R. M. Davis, an old prominent pioneer citizen of Madison County, was born November 5, 1823, in Halifax County, Va., and is one of eleven children born to Samuel and Susan (Caldwell) Davis, our subject and one brother, Samuel C., now a resident of Claiborne County, Ark., being the surviving members. The paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland, but came to America at the commencement of the Revolutionary war, serving throughout the same. The maternal grandparents were born in Virginia, the nativity of our subject's parents also, where they were married and followed agricultural pursuits until 1833, at which date they came to Madison County and located on the farm where our subject has ever since resided, about two miles southwest of Pinson, containing 300 acres. The mother's death occurred in 1859, and the father's in 1863. Our subject has always farmed, and remained with his parents during their lifetime. In December, 1842, he married Sarah Vantrice, native of Smith County, Tenn., where she was born October 1, 1821. To this union have been born Samuel V., James H., Wm. Clarke, Richard M., Peter C., Benj. F. (now living), and John T., Jos. C., and Sarah F., deceased. The children now living are all married but one, three living in this county and three in Arkansas, all farmers. Subject and family are members of the Methodist Church, and five of his sons are with him identified with the F. & A. M., and all are identified with the Democratic party.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee