David Davis

official photo of David Davis, c. 1860

Date of Birth: March 9, 1815

Place of Birth: Cecil County, Maryland, U.S.

Date of Death: June 26, 1886

Place of Death: Bloomington, Illinois, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, some Scottish, likely Welsh

David Davis was an American politician. He was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, from December 10, 1862 to March 4, 1877, a U.S. Senator from Illinois, from March 4, 1877 to March 4, 1883, and President pro tempore of the United States Senate, from October 13, 1881 to March 3, 1883.

He was the Labor Reform Party’s nominee for President of the United States in 1872, before withdrawing his candidacy. While he was not on the ballot, he received an electoral vote for President in the 1872 election.

Justice Davis was the son of Ann (Mercer) and David Davis. He was married to Sarah Woodruff Walker, with whom he had two children.

Justice Davis was a first cousin, three times removed, of President George H. W. Bush. Justice Davis’ maternal grandparents were also President Bush’s three times maternal great-grandparents. Justice Davis was therefore also a first cousin, four times removed, of President George W. Bush and Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, and a first cousin, five times removed, of politician George P. Bush and teacher, author, and journalist Jenna Bush Hager.

Justice Davis’ paternal grandfather was named Naylor Davis.

Justice Davis’ paternal grandmother was named Jane Lyons.

Justice Davis’ maternal grandfather was named John Mercer (the son of Robert Mercer, Jr. and Mary). John was born in Sassafras Neck, Cecil, Maryland. Robert was the son of Robert Mercer and Ann Bolton, whose father was born in Wales, Yorkshire, England.

Justice Davis’ maternal grandmother was named Rebecca Davis (the daughter of William Davis and Sarah). Rebecca was born in Sassafras Neck, Cecil, Maryland. William was the son of Thomas Davis and Rebecca McGregory.

Sources: Genealogy of David Davis (focusing on his father’s side) – https://www.findagrave.com

Genealogy of David Davis (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://www.geni.com