Free Genealogy Biography of Joseph R. Davison,
Pennsylvania Volunteer of the Civil War
Joseph R. Davison Joseph R. Davison, prominent in the commercial circles of Greencastle and the principal subject of this sketch, is a successful dealer in coal, lumber, grain and feed. He was born Nov. 9, 1843, on the old Davison homestead so often mentioned heretofore, son of Andrew and Sarah T. (Brown) Davison and a member of the distinguished Davison family whose history has been interwoven with that of Franklin, county for many generations. He acquired his early education in the schools of Antrim in township, and he afterward spent a year in at Fayetteville Academy, in Franklin county, finishing with a course at the Iron City Commercial College.
When only nineteen, in August, 1863, he enlisted in an independent cavalry company commanded by Lieut. C. L. Mercereau, and he was mustered into the United States service in August, 1863. This service lasted six months, or until Feb.. 23, 1864, when he was honorably discharged, but re-enlisted Sept. 2, 1864, in Company D, 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, 182nd regiment, serving until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, July 8, 1865.
During all this time he participated in the engagements at Poplar Grove Church, Virginia; Hatchet's Run ; Boydton Plank Road ; Five Forks ; and was present at Appomattox Court House when Gen. Lee surrendered. Mt. Davison was dispatch bearer for Lieut. Gen. Sheridan throughout the campaign, and at Five Forks, while our troops were making a charge, he saw Gen. Sheridan snatch the falling colors and lead the charge himself. When Gen. Gorton came to arrange for a suspension of hostilities pending the surrender of Gen. Lee Mr. Davison was the only person who accompanied Gen. Sheridan across the field to meet the Confederate general. Mr. Davison was also on duty only a hundred yards away from Gen. Grant and Gen. Lee when the famous surrender took place.
On leaving the service Mr. Davison returned home, and in 1879 established his present business of dealing in grain, lumber, coal, fertilizers and like commodities, doing a business amounting to from $40,000 to $50,000 per year. In fraternal circles Mr. Davison has been very prominent, having served as deputy grand commander, L. of H.; is a member of the K. of H. and of the G. A. R.; has been past commander of Corporal Rill Post, No. 438; and is very popular in all organizations, where his kindly manner and genial sociable nature win many friends for him. He is a valuable and generous member of the Presbyterian Church, now serving as one of the official board of elders. Politically he is a stanch Republican and has officiated in both borough and township positions.
On May 23, 1871, Mr. Davison was married to Miss Laura V. Sampler, of Chambersburg, a daughter of Lewis Sampler. They have two children I . Guy W., 2. WILLIAM R.
Source: Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania : containing genealogical records of representative families, including many of the early settlers, and biographical sketches of prominent citizens; Chicago. Genealogical Pub. Co.. 1905. Notes: Prepared in part by George O. Seilhamer.
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