This is from a newspaper
clipping circa 1856. It is written about John Davidson's death by Rev. Talmage
who was the president of Oglethorpe University, then located in Milledgeville,
Georgia. The original newspaper clipping is in the possession of Mr. Davidson's
great, great, great grandson, George D. (Ted) Walker of Athens, GA. I think you
will find it of great interest -- from a historical standpoint.
SOLDIER OF THE REVOLUTION - A
SERVANT OF THE CHURCH
"I have lately come to the knowledge of a
venerable Revolutionary patriot and a devoted soldier of the Cross, who died
some months ago, in Georgia. I have seen no obituary notice of him and his name
should be rescued from oblivion for the benefit of posterity. Mr. John Davidson,
a ruling elder of the Presbyterian, died in Jasper County, Georgia on the 14th
of January last, aged about ninety-six years. This aged man was the great
grandfather of Mr. R. B. F. Key of Gordon, Clark County, Ark. He was born in
Pennsylvania of Scotch-Irish parentage. He spent his prime of life in South
Carolina, removed afterwards to Georgia and resided successfully in Greene and
Morgan Counties and finally in Jasper County where he died. At the age of
sixteen years, his father yielded to his earnest request, and allowed him to
join the Revolutionary army. He fought bravely in several of the battles in
South Carolina, received three severe wounds at the Battle of Cowpens, the
honorable scars of which he carried to his grave. He was an eminently pious man.
His great themes were the Bible, the revolutionary war, and civil and religious
liberty. My last interview with this venerable father, was a meeting of the
Synod of Georgia, at Greensboro a few years ago. He greatly rejoiced at the
progress of religion, and enjoyed the religious services and ecclesiastical
proceedings of the Synod, perhaps more than anyone present, although at the age
of ninety years. He gave me on that occasion, one of the most graphic
descriptions of the Battle of Camden, to which I have ever listened, in which
struggle he largely participated. The old soldier literally "shouldered his
cane, and fought his battle o'er again." He was a dear lover of his country, and
spoke with prophetic warning of our dangers as a nation - of our ingratitude
abuse of the blessings which we of this generation enjoy, without appreciating
the sacrifices they cost our fathers. But his great theme was the love of Christ
for perishing sinners and here he could expatiate with the simple stirring
eloquence of one who enjoyed a rich experience of the love of God. His heart
overflowed with charity for true Christians and evangelical churches of every
name. But his love for his own fold - the Presbyterian - was exceedingly strong;
for he thought that it's order doctrines, and government in fostering a love of
liberty and independence of character, had tended greatly to shape the
generation for the revolutionary struggle. We do not properly estimate our
indebtedness to the sturdy and ardent race of the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians,
with their sound Presbyterian education and principles as one of the grand
elements that went into the struggle for independence. Adolphus, the English
Tory Historian attributes the Revolutionary struggle of Independence, in its
inception and support, expressly to the councils of the "Rebel Presbyterian
Ministers and Elders." A distinguished civilian of New Orleans, in dwelling some
years ago on the large number of Presbyterian elders that were generals and
colonels and other leaders of the Southern army of the Revolution, and
especially in the South Carolina line, remarked that the most truthful title of
the Revolutionary War would be the "Great Presbyterian Revolution." And a closer
inspection of the causes leading to that eventful change of the affairs of the
world, civil and religious, I am not prepared to dispute his facts and
arguments. Mr. D. had six children, all of whom he had the satisfaction to see
hopefully converted, and connected with the church of his affections and choice.
Four of them survived him and with God's blessing on his careful education of
them, they are now serving God and their generation in their respective places
of residence in the State of Georgia. At a good old age, and like "a shock of
corn fully ripe," Mr. D. sank peacefully and quietly to his grave, holding on to
his integrity to the end, and with a hope full of immortality."
Southern Press Rev. Talmage
Submitted to GAGenWeb for use on this page by
Anna Gayle (Davidson) McClure
Littleton, Colorado
Compilation Copyright © 2004 by Suzanne Forte
All Rights Reserved