John Steele Davis

             JOHN STEELE DAVIS (deceased), of New Albany, was born in Dayton, Ohio, November 14, 1814. His father, John Davis, was a merchant, and for many years magistrate of the county in which he resided. He married Elizabeth Calcier, of Princeton, N.J. He took an active part with General Wayne in the Indian war, after the defeat of General St. Clair. Judge Davis’ grandfather, Capt. Joseph Davis, emigrated from Wales, and settled near Princeton, N.J. He participated in the struggle for independence, and was with General Washington at the battles of Monmouth and Princeton; at the latter place he lost a leg.

John Steele Davis early gave his attention to study and entered Miami University at the age of 16; a short time afterward his father failed in business, which necessitated him to return home. He was now thrown upon his own resources for acquiring an education, and was obliged to assist in the support of his father and family.

 He afterward read law with W.J. Thomas, of Troy, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar. He immediately came to Indiana, settled in New Albany in 1836, where shortly after his arrival he commenced the practice of law. As a counselor and jurist, few men can claim a higher record; he was constantly engaged in his profession for a period of over forty years, and never prosecuted a man, nor allowed himself to be engaged to prosecute. He probably defended more men for high crimes and misdemeanors than any other man in the State, and was almost invariably successful. He was the first city clerk of New Albany, having been elected in 1839, and was chosen city attorney in 1846. In 1841 he was elected to the State Legislature for the first time, and later served his county repeatedly in both branches, about twenty years in all. He was elected without opposition, in 1876, judge of the criminal and civil courts of Floyd and Clark counties, an office he did not seek, and only accepted at the earnest solicitation of friends.

Judge Davis was an ardent Whig until that party ceased to exist. He was violently opposed to Know Nothingism, and for a long time stood aloof from parties, but finally united with the Democracy. In 1843 he was the Whig candidate for Congress against Thomas J. Henley, democrat, and was defeated by only thirty-seven votes. He was presidential elector for President Taylor; and in 1852 was a member of the National Convention that nominated General Scott for President. In 1860 Judge Davis was independent candidate for Congress against James A. Cravens, Democratic nominee, and was defeated by a very small majority. He was a warm supporter of the war for the Union, and had two sons in the war. The younger, John S. rose to the rank of captain, the other son, William P., to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the Twenty-third Indiana Volunteers.

            Judge Davis’ death occurred some nine years ago.

Source: Biographical and Historical Souvenir for the Counties of Clark, Crawford, Harrison, Floyd, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott and Washington, Indiana by John M. Gresham & Co., 1889. Part 2, page 79, 80.