Evening journal., 1889-12-06

More than eighty years ago two Ken
lucky boys, born in widely different So
cial spheres, entered upon still more
widely diverse careers:
Abraham Lincoln, in Hardin now
Larue) county, and Jefferson DAVIS, IN
Christian NOW Todd) county, Lincoln
born February 10, 1909, and Davis on the
3rd OF June preceding.
The ancestors Of Jefferson Davis were
Of pure English stock. but so long resi-
dent in America that the type had become
thoroughly southern American. On both
sides they served in the war for American
Independence, his father, Samuel Davis,
winning some distinction in the mounted
troops Of Georgia.
Soon after the birth of Jefferson
Samuel Davis removed to Mississippi,
locating near Woodville, in Wilkinson
county. The sons there acquired an
unusually good English education for the
time, and at an early age Jefferson
entered Transylvania college, Kentucky.
In 1924, however, President Monroe ap-
pointed him a cadet at West Point whence
he was graduated in 1928, at the early
age Of 20 He had stood high in his class,
and at once entered on active duty,
though for some time commissioned only
as a brevet second lieutenant. Promotion
was very slow in those peaceful times
but he soon won his full commission anC
in the next three years dem onstrated his
organizing capacity, both as infantry anC
staff officer on the northwestern frontier
The year 1881 brought a surprise anC
many promotions. Black Hawk entered
on his famous campaign, and Jefferson
Davis was at once given an active anS
responsible position to muster in ant
organize the new recruits.
1t WIS while in this service that Lieu
tenant Davis wooed and won 8 danghte
of the eminent general and President
Zachary Taylor.
Early in 1888 Lieutenant Davis wa
transferred from his place in Company I
First United States Infantry, and j
recognition of his services in the Blac
Hawk war was promoted to first lieu
tenancy in the First United States DIRE
goons, Of which command he was 500
made adjutant. In this position he mad
a very brilliant record, not only as a
organizer and efficient administrator j
garrison life, but III several active can
paigns against the Comanches, Pawnee
and other Indians
General Taylor was opposed to th
match between his daughter and Youn
Davis, but after a remarkable piece
gallantry on the field General TaylC
said Colonel, you have saved the da
God bless you When Dolly wou
have you. she was better judge of ms
than / was
June 30, 1885, Lieutenant Davis r.
signed his commission and located
Mississippi, where he lived for eigl
years the quiet life of q cotton plante
Then came ''crisis;' the annexation
Texas may be taken as the first isst
over which distinctly Northern al
Southern parties confronted ea'
other. In 1S49 Lieutenant Day
took an active and most effecti'
part in the state campaign and
1874 he was one of the Democratic ele
tors for Mississippi. In 1S45 he W
elected a representative in Congress, a
10 ,neeesslss.y Of that wear took his seat
the House. Ii was called then storl
session, " but in retrospect after the 10
sessiongof 1S49-50, it was thought mil'
In 1860 he resigned his seat in
Senate of the United States and v
elected President Of the Confeders
states. His history since then is famili