.

Note: David Campbell served as governor of VA from 1837-1840. He was born in Washington County in 1779 and was a merchant in Abingdon for many years. He died in 1859 (Wikipedia.org citing the Dictionary of VA Biography). Gov. Campbell was a nephew of Col. Arthur Campbell, under whom several of the Davis brothers served during the Revolutionary War (online genealogies of the Campbell family; Davis Rev. War pension applications). 
Marriage He married Jane Allison.4 
Milit-Begcirca 1776  Washington County, Virginia;
possibly in late August; was under Col. Christie and was in what was called Christie's Campaign. Robert Craig was captain. Christie told Craig that if he would raise 26 men he would have the rank and pay of captain; Samuel was one of the 26; Christie's Campaign was abt 3 months against the Cherokee Indians.5 
Militarybetween 1777 and 1778  Guarded the frontier forts in what is now Russell County (then called Clinch settlement) against the Shawnee; served at Moore's Ft, Glade hollow fort, and Gilmores Ft (Burke's Garden). Was under the command of Capt. Mathew Willoughby of Washington Co.5 
Research1778  A draft was held that Spring in Washington Co. for men to serve one year down about Norfolk. Samuel was drafted and was willing to go but his family and relations considered that area sickly and were opposed to his going. So he purchased a convict whose term of service had not expired and delivered him to Col. Arthur Campbell. Samuel stated that he would not shrink from his duty but preferred to fight the Indians, particularily the Shawnee, who had killed his father.5 
MilitaryMar 1779  Went to Kentucky to McAfee's station on the Salt River and began campaign against the Shawnee Indians under Col. Benjamin Logan. Capt was Josiah Harland, 1st Lieut was Wm McAfee, 2nd Lieut was John Allison, Ensign was John King. Mustered into service at Harrodsburg and marched to Elkhorn Station (where Lexington now stands), marched to Riddle's station, then to new town erected by Shawnee on the Little Miami River; attacked & burned part of town - lost 5 men & returned to Washington Co.5 
MilitaryNov 1780  Under Col. Arthur Campbell; Capt. Joseph Black, Lieut was John Davis, applicant's bros. Fought Cherokee, marched to Chota town & took prisoners; a party was sent to burn Chilhowee town - Samuel went; returned from Chota - left party of men at Tellico plains - Samuel went with Col. Campbell to Hiwassa where took and killed some Indians then back to Tellico and then home - all together gone 3 mos.5 
Researchbetween Sep 1780 and Nov 1780  Accd to Summers "Annals SW VA" the following were at Kings Mtn: Capt John Davis, Nathaniel Davis, Ensign Robert Davis, Samuel Davis, Col. William Davis.6 
Research  Sometimes served as an informal substitute for his brothers who had families before he did.1 
Tax1782  Washington County, Virginia;
Samuel appeared on tax rolls the first year they were kept and remained on them through 1796 with the exception of 1784. He appears to have lived in the lower district with his brothers John and James; but unlike them Samuel did not own slaves.7 
Research1 Apr 1791  Deed from James Davis of Rockbridge Co. VA to Samuel Davis; 108 acres on the headwaters of Beaver Creek; patented to Davis 1 June 1785; DB 1: 211. 
Migration1797  Blount County, Tennessee;
settled.1 
Research15 Sep 1801  Deed from Samuel and Jane Davis of Blount Co., Tennessee to John Shetters; $500; 108 acres on Beaver Creek; DB 2: 455. 
Research15 Sep 1801  Washington County, Virginia;
deed from Samuel and Jane Davis of Blount Co., Tennessee to Peter Burkhart; 2 contiguous tracts on Beaver Creek (100 & 60 acres); patented to Davis in 1785; DB 2: 456 
Migration1808  Madison County, Alabama;
was called Mississippi territory at time; Samuel planted the first corn planted by a white man in Madison County.1 
  Madison County was created in 1808 from Cherokee and Chickasaw Indian lands. It was one of only 2 counties in existance at the time; the remainder of the land being held by the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek and Choctaw Indian tribes. 
Land-Patent31 Jan 1809 On 31 Jan 1809 Samuel patented 160 acres in section 6, township 1, range 2 east and 160 acres in section 11, township 1, range 2 east in Madison County, Mississippi Territory. Samuel was one of the first individuals to claim land in the area. A Robert Davis patented 320 acres in section 10, township 3, range 1 east a few days later.8 
