I. S. DAVIDSON, M. D., was born near Fairfield, Bedford Co., Tenn., April 25, 1816, son of Andrew D. and Sarah (Muse) Davidson, who were natives of Wales, England. The paternal grandparents of our subject were born in the “Emerald Isle.” Andrew D. and his first wife came to America at an early day. During his absence from home at one time the Indians, which were very numerous at that time, seized his wife and two children, and a young man and woman living with them, and made their escape to their camp. After a long and seemingly fruitless search he found his wife, but his children were both dead, and his wife shortly afterward died from fright and exposure.
Our subject assisted his father in clearing their farm, and labored under many disadvantages. His education was limited, owing to poor school facilities, at that time, but after he began earning his own living he attended school several sessions, and in this manner acquired a very good education. For over two years he was a medical student of Dr. Barkesdal, of Shelbyville, and attended lectures at Louisville, Ky., in 1841-42. March 27, 1843, he located at Richmond, Tenn., where he successfully practiced his profession up to the present time.
May 16, 1844, he wedded Martha R. Smith, daughter of Reason and Sarah Smith. To Dr. and Mrs. Davidson were born eight children, two dying in infancy and one (Barkesdal) was killed in the late war. Those living are John R., George H., Sarah A., Alice, Mary A. and Maud. Dr. Davidson has accumulated all his property since he began his practice, and deserves much credit for the same, as he started in life for himself with nothing. The family are church members. The doctor is a Democrat, and previous to the war was an old-line Whig.
Transcribed by Kathryn Hopkins
Goodspeed Publishing Co. History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Reminescences [Sic], Observations, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1988.