John Madison Davidson

While doing some family history research on-line, I came to a name in our line that had ended (no father or mother information available). So, I decided to do a Google search and I came across this book called A Tribute to Clay County Veterans, by David G. Harmon. In this book was an excerpt about this individual (John Madison Davidson). In it lists his father's name and all his children and their spouses. I cannot tell you how excited I was to find this little nugget. So, I thought I'd share it with the family so they can put it in their records.

From the book: A Tribute to Clay County Veterans, by David G. Harmon

Page8

John Madison Davidson, the second child of Daniel, wife unknown, was born 1777 in Washington County, VA probably before his father enlisted in the Revolutionary War on Jan. 21, 1777. This date was taken from his military records.

The available records on John Madison Davidson does not show proof of his first wife one genealogist says was Patsey, several others say Elizabeth Smith, neither of these offer proof of their convictions. I will adopt Elizabeth Smith since more lean toward her than anyone else.

Their children were Tyre Davidson (born 1799) married Salley Morris; James A. Davidson (born 1801) married Rachel Allen Noble; Samuel Davidson (born 1803) married Susannah Dent; Martin Davidson (born 1805) married Susannah Spurlock; Tabitha Davidson (born 1807) married Reubin Baker; Daniel Davidson (born 1809) married Isobel McCollum; Morgan Davidson (born 1815) married Mary Stidham; Mary Davidson (born 1821) married Samuel Britton; Mahala Davidson (born 1822) married John Jacob Oxford; Matilda Davidson (born 1824) married Washington Burns; Nancy Davidson (born 1825) married Eligah Herd.

We do not know for sure but Elizabeth Smith Davidson must have died because John married again to Mary (Polly) Camel or Campbell on Jan. 13, 1827. It might seem odd to some that he would marry again so soon after the death of his first wife, but when one stops and considers that he was faced with the problem of keeping at least five children, they would agree that an early marriage was necessary. It will be noted that several years separate the births of Daniel, Morgan and Mary. This indicated that Elizabeth’s health was failing. John and Polly Campbell were married in January 1827. Four children were born to this marriage; Susan Davidson (born 1827) married Blevins Hudson; Silas Davidson (birthdate unknown) married Sarah Hays. There were two other children, but no information available.