Biographies - Dr. J. A. Davis

             James Alcibiades Davis, the subject of this biography, is the son of James and Annie Davis, Americans. He was born in Green county, Alabama, July 19, 1846; received a good common school education; studied medicine with Dr. McLean, Montgomery county, Mississippi, from 1868 to 1871; attended lectures in the medical department of the University of Louisiana during those years, and graduated in 1871. He came to Texas immediately, locating at Jefferson. Here he remained a short time only, and went to Oregon, where he practiced eight years. Since which time he has resided in different parts of Texas, engaged in general practice. On receiving the appointment of Assistant Physician to the Texas State Lunatic Asylum in February, 1886, he removed with his family to Austin.

             Dr. Davis is a "sell-made" man. His parents died when he was quite young, and as an orphan boy he had to make his way in the world as best he could, without the prestige of influential friends, or the aid of means. When the war broke out he enlisted as a private in the Seventh Mississippi Cavalry (Duffs Regiment), and was assigned to Forrest's command. Here he served two years in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, participating in the raids for which that command became famous, and taking part in the battles of Harrisburg, Oxford, Westpoint, etc., and was in the celebrated “raid to Nashville.''

             In 1868 he was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia E. Jacks, in Pontotoc county, Mississippi. They have three grown sons, to wit: Frank A. Davis, J. R. and W. J. Davis, the last two twins; they all reside in Waco. They have also one daughter, Miss Emma C. Davis, at present attending the University, in her second year in the Junior class.

             Dr. Davis is a staunch member of the Masonic fraternity, and is also an Odd Fellow; a member of the Ancient Order United Workmen, of the Chosen Friends, of the Austin District Medical Association, Travis County Medical Society, etc., and during his stay in Oregon he was President, and at one time the Secretary of the Linn County Medical Society of that State. As an Odd Fellow, Dr. Davis, for a number of years, represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge and Encampment, and in these grand bodies he held, at various times, responsible positions; has passed all the chairs in the subordinate Lodge and Encampment. He is a staunch member of the Baptist church, and has been for many years, having joined in 1865. During all that time he has taken a leading part in Sunday-schools.

             For the past three years he has made a special study of insanity and kindred disorders. In public affairs he takes a deep interest and attends all the political conventions. Few private citizens are better posted in State and National politics than he.

             In the report of the Superintendent of the Asylum for the last years much credit is given the Assistant Physicians; and it is said by those who are informed, that Dr. Davis' treatment has been very successful.

             He is yet in the prime of vigorous manhood, and is distinguished for uniform courtesy and consideration for the rights of others. He is eminently fitted for the position which he occupies,—one that requires patience and forbearance; nothing so taxes the patience of a man as the daily contact with that class of patients, and Dr. Davis has schooled himself thoroughly in the control of his temper, hence his popularity, both with patients and officers. In point of personal appearance he is a fine-looking man, inclined to be portly, and has auburn hair and beard, and fair complexion.