Kentucky: A History of the State,
Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, 3rd ed., 1886.

Biographies
Allen County, KY

D-E

WILLIAM T. DAVASHER was born February 23, 1837, in the eastern part of Allen County, Ky. He is the second of six boys and three girls born to William and Elizabeth (Calvert) Davasher, natives of Virginia and Allen County, Ky. Mr. Davasher was a blacksmith by trade; immigrated to Allen County, Ky., when a lad of nine years with his parents, stopping in Tennessee one year. He owned a farm of 600 acres, also a number of negroes; he died in 1876, at the age of seventy-two years. He was a son of John C. Davasher, who was brought from Germany when a child, and who was one of the patriots in the war of 1812; was in the battle of New Orleans; was a blacksmith by trade, and owned several slaves. John C. was a son of Joseph Davasher, who arrived in America about the beginning of the Revolutionary war, and settled near Richmond, Va.; was in America but a few days before the declaration of Independence; he immediately enlisted, and served all through the war; as a lieutenant he was with Francis Marion. He had been an ensign in the German Army for seven years. He immigrated to Maury County, Tenn., about 1810 or 1812, where he engaged in farming until his death; a gold watch carried by his great-grandfather all through his seven years' service in the German Army and through the entire Revolutionary war, is still in possession of a brother of the subject of this sketch. The mother of our subject is a daughter of John and Jane (Russell) Calvert, who came from North Carolina, and settled on Long Creek, Allen County, about 1805, where they entered and improved lands. John Calvert was a soldier of 1812, and was in the battle of New Orleans; was a farmer, and died at the age of seventy-two in 1855; he was of Irish desent, and was a son of Frank Calvert, who also came from South Carolina to Allen County in an early day, and settled on Long Creek. His latter days were spent on Middle Fork; he died at an advanced age. William T. Davasher received his early training at home on the farm. He remained with his parents until his marriage, September 8, 1857, to Minerva Glover, of Allen County, and a native of Benton County, Mo.; she was a daughter of Richard B. and Jane (Calvert) Glover, who were born and reared in Allen County. Her father was a farmer, and a son of Richard Glover, who married Docia Gatewood. To Mr. and Mrs. Davasher were born eight children, four of whom are now living: William Richard, Theron W., Luther Asbury and Micaja Duke. His wife died December 9, 1884, aged forty-eight years, a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a kind, Christian woman. Mr. Davasher, after his marriage, located on the farm he now owns of 223 acres, eighty of which are cleared and in a good state of cultivation. He also owns a mill on the river near where he resides, and one-half interest in eighty acres of improved land in Benton County, Mo., which he has inherited. He has been very successful during ife, accumulating what he has by his own industry. He was ordained an elder in the Baptist Church in 1873 by Elders Carter and Evens; has been preaching more or less ever since. He has been justice of his precinct for five years. Being a strong Union man, and possessing that patriotic spirit instilled in him by his progenitors, he enlisted to maintain the Union in October, 1861, in Company K, Ninth Kentucky Infantry. He started out as a sergeant; was in the battle of Shiloh, where all his officers were killed or wounded; was taken sick, and sent to St. Louis Hospital, and November 30, 1862, was discharged from the service. He returned to his home, and as soon as able engaged in farming. In politics he is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Gen. MacClellan.

