Biography of W. S. Davis, Saline Co, AR

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Submitted by:
        Date: 25 May 2002
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SOURCE: Goodspeed's History of Saline County

Dr. W. S. Davis, one of the leading physicians of this township, was born in
Tennessee in 1858, 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, 1885. 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 1871 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 be 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.