Happy Birthday Jefferson Davis – by Calvin E. Johnson, Jr.
Do you know what is considered by some people the largest monument
to an American? Bring your family together to hear this story and see if your
children know the answer to this question. I will give you the answer at the
end of this article.
Look at your calendar and see what dates in history are shown for June 3rd.
It more than likely excludes that of a great American, the birthday of Jefferson
Davis of Mississippi. The birthday of Abraham Lincoln is shown for February,
but no mention for Davis in June. This is more than a shame, we need to let
these folks know this should be corrected.
Jefferson Davis was born on June 3, 1808, in the horse racing (Derby State) of
Kentucky. Birthday observances will be held in Richmond, Virginia, Irwinville,
Georgia, Montgomery, Alabama and other places for Davis.
The time is long overdue for school teachers throughout this nation to teach
not only the historical facts about Abraham Lincoln, but also those about
Jefferson Davis. So let me give you a few facts that you might not find in the
history books about Jefferson Davis.
Jefferson Davis, who would become the first and only President of the
Confederate States of America, was a strong Unionist but also a strong
defender of the United States Constitution. Our founding Fathers believed in
the sovereignty of the states and so did Jefferson Davis.
Here are a few of his many accomplishments:
- * Graduate of West Point Military Academy
- * Fought valiantly in the War with Mexico
- * United States Senator
- * Secretary of War under President Franklin Pierce
- * First to suggest the transcontinental railroad to link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
- * First to suggest the Panama Canal Zone
- * Suggested the purchase of Cuba
- * Appointed Robert E. Lee Superintendent of West Point Military Academy
May I suggest that to better understand this man, Davis, you and your family
might visit "Beauvoir" on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi. This was the
last home to Jefferson Davis and where he wrote his famous book, "The
Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government." It will take a day to view the
video presentation and check out the Confederate Presidential Library,
house and grounds, but it is worth it. You can view more information about
Beauvoir at: www.beauvoir.org.
Jefferson Davis' last marriage is said to have been a very good one to Varina,
who gave her husband two sons and two daughters (Jefferson, Margaret, Winnie
and Billy). One child was killed by an accidental fall at the Confederate White
House in Richmond, Virginia in 1864, and an abused black child named Jim
Limber was adopted by the Davis family.
In 1865, Jim was forcibly removed by
Union soldiers and never seen again. It is said that the Davis children were
crying at the scene and poor Jim was kicking and not making it easy for his
abductors. After the War Between the States, Jefferson Davis tried to locate
the whereabouts of Jim Limber, but was not successful. The Davis family
prayed that Jim was well and did well in his life.
There are few people who have touched so many as did Jefferson Davis.
His funeral services were attended by ten of thousands of mourners. Milo
Cooper, a former servant, traveled all the way from Florida to pay his last
respects. It is written that, upon entering Davis' sick room, Cooper burst into
tears and threw himself on his knees in prayer that God would spare the life
of his old master and bless Davis family. Davis was first buried in New
Orleans but later was removed to the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond,
Virginia.
The answer to the question, "What is the largest monument to an American?"
is: The Jefferson Davis National Highway, which begins in Washington, D.C.,
and covers 3,417 miles as it passes through 173 counties and 13 states. The
success of the Davis Highway is attributable to the dedicated work of the
United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).
Lest We Forget!
A native of Georgia, Calvin Johnson lives near the historic town of Kennesaw, home
of the locomotive "The General" from the War Between the States. His email is: cjohnson1861@bellsouth.net.
Related Links
Beauvoir || Papers of Jefferson Davis
Davis statue should remain in KY capitol rotunda
by Jeff Davis
Jefferson Davis: Our Greatest Hero - Dr. Grady McWhiney
Jefferson Davis' Funeral Train - Calvin Johnson
Jefferson Davis and the Big "S" - Jeff Davis
JeffersonDavis.net - bio
Happy Birthday, Mr. President - Jeff Davis
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