Individual Details

Benjamin Alexander Davis

(17 Jul 1719 - 27 Sep 1797)

Born Merion Township, Penn., Saturday 17, July 1719. he moved to New Castle Co., Del., with his parents about 1723 and to South Carolina with his brother David Davis, and others in 1739.

Benjamin Davis had lands further east of said boundaries of land tract given to Welsh Families (Old Cheraw, Gregg.) as is evidenced by the Will of Benjamin Davis, Jr., 1802 when he wills one tract of land on Little Pee Dee River containing 464 acres, originally granted to Benjamin Davis, said lands bounding on land of Anthony Sweet.

Benjamin Davis married 21 Feb 1748-9, Prince Frederick's Parish, Georgetown, S.C., Rachel, daughter of Thomas and Frances (Hinson?) Port, she was born Mar. 1732. (Pr. Fred. Par. Register.) Rachel was an Episcopalian and Benjamin an Independent Baptist; they subsequently became members of the Methodist church.

Benjamin Davis was a member of the militia for some 30 odd years; participated in Lyttleton's campaign against the Cherokees 1759-60; and during the Revolution was often called out against the Tory raids which were notorious and serious in South Carolina. He was serving on a Petit Jury 15 July 1774 when said jury submitted a report rebelling against the injustice of the Crown. The old family mansion is described as "a two story frame structure, with a brick foundation." it was blown down in the early 1820s. Benjamin died at his home 11:00 P.M. 27 Sept. 1797 and was buried 1 Oct. 1797 in the family burying ground near what was called Little Pee Dee Landing. The cedar head board on his grave was intact and in a fair state of preservation in 1869.

DAR Patriot A030205

The Tory Raids were likely carried out under the leadership of the "Swamp Fox" General Francis Marion as described in the book "Swamp Fox" by Robert D. Bass. Revolutionary War records for his sons indicate they served under officers lead by Marion.

Events

Birth17 Jul 1719Lower Merion, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Marriage21 Feb 1748Prince Frederick Parish, Georgetown County, South Carolina - Rachel Hinson Port
Death27 Sep 1797Marion County, South Carolina
Burial1 Oct 1797Benjamin Davis Cemetery, Davis Landing, Marion County, South Carolina

Families

SpouseRachel Hinson Port (1732 - 1823)
ChildWilliam Davis (1754 - 1820)

Endnotes