Peter Weimer Davison

Peter Weimer Davison
From 1921's Annual report, published by the Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy
Born(1869-05-15)May 15, 1869
Waupun, Wisconsin
DiedFebruary 12, 1920(1920-02-12) (aged 50)
Staten Island, New York
Buried
Forest Mound Cemetery, Waupun, Wisconsin
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Army
Years of service1892–1920
RankBrigadier General
UnitUS Army Infantry Branch
Commands8th Infantry Regiment
16th Division
Fort D. A. Russell
Battles / warsSpanish–American War
Philippine–American War
World War I
AwardsNavy Cross
Spouse(s)Mary Adele Casey (m. 1896-1898, her death)
Esther Fleming (m. 1913-1920, his death)

Peter Weimer Davison (May 15, 1869 – February 12, 1920) was an American brigadier general during World War I.[1][2]

Early life and education

Peter Davison was born on his family's farm near Waupun, Wisconsin on May 15, 1869. He attended the United States Military Academy (USMA), graduating 45th with the class of 1892.[1][3] During his time at the USMA, he helped found and played on the academy's football team.[2] His classmates included numerous men who would later rise to the rank of brigadier general or higher, such as Charles Pelot Summerall (who would become Chief of Staff of the United States Army), Tracy Campbell Dickson, Frank W. Coe, William Ruthven Smith, James Ancil Shipton, George Blakely, Robert Mearns, Julian Robert Lindsey, Howard Russell Hickok, Henry Howard Whitney, John E. Woodward, John McAuley Palmer and George Columbus Barnhardt.

Military career

As a second lieutenant, Davison served in the 22nd Infantry Regiment.[3] He served in Montana from 1892 to 1896 and in Nebraska from 1896 to 1898.[3] In 1899, he served in the Philippines with his regiment.[2] Davison advanced through the ranks and was appointed to the rank of colonel on August 5, 1917.[3] Davison commanded the 8th Infantry to September 1918.[3] From October 1918 through February 1919, he commanded the 16th Division.[3] From February 1919 to May 1919, he commanded Fort D. A. Russell in Cheyenne, Wyoming.[3] In May 1919, he was assigned as executive officer of the Hoboken, New Jersey Port of Embarkation.[3] he received the Navy Cross for his World War I service.

Personal life

Davison was a Freemason and an Episcopalian.[1][3]

Davison married Mary Adele Casey, the daughter of Colonel James Casey, on September 9, 1896. She died in 1898.[2] Davison married Esther Fleming on April 11, 1913.[3]

Death and legacy

Davison died at a hospital on Staten Island, New York on February 12, 1920.[1][3] He was buried at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Davis, Henry Blaine Jr. (1998). Generals in Khaki. Raleigh, NC: Pentland Press, Inc. pp. 101–103. ISBN 1571970886.
  2. ^ a b c d United States Military Academy. (1921). Annual report ... United States Military Academy. p. 69. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Marquis Who's Who, Inc. Who Was Who in American History, the Military. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who, 1975. P. 128 ISBN 0837932017 OCLC 657162692
  4. ^ "Personals: Peter W. Davison". Army and Navy Journal. New York, NY. February 28, 1920. p. 788. Retrieved May 20, 2020 – via Google Books.