William Smith Davison, prosecuting attorney of Cole County, Mo., is a native of that county, born October 4, 1845, and is the son of Edward and Eleanor (Baldwin) Davison. Edward Davison was a farmer by occupation; was married in Frederick County, Va., his native State, and came to Missouri about 1839 or 1840, making a home in Cole County. The Davison family trace their ancestry back to three brothers who came to America in early times. William Smith Davison, subject of this sketch, was left an orphan in his childhood, and was reared by an aunt, a sister of his father's, in Frederick County, Va. He obtained a limited common-school education in the private schools, and in 1863 and 1864 he served in the army from Virginia, enlisting in Company D, Twenty third Virginia Volunteer Cavalry, and did active field work. At the battle of Fisher's Hill, he was wounded and suffered the loss of his right arm. Before he had entirely recovered he returned to his command, and served until the close of the war. In 1866 he attended a school in Baltimore, Md., and in 1867 came to Missouri, where he attended school. He then taught school and worked at various clerical employments until 1874, when he began reading law, and later was admitted to the bar. During this time he filled the position of city register. Immediately upon being admitted to the bar he began practicing, and has filled the positions of associate justice of the county court and city attorney here, and is prosecuting attorney of the county. He was married in Jefferson City to Miss Anna M. Davison, daughter of Dr. William A. Davison, of Cole County. To Mr. and Mrs. William S. Davison were born four children: Edmonia, Cecil, Hite and Joseph. He was one of the original organizers of the Jefferson City Water Works Company, and has been a member of the directory since its establishment. He is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the A. O. U. W.

Transcribed from:
History of Cole, Moniteau, Morgan, Benton, Miller, Maries, and Osage Counties, Missouri, Goodspeed Publishing Company (1889).