William Davidson, Sr.

Willam Davidson, Sr. was born in Virginia, possibly Buckingham County, before the American Revolution. He married Martha Baker c.1768. Soon after their marriage they bought land in Botetourt County, Virginia and stayed there until 1782. That part of Botetourt became Rockbridge County. In 1782 they sold the original parcel of land and bought a larger one, still in Botetourt County.

The children and grandchildren of William and Martha played important roles in the history of Virginia and the fledgling United States.

• Their son William Jr., served as a cavalry captain in the War of 1812.
• Their grandson William Baker Davidson was an early West Point grad and died fighting Indians in the Florida Keys in 1840.
• Their great-grandson John Wynn Davidson rose to the rank of general in the United States Army, fighting in the Civil War and on the western frontier after the War. He earned the name "Black Jack" Davidson while commanding a troop of all colored soldiers on the frontier.
• Another great-grandson, Hunter Davidson, rose to the rank of Commander in the Confederate States Navy, serving aboard the CSN Virginia, better known to most as the Merrimac. He was a pioneer in early submarines and torpedoes.
• Yet another great-grandson, Greenleigh Davidson, served as Recruitment Officer for the Confederate Army, in Richmond, Virginia, under Gov. Letcher. He died at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863.