James M. Davis
1837 - 1911
James was born in Hamilton County, Tennessee. His pension papers describe him as 6' 1", with gray eyes, dark hair and a fair complexion. James and Mary are married by Rev. Guthrie in 1858. They are living next to his sister Mary and her husband Thomas Davis in 1860, and he most likely is working as a farm laborer. On February 27, 1862, he joins the other men of the area by enlisting in Company G of the 5th Tennessee Army (Union). On the march north to Pink Knot, Kentucky, where the union will be mustered into service he suffers a severe case of Flux (An excessive flow or discharge of fluid like hemorrhage or diarrhea). James is left at the home of the Wilson's whose address is Bryants Store, Knox County, Kentucky. While trying to help James get to the spring for water, Enoch Wilson had his gun with him and it accidentally discharged, shooting James in the foot. He recuperated eight weeks at their home; they then took him by wagon to join his regiment at Cumberland Gap. His luck does not improve when he is captured by the Confederate Army on September 18th, 1962. He is exchanged at Camp Wallace in Ohio, on January 1863. For much of his service he spent many months during the war "sick in hospitals." James is honorable discharged with his Company, in Nashville, on May 15, 1865. His total service was 3 years, 2 months, and 18 days. His brother William, who died on the Sultana, also serves in that same Company. On his return from the war he continues to farm, he hires William M. (Cooley Bill) Davis to work on his farm. By 1880, he owns 150 acres of tilled land, 120 acres of woodland with a value of $2,000. He has an overseer to run his farm and his cattle is valued at $400. The abuse to his body he suffered during the war causes him to file for a pension in 1884, which is denied. In 1886, he again tries for a pension, George Matthews, who served with him, is deposed in 1886. Also, Samuel Line who served with him is deposed in 1886. A pension is granted at the rate of $8.00 a month. The Pension Office is requesting additional evidence, as shown in his pension file, presently on file at the National Archives. In 1890, Jeremiah Stover, a member of his Company is deposed. Thomas Decatur Davis is deposed in 1890; he states he has known James since childhood. Thomas Decatur is the son of James and Barbara Davis, and James' cousin. A new lady comes into his life, Jane Morgan. James does not marry this lady, as shown in the 1900 census, she lives in Hamilton County. The two boys Warren born in 1892 and Owen born in 1896 are going by the last name Morgan in that census. By 1910, James takes the boys to live with him. He rewrites his will and includes these boys as heirs. By all appearances he was a very successful farmer. His land was located at the northern part of Snow Hill Road. The James County court house suffered two devastating fires, but his will was one of the few that remained unscathed. He is buried on his property and a marker was placed for his military service.
Compiled and Submitted
By Phebe Morgan
phebem@comcast.net