Near Capshaw in Limestone County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Nicholas Davis
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, March 27, 2010
1. Nicholas Davis Marker
Born April 23, 1781 in Hanover Co. Virginia, married there to Martha Hargrave of a wealthy Quaker family. He served as U.S. Marshall and in other positions. Moved to Kentucky in 1808. Was a Captain in the War of 1812 and became a political and personal ally of Henry Clay.
He settled here on several hundred acres and built his large log home "Walnut Grove" in 1817. Here he entertained large numbers of guests for days at a time, raced his blooded horses and lived the life of a much admired country gentleman.
He was a framer of Alabama's first constitution, was twice a candidate for Governor on the Whig ticket, and served as President of the Alabama Senate for 5 terms.
He died on September 29, 1856 and is buried here at his beloved "Walnut Grove".
Erected 2002 by the Limestone Co. Historical Society and Athens/Limestone Tourism Council.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 23, 1781.
Location. 34° 48.156′ N, 86° 48.268′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama and in the Huntsville Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Limestone County Tornado Memorial (approx. 4.7 miles away); Ford's Chapel United Methodist Church (approx. 5 miles away); White Hall (approx. 5.7 miles away); Cambridge (approx. 6 miles away); Rainbow Mountain (approx. 6.4 miles away); Toney Rosenwald School (approx. 6.9 miles away); Cotton Hill (approx. 7.3 miles away); Lee Mansion (approx. 7½ miles away).
Also see . . . 1827-01-08 Alabama Resolution Denouncing Emancipation of Slaves (PDF). Davis was a proponent and supporter of slavery in Alabama. In 1827, he was one of several signatories of 1827-01-08 Alabama Resolution Denouncing Emancipation of Slaves that contended that slavery was a states rights issue, and that the federal government did not have the authority to abolish the practice. An excerpt from the letter states:
The Select Committee [the signatories]...on the subject of the abolition and general emancipation of persons of colour held in servitude in the United States; having had the same under consideration,The letter further states that the signatories disapprove with the ″entire emancipation of slaves.″ (Submitted on February 25, 2025.)respectfully submit the following Report:Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, March 27, 20102. Nicholas Davis MarkerMarker as seen traveling West on Nick Davis Rd.
They conceive that the subject is one in which the States (where the evil complained of exists) are alone interested; that the frequent interference of the non-slave holding states in a matter so purely internal and domestic, is alike impolitic and incompatible with the rights and interest of the slave-holding states; and that the dictates of policy forbid the too frequent agitation of a question, which by the Constitution of the United States and of the several slave-holding states, is beyond the exercise of legislative control.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, March 27, 2010
3. Nicholas Davis Marker
Marker as seen traveling East on Nick Davis Rd.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, August 20, 2011
4. Nicholas Davis Marker
Marker and gravesite after the 27 Apr 11 tornado that hit this area. The trees that fell all around the area have been cleared away. I'm very surprised the grave and marker were not damaged by the storm.
Photographed by Ken Smith, December 4, 2012
5. Nicholas Davis Marker
The site has been cleaned up since the April 2011 tornado.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, March 27, 2010
6. Nicholas Davis Burial Site
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, March 27, 2010
7. Nicholas Davis Burial Marker
In memory of NICHOLAS DAVIS, Born in Hanover County Va. April 23, A.D. 1781, Died Sept. 29, 1856. This monument is erected by their Children.
Photographed by Lee Hattabaugh, March 27, 2010
8. Martha Davis Burial Marker
In memory of MARTHA, wife of Nicholas Davis, Born in Caroline County Va. Sept. 7, A.D. 1791, Died March 18.1853.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 7,258 times since then and 173 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 29, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 4. submitted on August 20, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. 5. submitted on December 7, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. 6, 7, 8. submitted on March 29, 2010, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
