Jefferson Davis

Birth Name: Jefferson Finis Davis

Date of Birth: June 3, 1808

Place of Birth: Fairview, Kentucky, U.S.

Date of Death: December 6, 1889

Place of Death: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.

Ethnicity: Welsh, English, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish, Scottish

Jefferson Davis was an American politician. He was President of the Confederate States of America, from February 18, 1861 to February 22, 1862 (provisionally), and then from February 22, 1862 to May 5, 1865. He had previously been, as a member of the Democratic Party, a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi, from December 8, 1845 to October 28, 1846, a U.S. Senator from Mississippi, from August 10, 1847 to September 23, 1851, and again from March 4, 1857 to January 21, 1861, and U.S. Secretary of War, from March 7, 1853 to March 4, 1857.

Jefferson was the son of Jane Simpson (Cook) and Samuel Emory Davis. His brother was lawyer Joseph Emory Davis.

Jefferson was married to Sarah Knox Taylor, until her death, and then to Varina Davis, until his death. He had six children with Varina, including author Varina Anne Davis. Sarah was the daughter of U.S. President Zachary Taylor. Varina’s father, Richard Howell, was Governor of New Jersey, from 1793 to 1801.

Jefferson’s paternal grandfather was Evan Davis (the son of Evan Davis and Mary Morgan). Jefferson’s grandfather Evan was born in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales. Jefferson’s great-grandfather Evan was the son of Jenkin Thomas Davies and Martha Morgan Jenkin. Mary was the daughter of Watkin Morgan.

Jefferson’s paternal grandmother was named Lydia Mary Emory (the daughter of Stephen/Joseph Emory and Lena). Lydia was born in Pennsylvania.

Jefferson’s maternal grandfather was named William Cook/Cooke. William was evidently born in Ireland. He was a Baptist minister.

Jefferson’s maternal grandmother was either Jennie Strahan, who was born in Scotland, or Jane/Sarah Simpson. Her identity remains uncertain.

Sources: Genealogies of Jefferson Davis – https://www.geni.com
https://www.wikitree.com
https://www.findagrave.com