CensusJan 1809  A territorial census was taken in Madison County the same month that Samuel patented his land. He was enumerated as the head of a household that included: 3 males under 21, 3 males over 21; 1 female under 21 and 1 female over 21. Nathaniel Davis (probably Samuel's eldest son) was recorded 4 names before Samuel. His household included 1 male over 21 and 1 female under 21. Some distance further away was listed a Robert Davis, whose household included 3 males over 21; 1 female over 21 and 1 female under 21.9 
Religion  Samuel Davis and his family were "Cumberland Presbyterian" often called "blue-stocking Presbyterians". They were called this because the girls were required to make and dye thick stockings of blue to wear. They were very strict. When Samuel Davis settled on the bank of the Flint River in New Market, Madison County, Alabama, he purchased a large area of land over time. To the left of his house was a tall hill which he gave to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for "camp meetings" and a cemetery. They had no church; and only a circuit rider to minister to them. Sometimes, I have read, the camp meetings could last a week, with marriages, baptisms in the Flint, funerals and sermons. This was one of the few times the settlers were able to visit each other and talk........also a good time for young men and women to meet and court. The cemetery is at the top of the hill overlooking the Flint and meadows.......absolutely gorgeous! It fell into disrepair, and was called Graveyard hill for a long time. Now it is "Mt. Parron Cemetery". Descendents have cleaned it up and the DAR has put up a marker and had a service to recognize the rev., war between the states, and indian war survivers. Most of the tombs are box-tombs, and family plots are enclosed in by iron fences.10 
Tax19 Jul 1810  The list of taxable property for Madison County in 1810 included the following Davis entries: Andrew, Samuel, Samuel Jr., Samuel Sr., Robert and William.11 
Tax1811  The following year the tax records listed Samuel Sr. and Jr. with 160 acres each on Hicory Flat. A Robert, an Andrew and a John Davis each were taxed on land on or near the waters of the Flint River. A William Davis was taxed as well but no property specifics were listed.12 
Tax1812  The 1812 tax list did not specify property location but 6 Davis men were taxed: Andrew, Robert, Samuel, Samuel Jr., William and another William.13 
Land-Buy13 Feb 1812 On 13 Feb 1812 Samuel bought additional land in section 29.14 
Land-Patent24 Dec 1814  And in December, 1814 he acquired land in section 17.14 
Tax1816  The 1816 tax rolls included: Andrew, Richard, Robert, 3 Samuels, and 2 William Davises.15 
Administ14 Jul 1817 On 14 Jul 1817 Samuel posted bond in Madison County court in the amount of $2,000 to administer the estate of Samuel Davis Jr.16 
Cens-18301830 He was enumerated as head of the household on the 1830 census of Madison County, Alabama.17 
Milit-Pens8 Nov 1832  Madison County, Alabama;
applied for pension.5 
Research8 Nov 1832  Madison County, Alabama;
names of people who testified they knew Samuel when he app for his pension: Rev. Samuel Harris, Isaac Wellborn, John Adklin, Richard V. Purdom1 
Will28 Jan 1834 On 28 Jan 1834 Samuel wrote the first of at least 2 wills. His wife Jane was still alive at this time; he referred to her as Ginny. He left her the dwelling house, assorted household items and 2 adult Negroes. He also instructed his executors to set aside for her benefit as much land as the servants could cultivate. Samuel also left specific monetary gifts to several of his children and also to John Walker whom he named as the husband of the wife of Samuel's deceased son Samuel. Following his death Samuel's land was to be divided between sons William and James. And at that time other items and slaves were to be sold and the proceeds divided between Samuel's sons Robert, William and James, and his daughters Hannah Creswell and Polly Walker. Also to share equally was Polly Davis and her heirs. Polly was identified in the will as the wife of Samuel's son John. John M. Davis, identfied only as Samuel's grandson, was also an heir.18 
Widowed2 Dec 1839  Jane died less than six years later. 
Cens-18401840 He was enumerated as head of the household on the 1840 census of Madison County, Alabama.3 
Research1840  Madison County, Alabama;