DR. WILLIAM B. DAVIDSON was born May 4, 1821, in Barren County, Ky. There he grew to manhood, and in 1854 removed to Allen County, where he has since resided. His father, Isaac Davidson, a native of North Carolina, removed at the age of thirteen years with his parents to Barren County, Ky., in pioneer times, when men went twelve miles to a log-rolling; was a gunsmith, and died in 1853, aged over seventy years; was the son of Rev. Alexander Davidson, a Baptist minister, delagate to the first constitutional convention in Kentucky, and died in Barren County. Isaac married Susanna, daughter of James Dodd, of Barren County, and their offspring are as follows: Allen D., Albert, Isaac, Susan (Reed), James A. (deceased), Dr. William B., Winston F., Dr. Hayden, Mary J. (Winn) and Matilda (Davis). Dr. William B. married, June 10, 1853, Mary J., daughter of Merry and Lucy (Lewis) Spillman, of Barren County, born in 1811, died in 1872, and to them were born John I., Lucy (Green), Elizabeth (Moore), Mary (Moore), Sallie (deceased), Matilda (deceased) and Alice M. Davidson. In 1848 Dr. Davidson comenced the study of medicine with Dr. Rhodes, of Barren County, and in 1851 attended lectures at the University of Louisville, and in 1853 commenced practice at Rocky Hill, where he remained three years, since which time he has been successfully engaged in the practice of his profession until 1882, when he retired, and is now quietly residing on his farm. He owns ninety-seven acres of productive land in a good state of cultivation; is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics is a Democrat.

ANDREW J. DIXON was born June 25, 1851, in the western part of Allen County, Ky.; he is the tenth of six sons and six daughters, all of whom lived to be grown, born of John and Elizabeth (Benbrook) Dixon, who were born and reared in Allen and Simpson Counties, respectively. John Dixon is a farmer, served as magistrate for three terms and is a son of William Dixon, who married Miss Sarah Clark, natives of Virginia, and early pioneers of Allen County, Ky. Subject's mother was a daughter of Washington Benbrook, who died when his daughter was but a small girl; he was a well-to-do farmer and slave owner. Andrew J. Dixon received his early training on the farm; his early education was limited; when in his teens he acquired a taste for all kinds of literature, and having made sufficient progress in the common schools of his community, after he became of age entered Out Fit College, Franklin, which he attended one year; then Old Middle Fork, and then one year at Scottsville, after which he began teaching at Mulberry Hill, Allen County; he taught in various communities for several years, then farmed for two years. In July, 1883, established Mount Zion Academy, in the southeastern part of Allen County, Ky. This institution opened with thirty pupils, and in two years the number had increased to ninety-five. Mr. Dixon is the sole manager, and has the reputation of being one of the finest teachers in the county; he is a fine scholar, a good moral man, deserves much credit in establishing so good a school, and is highly honored and respected by all who know him. He owns a small farm of fifty acres, well improved, on the waters of the Middle Fork. Prof. Dixon married, August 12, 1880, Miss Florence Hunt, of Allen County, a daughter of Thomas and Frances (Russell) Hunt, of Allen County. He lost his wife December 16, 1882, at the age of eighteen and one-half years. She was a devoted membr of the Baptist Church. Mr. Dixon is one of the leading and most progressive young men in his county.

REV. JOHN DIXON was born May 27, 1845, in the western part of Allen County, near his present residence. He was a member of Company C, Fifty-second Kentucky Mounted Infantry, with which he enlisted in August, 1863, and was mustered out in January, 1865. His father, John Dixon, was born May 27, 1813, also in Allen County; he was a son of William Dixon, who was born in Virginia, about 1790, and came to Kentucky in 1810; he was of English descent. John Dixon maried, July 26, 1831, Elizabeth G., daughter of Ezekiel Benbrook. She was born December 17, 1813. From this union sprang Martha A. (Thompson), Nancy F. (Logan), Elizabeth J. (Oliver), Rev. John W., Emeline (Dodson), America M. (Oliver), Andrew J., Wyley W. and James W. September 11, 1862, Rev. Mr. Dixon married Rebecca J., daughter of Langston W. and Fannie (Nanny) Ham, who was born March 24, 1846. To them have been born Virgil M., Evelena, William M., Herschel B. and Cora J. Rev. Mr. Dixon had very limited educational advantages in his youth, but mainly by his own efforts he has obtained a fine English education, and is considerably advanced in the higher mathematics, sciences, and classics. He commenced life as a teacher, but afterward entered the ministry, and in 1870, on February 18, was ordained a minister in the Missionary Baptist Church, since which time he has been actively engaged in this, his chosen work, for a large part of the time as pastor of four regular congregations. In connection with his church work he began, in 1870, the study of medicine, and in 1875 commenced practice; since then he has continued in this as well as in the ministry with more than average success. Under his pastorate more than 540 souls have been received into the fellowship of the churches, of which he has had charge, by baptism, besides a number received by letter from sister churches. He was for two years constable of the Butlersville District. He is the owner of a well improved farm of 125 acres. Brother Dixon is well versed in theology and therapeutics, and is one of the solid men of Allen County.

