DAVIS, Garrett, senator, born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, 10 September 1801; died in Paris, Kentucky, 22 September 1872. He received an academic education, and was employed as a writer in the County and circuit courts of his district. He studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1823. He was elected to the state legislature in 1833, and twice reelected. He was a member of the State constitutional convention from 1839 till 1847, when he became a representative in congress from Kentucky, but declined a reelection, devoting himself to agriculture. He was elected U. S. senator for Kentucky in 1861 for the term ending in 1867, and served on the committees on foreign relations, on territories, claims, and pensions. In 1864 he was appointed a regent of the Smithsonian institution. In January 1867, he was reelected to the senate for the term ending in 18.73. He was of small physique, but endowed with wonderful endurance. His speeches were characterized by sarcasm and fierce invective, as well as laborious research. Early in life he became the friend of Henry Clay, possessing his confidence and high regard.

His brother, Amos Davis, lawyer, born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky; died in Owingsville, Kentucky, 5 June 1835, received an academic education, and studied and practiced law at Mount Sterling. He was a member of the Kentucky legislature in 1819, 1825, 1827, and 1828, and representative in congress from 1833 till 1835.