WI BIO - Dane Co - DAVIDSON, Thomas
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol I, pp 141-142

Thomas DAVDISON, one of the substantial farmers of Verona Township, Dane 
County, WI, is a native of that township, born 11 Jun 1847. His father, Adam 
DAVIDSON, was born near Edinburg, Scotland, 02 May 1811. Being poor and the 
oldest of a large family, he contributed all his time to the support of the 
family until he was 28 years of age, being employed at whatever he could find 
to do. That year he emigrated to America and located in Canada, in the 
vicinity of Hamilton. Two of his brothers and one sister also came to 
America. They are as follows: George, who was a resident of Dane County, 
WI, is deceased; Thomas, a resident of North Freedom [Sauk County], WI; and 
Agnes, who received fatal injuries while alighting from a wagon, died in 
Primrose Township, Dane County, WI.

In Canada the father, Adam DAVIDSON, met and married Mary FERRY, who was born 
near Belfast, Ireland, in 1813. In 1844, learning of the advantages of WI, 
he moved from Canada to the then Territory of WI, and purchased a soldier's 
land warrant for 40 acres, and with this entered 40 acres of land in what in 
now section 19, Verona Township, Dane County. His capital at this time 
consisted of only $200. Adam DAVIDSON cleared his land, lived in a log 
cabin, hauled his grain to Milwaukee with ox teams, and during the early 
years of his residence here endured many hardships and privations. After 
some years a railroad was built to Madison, and after that he felt he was no 
longer on the frontier. He worked hard, observed due economy, never went in 
debt (except once for $50, on which he paid 25 percent interest), saved his 
money, and when able to do so purchased more land and made better 
improvements, finally becoming the owner of 400 acres of well-improved land. 
In 1885 he sold his farm to a son and expected to retire from active life, 
but at this time he was persuaded to go to White Lake [Aurora County], SD, 
where he invested in 160 acres of land. He remained there 18 months, lost 
some money, sold out, and returned to WI, settling at Madison. Adam DAVIDSON 
died in Madison, Dane County, WI, 13 Nov 1887. His widow still resides in 
that city. His life was characterized by simplicity, industry and 
generosity. He was well known in this vicinity and was held in the highest 
esteem by all. He assisted each of his children to a start in life before he 
died, left his widow a competency. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church.

Six children were born to Adam and Mary (FERRY) DAVIDSON: Thomas, the 
oldest; Neil, who lost an arm while operating a feed cutter, died soon 
afterward of blood poisoning; Sarah, wife of Thomas THOMAS, resides in 
Dodgeville [Iowa County], WI; Adam, who lives on the old homestead; Bridget, 
wife of Melville PROUD, Madison, Dane County, WI; and Margaret, wife of 
Dennis McMANN, Emery [Hanson County], SD.

Thomas DAVIDSON, our subject, remained at home until 1877, that year marrying 
Miss Agnes WHYTE, who was born on the farm on which they now reside [Verona 
Township, Dane County, WI], daughter of Peter WHYTE, her parents being among 
the pioneers of the township. Peter [p 142] WHYTE was born in Scotland in 
1837, and came to this country in 1842. He bought 240 acres in Verona, Dane 
County, WI, where he resided until his death in 1867. In 1858 Peter WHYTE 
married Jessie BLACK, who was born in Scotland in 1827, and died in Verona, 
Dane County, WI, in Jan 1865. Peter and Jessie (BLACK) WHYTE had three 
children: Agnes, Jane, and John, who died in childhood. Both parents were 
Presbyterians. Left an orphan at an early age, Agnes WHYTE was reared in the 
family of an uncle.

Thomas and Agnes (WHYTE) DAVIDSON have four children: William, Maggie, 
Jessie, and Blanche. One year after his marriage, Thomas DAVIDSON purchased 
280 acres of his present farm, which was the estate of his wife's father, 
Peter WHYTE. Mr. DAVIDSON is now the owner of 360 acres of fine land and is 
engaged in stock raising and general farming. He is independent in his 
political views, and religiously, is a Presbyterian.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly