Born October 6, 1842, near Murfreesboro, Tenn.Educated at the Western Military Institute at Nashville.Early in the Civil War he joined the Confederate ArmyCompany 1, First Tennessee Regiment.In 1863 he was assigned to Shaw's Scouts, Cheatham's Division.In November, 1863, when on dutyuniformed in Confederate butternut and grey,Davis was captured in his native state, then within the Federal lines.Important papers, descriptive of the Federal fortifications and forces,were found upon his person.These papers had been given Davis by Captain Shawwho had also been captured and was confined in the same prison.Davis was tried by court-martial,condemned to death and executed at Pulaski, November 27.The Federal commander offered Davis his life, if he would tellwho gave him the papers. To this offer, under the very shadow ofthe gallows, Davis made his immortal reply:"I would die a thousand deathsbefore I would betray a friend." · · · "Greater love hath no man than this -that a man lay down his life for his friends."
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