My Genealogy Hound

Dr. W. S. Davis, one of the leading physicians of this township, was born in Tennessee in 1856, the son of Benson A. and Catharine (Grisom) Davis, natives of Tennessee. B. A. Davis was a carriage and wagon maker and lived in Tennessee until his death. He was married December 12, 1848, and became the father of seven children, four now living: Mary E. (wife of W. L. Robinson), D. J., John H. (deceased), W. S. (our subject), G. F. (deceased), Matilda R. (wife of Frank Johnson), and Jackson D. (deceased). Bronson A. Davis was killed by bushwhackers, February 28, 1865. He joined the United States army and served until 1865, when he was discharged, after which, while recruiting a company, of which he was elected captain, and when on his way to reenlist and be mustered in at Waterloo, he was killed. He had been in several battles and had served his country faithfully. He was a member of the A. F. & A. M., and a minister by profession, teaching the doctrine of the Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years. His wife was also a church member. At the age of eighteen years W. S. Davis began life for himself as a farmer. His literary education had been gained in Tennessee and Arkansas, and in the year 1876 he commenced the study of medicine. In 1878 he began practicing in the Indian Territory, but during the year 1879 moved to Logan County, Ark., where he devoted himself to his profession for about two years. Going thence to Shiloh, Van Buren County, he later became settled at Cross Roads, and finally in Yell County. In 1882 he came to this county and located on the Middle Fork of the Saline River, moving to his present place in 1877, and buying the property on which he lives, consisting of eighty acres. Dr. Davis was married July 28, 1875, to Miss Mary Camer, of Independence County, Ark. The result of this marriage was two children: Sophia C. and John W. The Doctor is a member of Whittington Lodge No. 365, A. F. & A. M., and votes the Democratic ticket. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is thoroughly wrapped up in the practice of his adopted calling, keeping well apace with the advance of medical science, while as a physician and surgeon he is esteemed by all acquaintances.