The Opelousas courier., 1889-12-14
DAVIS,
The Venerable Patriot, Soldier
and Statesman,
Ripe in Years and Rich in the Love of
His People,
Passes Away from Life and Joins the Great
imm0rtafs.
Died at New Orleans at f2:45 Friday Morning.
December 6, 1889.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
Jefferson Davis was born in kentuc-
ky on June ), 1908, in what was
then Christian county. His father was
Samuel Davis, who served in the Geor-
gia cavalry during the revolution.
While Jefferson was an infant his FAM
ily removed TO a place near Woodvilie,
Wilkinson county, Miss.
After careful home training he enter
ed T~tansyivania College, Kentucky,
and remained until 1924. He did not
complete the course then, although a
brilliant student, but accented an APP
pointinent from President Monroe to
the United States Military Academy at
West Point. Mr.. Davis was contem-
porary with Robert e. Lee, Joseph E.
johnson, Leonidas Polk, John B. Ma
gruder and Albert Sidney Johnston,
and learn a to know the value of bis
future co. workers Cadet Davis was
Thus described by a fellow student:
I He was distinguished in the corps for
his manly bearing, his high toned and
lofty character His figure was very
soldier like and rather robust his step
springy, resembling Tie tread OF an In
dian brave on the war path
When he reached Ills majority he was
liz birth. training and education fitted
to be one of The representatives of the
highest types Of Southern manhood.
After his graduation from West Point,
in 1923. lie was assigned to the First In
fantry and served on the frontier, TAX
ing part in The Black Hawk war ofl83l
32. He was promoted to first lieuten-
ant of Dragons on March 4, 1889, but
after more service against the Indians
lie llenly resigned d june 30, 1885.
Hes laid down his sword upon the altar
of affection. The soldier fonnd his
ideal woman in The person of the
daughter Of Zachary TAYLOR, then a coll
onel in the army. The couple married
and settled down near Niekshurg. Miss,
and Nj Davis became i es,tton PLANTER.
Mrs. Davis lived for several years.
About forty three years ago Mr.. Davis
married again. Mrs. Farina Howell
Davis survives her great husband, and
TO her u ing and julieious care IS at
tribnted ID i great extent his long re-
sistance to disease and the rarages Of
time.
TN 1874 Hi was On The Polk aud DIAL
las electoral ticket, and established his
fame as d popular speaker IN tile an
.vass lie made. The campaign was fol
lowed hy his election to Congress in
1916, aud be took his seat III December
of that year. He Immediately became
one DC tile foremost advocates among
the States rights Democrats and was
an ardent supporter of The war policy
af The administration. He was we'll
prepared 70 defend His priuciplesin de
bafe, although there We're SO many great
in the hall n aH national assem-
bly, anil spoEsNilI power Oh the tar
ii, the Oregon question anil military
matters. especially with reference to-
HE preparations for war with Mexico.
When Tint war seemed imminent
Jefferson Davis thought he could serve
bin country better III tie field than III
the forum. Id Jane, 1876, he resigned
bis seat in the house 10 become colonel
of tic First Regiment Of Mississippi ri
Aes. Which, had unanimously elected
him 10 tle position. He came direct Co
New Orleans and joined his regiment
and led his soldiers forward IL re~en-
force General Taylor on the Rio Grande.
Colonel Davis was conspicuous1igure
iii tlle var which followed. There was
bIaser Of abIer soldier under the
aars aud stripes. AT Monterey he
aIarged on Fort Leneria, Aisnsn arm
I'D with rifles without bayorieta, and
lea his men through the streets nearly
Id the Grand pIaza, amid 4 storm Of
shot. md after tie victory served Oh
HE commission for arranging 4 sarreu
Der DE tile place.
At Baena Vista his raglfnesil was
charged by Mexiean brigade Of Ian
eeEs greatly IL snpsfior ii numbers, N
4 last desperate effort III break tlle Am
eficaa lines. Colonel Davis formed his
II lhe shape of i letter N opened
toward tIle e1sn and tlsaH covered
Iis foes both fFolt ard lask are. utterly
fs,ated Ilsm, HIaash he vas 9nsuppors
ea by other saops 1N Was ii
vsreIy sounded bat remained q the
until the close Of fhe EghK, and