My Genealogy Hound

Basil B. Davis (deceased), who was numbered among the prominent citizens of Madison County, Ark., was born in Roane County, Tenn., August 21, 1826, being the son of Alfred and Elziabeth (Braziele) Davis, both natives of Roane County, Tenn. The father died in Bradley County, of the same State, about 1845 or 1846, and at the time of his death was about fifty-three years old. He was a farmer all his life, and was a soldier for a short time in the War of 1812. The mother died in McMinn County, Tenn., in 1848, and at the time of her death was about fifty-three years of age. They were members of the Baptist Church, and he was a Democrat in politics. They were the parents of ten children, two now living: William R., and Martha E., wife of Albert Long. Basil R. received a liberal education at Hiawassee College, Monroe County, Tenn., and soon after began farming, and in connection taught school. In 1853 he left home and located in Boone County, Ark., where he remained one year, after which he came to Madison County, and was soon after elected county surveyor, serving three terms, or six years. In 1860 he was elected clerk of the county court, and re-elected in 1862. Previous to the war, September 1, 1853, he married Missanier Gipson, a native of Madison County, Ark., born September 20, 1833, and the daughter of Green Gipson. Nine children blessed this union, eight of whom are now living: Martha E., Rhoda E., Susan M., Alfred G., Lydia T. (married James Thompson July 15, 1888), Basil E., William H. and John P. Mary A. was the wife of Jasper N., and died when about thirty years of age. During the late war Mr. Davis and family moved to Hill County, Tex., and there remained until the close of the war, when he returned to Madison County, Ark., and afterward resided in this county engaged in farming. In 1876 he was elected assessor, and served one term. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Democrat in politics, and he was a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, as is his family. His death occurred August 15, 1888, his loss being much lamented by a host of friends.