Davis was born in [[Kentucky]] on or around June 3, 1808 (actual date not certain) into a military family, his father having served in the Revolutionary War. In 1835 he married Sarah Knox Taylor, the daughter of President [[Zachary Taylor]]. Sarah died of malaria three months after their wedding. He married Varina Howell in 1845; they had six children, three of whom reach adulthood. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy. He served in the military from 1831 until 1835 when he resigned and settled in Vicksburg, Mississippi. | Davis was born in [[Kentucky]] on or around June 3, 1808 (actual date not certain) into a military family, his father having served in the Revolutionary War. In 1835 he married Sarah Knox Taylor, the daughter of President [[Zachary Taylor]]. Sarah died of malaria three months after their wedding. He married Varina Howell in 1845; they had six children, three of whom reach adulthood. He was appointed to the United States Military Academy. He served in the military from 1831 until 1835 when he resigned and settled in Vicksburg, Mississippi. |