Biography, Basil B Davis, Madison County, AR

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Submitted by: Carole Hammett & Rhonda Jameson
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BASIL B. DAVIS (deceased), who was numbered among the prominent citizens of
Madison County, Ark., was born in Roane County, Tenn., August 21, 1826, being
the son of ALFRED and ELIZABETH (BRAZEILE) DAVIS, both natives of Roane
County, Tenn. The father died in Bradley County, of the same State, about 1845
or 1846, and at the time of his death was about fifty-three years old. He was
a farmer all his life, and was a soldier for a short time in the War of 1812.
The mother died in McMinn County, Tenn., in 1848, and at the time of her death
was about fifty-three years of age. They were members of the Baptist Church,
and he was a Democrat in politics. They were the parents of ten children, two
now living: WILLIAM R., and MARTHA E., wife of ALBERT LONG. Basil B. received
a liberal education at Hiawassee College, Monroe County Tenn., and soon after
began farming, and in connection taught school. In 1853 he left home and
located in Boone County, Ark., where he remained one year, after which he came
to Madison County, and was soon after elected county surveyor, serving three
terms, or six years. In 1860 he was elected clerk of the county court, and re-
elected in 1862. Previous to the war, September 1, 1853, he married MISSANIER
GIPSON, a native of Madison County, Ark., born September 20, 1833, and the
daughter of GREEN GIPSON. Nine children blessed this union, eight of whom are
now living: MARTHA E., RHODA E., SUSAN M., ALFRED G., LYDIA T. (married JAMES
THOMPSON July 15, 1888), BASIL E., WILLIAM H., and JOHN P. MARY A. was the
wife of JASPER N., and died when about thirty years of age. During the late
war Mr. Davis and family moved to Hill County, Tex., and there remained until
the close of the war, when he returned to Madison County, Ark., and afterward
resided in this county engaged in farming. In 1876 he was elected assessor,
and served one term. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Democrat in
politics, and he was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, as is his
family. His death occurred August 15, 1888, his loss being much lamented by a
host of friends. " (Goodspeeds History of NW AR...)