Heads of households with surname Davis: And. C., Archd M., Gabriel, George W., James, James N., Joannah, Lewis, Mary (2), Mary Ann, Mat, Nathl (2), Robert (3), Sam'l (3 but represent same individual, listed once as hd of household, once as Rev. War pensioner and once in a summary table), Sam'l W., Thos, Williams, Wm19 
Will8 Jan 1842  Samuel wrote another will on 8 Jan 1842. He left a tract of land in Madison County containing 6 acres to the Mt. Parron congregation. He also bequeathed cash to the following: John M. Davis, who was identified in this will as the heir of "my son Nathaniel"; "son Robert Davis"; heirs of "daughter Hanna Cresswell"; "daughter Mary Walker"; heirs of "son John Davis" and "son William Davis". Samuel's son James did not receive cash but did receive a share in the proceeds arrising from the sale of other assets. Interestingly, the monies left for Robert Davis were to remain in the hands of Samuel's executors who were to dispose of them for Robert's benefit. Another interesting aspect of the will was the request that any disputes be resolved by the executors along with "my beloved brother in the Lord" Madison Anderson. Samuel requested that no suit be brought in law or equity but that their word should be final.20 
ResearchMar 1842  Alabama;
Last Rev. War pension payment was made March 1842 from the Decatur office 
Death31 Aug 1842 Samuel died on 31 Aug 1842 at age 86.2 
Burial He was buried at Mt. Paran Cemetery in New Market, Madison County, Alabama, (which land he gifted for the cemetery in his will).2 
Will-Recd17 Oct 1842 Samuel's will was recorded in Madison County on 17 Oct 1842.20 
Probate Recd29 Dec 1842  Some sort of disagreement may have followed over whether the heirs would be better served by dividing Samuel's land or selling it. William Davis and Joseph Rice, listed as the plaintiffs in the ensuing law suit, caused Granville Criner, Jacob Pierce and Wilbourn Barton to testify as to their opinion in the matter. They were of the opinion that the property should be sold.21 
Probate Recd  When the land was sold William was the highest bidder, posting a bond in the amount of $1,057 with James N. Davis and Samuel K. Davis as his security.21 
Probate Recd27 Jul 1846 The final settlement, recorded in 1846, indicated that Samuel's land had been sold for $1,057. The entire estate was valued at over $5,000. Expenses included taxes, court fees and payments to various individuals, included $32.75 to John Roach for Samuel's tombstone. Additional bills located in Samuel's probate file included such items as a $15 payment for his coffin. Mary Walker, who was listed as Samuel's daughter in the 1842 will, was deceased by June 1845 when the proceeds of the estate were distributed among the heirs.22,21 
Research1918  Laddonia, Audrain County, Missouri;
Birdie Grigsby wrote the pens. dept requesting info on William Davis, Jackson Co., Alabama and of Samuel Davis of Madison Co., AL. She states that they were her ancestors. She also asked for info on a Joseph Davis from Alabama. Lynn Melberg commented on Aug. 11, 2005 (by email) that Birdie apparently was gathering info to apply for DAR membership. Lynn researched Birdie's DAR application and found that it listed Joseph Henson Harrison Davis (married Martha Williams) as the son of "our" Samuel Davis. In actuality Joseph was the son of a Samuel Davis who married a Lucinda Munsey in SC abt 1783. Lynn notified the DAR who checked and then held up further admissions on this line until it could be sorted out. 
Research1926  Chattanooga, Tennessee;
Allen Benson of "Care Lookout" (?) publishing company wrote the pens. dept asking for Samuel's info. - no reason given 
Research1939  514 Randolph St., Huntsville, Alabama;
Miss Helen Petty wrote to the Veterans Adm. requesting info from Samuel's pension applic file (specifically his wife and children's names); she also wanted info for a James Walker whose wife she stated was Margaret. She also stated that Samuel Davis came from Washington Co. VA to Tennessee and then into Madison Co. Alabama abt 1805 and that she believed James Walker came with him. No records for James Walker were found but a summary of Samuel's service was sent to Miss Petty. Note: info from Lynn Melberg: Mary "Polly" Davis, daughter of Samuel Davis and Jane Allison married James Robert Walker who was the son of the James Walker referenced in Miss Petty's letter. James Walker Sr. was married to a Margaret "Peggy" Reid5,23 

