1914 Biography - John H. Davidson

Davidson, John H., parish superintendent of schools, Homer, La., was born near La Grange, Ga., July 16, 1848; a son of Joseph T. and Mary (Hawthorne) Davidson, both native South Carolinians. The family were of Scotch-Irish descent, coming to America at an early date. The father, a Presbyterian minister, was born in 1818, and settled in Georgia in 1840, where he began his theological studies, after the completion of which he taught school and preached. In 1853 he came to Homer, La., established the Presbyterian church at that place, and also taught school. He was instrumental in the building of many of the churches in North Louisiana, and was well known throughout that section of the state for his zeal in the religious upbuilding of his community. He was the owner of a small plantation, where he raised his children, and it was here that he passed away in 1881, age 64 years. His beloved wife died in 1889, being 73 years of age. Of the 5 children in the family, the subject of this biography is the third. After availing himself of the advantages afforded by the schools of his community, he entered the University of Mississippi, graduating in the class of 1872 with signal honors, after which he took a post-graduate course, and later was given an assistant professorship in the university, where he remained for 2 years. He then went to Yazoo City, continuing his pedagogical work there for 1 year. Prof. Davidson then located at Vienna, where he taught in an academy for 6 years. In the fall of 1881 he came to Homer, and took charge of Homer college, but on account of his father's death, gave up this position and returned to the family homestead, living on the farm for the next 2 years. In 1883 he accepted the management of the Homer female institute, which he later consolidated with the Homer male college, forming a co-educational institution. He taught in the Ruston high school in 1889, and remained in this incumbency for 6 years, after which time he moved to Downsville, La., and taught there 2 years. Since that time he has taught at Homer, Lisbon, Junction City and Athens, La. In 1908 he was elected parish superintendent of schools, to which office he has twice been re-elected, filling this important position most acceptably, and proving himself an efficient executive and a splendid instructor. Prof. Davidson is the owner of a small plantation, where he now resides. In April, 1876, was solemnized his marriage to Mary, a daughter of H. H. and Jane (Stribling) Howard. She was born in Vienna, Lincoln parish, in 1858. Her father was a native of the state of New York, coming to Louisiana and engaging in the mercantile business, which he followed until his death in 1862. The mother is still living. Prof. and Mrs. Davidson are the parents of 5 children, namely: Mary, wife of David James, coal and ice dealer at Ruston; Belle, teaching at Homer; Alice, wife of G. N. Brown, a millman at Doyline, La.; Agnes, wife of Frank Tindol, a sawyer at Bowie, La., and Olive, stenographer for the Thompson-Richie Grocery Co., at Ruston.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 508-509.