ARMSTEAD DODSON was born in Allen County, Ky., May 22, 1818, where he has since resided. His father, Dillingham Dodson, was born in South Carolina, June 10, 1777. He was a son of Charles Dodson, of Virginia, later of South Carolina, and finally of Kentucky. Dillingham Dodson married, September 27, 1799, Mahala, daughter of Joseph and Anna (Boyas) Logan, and to their union were born Joseph L., Charles, Nancy (Ragland), Syrena (Oliver), William, Elizabeth (Williams), Telitha (Logan), Mesani (Wright) and Armstead. Mrs. Mahala Dodson died September 7, 1856, followed by her husband May 5, 1859. On the 4th of February, 1841, Armstead Dodson married Mahala, daughter of Randolph and Nancy (Hunt) Gibson, who was born November 21, 1815. To them were born William C. (died June 8, 1885), Joseph W. and Josephine (Markham). Mr. Dodson was a member of the court of claims and magistrate of Allen County for sixteen years, probably the longest period during which any one man has held that office in Allen county. He is at present deputy clerk of his county. All that he is he owes to his own labor and industry. He has a well improved farm of 112 acres in good condition, and is one of the most influential men of the county; he is a member of the Baptist Church, to which he has belonged for nearly fifty years, and for a large part of that time has served as deacon. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM H. DOUGLAS was born November 17, 1859, in Allen County, where, with the exception of three years spent at the Scottsville Academy, he has since resided. His father, Thomas J. Douglas, was a victim of the measles, contracted during service in the army. He was a member of the Ninth Kentucky Infantry, with whom he enlisted in 1861. He was of a Virginia family, and married, about 1857, Amanda M. Glascock. To this marriage one child, our subject, was born. He was married, November 20, 1878, to Susan J., daughter of James and Alice A. (Button) Moore, of Allen County. To them have been born Mary A. Rettie, Ethel and Elden. Our subject has a first-rate English education, and has made a very considerable amount of progress in the higher mathematics and the classics. He is a Democrat.

BENJAMIN DOWNING, SR., was born Octobr 18, 1826, on the farm where he now resides fifteen miles east of Scottsville, and is one of the prominent and respected farmers of Allen County, Ky. He is the seventh of four sons and four daughters born to Benjamin and Isabella (Campbell) Downing. (See W. R. Downing's sketch). Benjamin was reared on a farm; in August, 1850, he married Lucy A. Dunn, of Allen County, a daughter of John and Margaret (Bright) Dunn, who are natives of Kentucky and of German descent. To their union children were born as follows: John M., James H., Sarah T.E. (Johnson), Benjamin, Margaret I. (deceased), Aldridge D., Samuel C. Mr. Downing. and wife are among the leading members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He has been justice of his county for eight years. He is the possessor of 600 acres of land on the banks of Barren River, 200 of which are in a good state of cultivation. He is one of the best farmers of Allen County. With the exception of fifteen years' residence within four miles of where he now resides, he has always lived on the old homestead; has been very successful during life, accumulating what he has mostly by his own industry; is strictly a moral and temperate man, was a member of Sons of Temperance. In politics he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM R. DOWNING was born May 6, 1821, near where he now resides in Flatwood Precinct. He is the fifth of four sons and four daughters, all of whom lived to be grown, born to Benjamin and Isabella (Campbell) Downing, who were born and reared in Maryland and east Tennessee, respectively. (See sketch of D. E. Downing.) William R. was reared on a farm, and resided with his parents until his marriage, in October, 1840, with Malinda C. Seay, of Franklin County, Va. By this union seven children were born, five of whom lived to be grown: James W., Dewitt C., John S., Benjamin A. and William E. Mrs. Downing is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; she has been a member for about fifty years, and has wielded a moral influence on all surrounding her. After marriage, Mr. Downing located on 100 acres of land, which he cleared; he now owns 450 acres, 150 of which he has cleared and improved with good buildings, within one-half mile of where he first located. He has been very successful during life, having started about even with the world; he lost seven negroes by the war. He hired a substitute for the war, but had two sons in the Ninth Kentucky; one of whom survived to return with his regiment. Mr. Downing is a member of the Baptist Church, and of the Masonic fraternity; since the war has been a Democrat, is always ready to advance the interests of his community, and is numbered among the most respected citizens of his county.

STRANGEMAN S. DUNHAM was born July 19, 1825, in Warren County, Ky., where he lived until 1866, when he removed with his family to Allen County where he has since resided. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-second Kentucky Mounted Infantry. His father, John Dunham, was born about 1774 in Maryland. He was a son of Dennis Dunham, of Welsh descent. About 1800 John Dunham married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Hutchens) Hudsoe, who was born about 1784, in North Carolina. From their union sprang Ira, Elizabeth (Wolf), Jonathan H., John S., Hulda (deceased), Dorthea (Ellison), Harrison, Agnes (Morgan), Thomas P., Mary A. (deceased), and Strangeman S. On the 9th of October, 1862, Strangeman S. was united by marriage with Willie J., daughter of Washington and Louisa (Willoughby) Wright, of Allen County, who was born in 1836. To them were born Thomas P., Mary R., Virginia E., Elizabeth, Agnes D., Josephine, Jonny M., Lourany C. and John W. D. Mr. Dunham has by his own economy and perseverance became the owner of a well improved farm of 131 acres, in good condition and well cultivated. He is a member of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE H. DUNN was born in Allen County, Ky., July 2, 1857. He is the eldest of four sons and four daughters born to John A. and Jane E. (Caruth) Dunn. His early life was passed on the farm and he attended the common schools where he received a fair education, which he afterward improved by a rigid course of home study. At the age of twenty-one years he engaged in the profession of teaching, which he followed six years. In politics he is a Democrat, and in the political affairs of his county takes a special interest. He holds the office of deputy sheriff of Allen County, to which he was appointed on the 4th of January, 1885. He is a member of Loving Lodge, No. 323, of the order of Masonry and is a Master Mason. He is a son of John A. Dunn, of Allen County, Ky., who was born May 3, 1832, and during his lifetime followed the vocation of a farmer with uniform success. He has resided all his life on the same farm which was occupied by his father before him. His married with Jane E. Caruth, the daughter of Thomas Caruth, occurred on the 11th of March, 1856. They are the parents of eight children: George H., Thomas C., Margaret B., Edith M., John A., Cull E., Charles W. and Lucy A. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas Caruth, a native of North Carolina. He was a soldier in the war of 1812; died in Allen County, Ky., in the year 1867, aged seventy-five years.

JOHN A. EDDY was born in White County, Tenn., March 31, 1831. At the age of eighteen months he was brought by his parents to Allen County, where he has since resided except a portion of the years 1856 and 1857, when he lived in Warren County. His father, George W. Eddy, was born in New England about 1801; at an early age his parents died and under the cruel treatment of an only relative, an uncle, he left home and became a sailor. After seven years of seafaring life he went to North Carolina, and in a short time to Virginia, where about 1828, he married Lucinda, daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Langston) Taylor, of Virginia, who was born July 6, 1814. To them were born John A., George W., Lucinda (Corder), Isaac N., Frances (Matthews) and Martha A. (Brown). John A. Eddy married, February 9, 1854, Mary A., daughter of Louis and Sarah (Cooksey) Harman, of Warren County, who was born July 6, 1832. To them have been born Eliza A. (Guy), Marshal W., James J. C., John W., Sarah A. (Cole), Luella (Stone), Van M. and Harrison. Mr. Eddy's early educational advantages were poor, but he has obtained by study a fair English education. He has been for seven years a magistrate, and owns a fine farm. In politics is a Democrat.