Related Links and Images:

See also Any Davis
Samuel's first will, dated 1834
Samuel's 1842 will, inventory and settlement (contains detailed list of heirs)
Samuel's stone at Mt. Paran Cemetery - also several views of the cemetery24
Samuel's Revolutionary War pension application

Family

Jane Allison b. abt 1751, d. 2 Dec 1839
Children
Last Edited19 Dec 2013

Citations

  1. [S1294] Samuel Davis interrogatories, dated 8 Nov. 1832 at Madison Co., Alabama; Samuel Davis Revolutionary War Pension Application File; RG 15; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M804 - Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, roll 755).
  2. [S1736] Samuel Davis tombstone, Mt. Paran Cemetery, Madison County, Alabama, photographed 2007. Stone reads: In memory of Samuel Davis Died August 31st 1842 aged 88 years; also DAR marker.
  3. [S1841] Sam'l Davis Sr. household, 1840 U.S. cens., Madison Co., Alabama, p. 129 stamped, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2007, image 26 of 61. The only entry was for a male 80-90. Samuel's name and age (85) was also entered in a column for Revolutionary War pensioners.
  4. [S1290] A Memorial and Biographical History of Johnson and Hill Counties, Texas, p. 336. This information provided by an unknown person for a biography of Samuel K. Davis (grandson of Samuel Davis).
  5. [S1294] Samuel Davis personal statement, dated 8 Nov. 1832 at Madison Co., Alabama; Samuel Davis Revolutionary War Pension Application File; RG 15; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M804 - Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty Land Warrant Application Files, roll 755).
  6. [S726] Lewis Preston Summers, Annals of Southwest Virginia, part 2:1379.
  7. [S1249] Washington Co., Virginia Tax Records 1782-1805.
  8. [S1796] "1809 Land Patents Madison Co. Mississippi Territory", database, Madison County Records Center (http://www.co.madison.al.us/mcrc/ : viewed Aug. 2007).
  9. [S1797] "1809 Madison Co. Mississippi Territory census", database, Madison County Records Center (http://www.co.madison.al.us/mcrc/ : viewed Aug. 2007).
  10. [S1296] Lynn Melberg, "Emailing Early," e-mail to Diana Powell, 2 Aug. 2005.
  11. [S1798] "1810 Madison Co. Mississippi Territory tax list", database, Madison County Records Center (http://www.co.madison.al.us/mcrc/ : viewed Aug. 2007).
  12. [S1799] "1811 Madison Co. Mississippi Territory tax list", database, Madison County Records Center (http://co.madison.al.us/mcrc/1811tax.html : viewed Aug. 2007).
  13. [S1800] "1812 Madison Co. Mississippi Territory tax list", database, Madison County Records Center (http://www.co.madison.al.us/mcrc/ : viewed Aug. 2007).
  14. [S1296] Lynn Melberg, "Davis 1809 Patentsl," e-mail to Diana Powell, 23 Aug. 2007.
  15. [S1801] "1816 Madison Co. Mississippi Territory tax list", database, Madison County Records Center (http://co.madison.al.us/mcrc/1811tax.html : viewed Aug. 2007).
  16. [S1793] Samuel Davis bond as administrator of Samuel Davis Jr., Samuel Davis probate file no. 382, Madison County Records Center, Huntsville, Alabama. John McPhaill and Theophilus Pennington surety.
  17. [S1840] Samuel Davis household, 1830 U.S. cens., Madison Co., Alabama, p. 87 stamped, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2007, image 55 of 68.
  18. [S1793] Samuel Davis will dated 1834, Samuel Davis probate file no. 382, Madison County Records Center, Huntsville, Alabama. This will was not recorded.
  19. [S1841] 1840 U.S. cens., Madison Co., Alabama, viewed online at Ancestry.com.
  20. [S1733] Samuel Davis will (1842), Madison County, Alabama Probate Record 10: 24. Samuel's will, dated the 8th day of Jan. 1842 was recorded Oct. 17, 1842. It named Joseph Rice and son William Davis as his executors with Madison Anderson and James Seaton as witnesses.
  21. [S1793] Samuel Davis probate file no. 382, Madison County Records Center, Huntsville, Alabama.
  22. [S1734] Samuel Davis settlement (1845), Madison County, Alabama Probate Record 10: 550. The settlement included a list of credits and charges against the estate and a specific list of each of the legatees including the heirs of Samuel's deceased children.
  23. [S1296] Lynn Melberg, "Snippets from Samuel Davis's Pension file," e-mail to Diana Powell, 5 Aug. 2005.
  24. [S1376] Images by email from Jason Kennedy; originally provided by a volunteer through Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness.