Brigadier General Daniel Davis and the War of 1812: The Destiny of the Two Swords

The Davis family, descendants of the first colonists of Killingworth, Connecticut, had divided their farm among each new generation. By the American Revolution there was barely enough acreage to survive. Thousands of New Englanders, including Daniel Davis's family, were affected by "Genesee Fever", emigrating to settle in western New York. In 1799, Daniel Davis purchased land on the New York frontier and returned with his family and friends. He married, raised a family, while clearing land to farm in the community known as Ganson's Settlement (LeRoy, NY). In 1801, his passion for military leadership was recognized when the local militia elected him as lieutenant. He was rapidly promoted for his steadiness and bravery. During the War of 1812, with the threat of invasion by the British and their Mohawk allies, he was appointed as Brigadier General.In the early years of the war, faith in the militia had been lost when many had refused to cross the border to reinforce U.S. Army troops. Finally, in 1814, Daniel Davis's brigade was called up, granting him his turn to fight. He was determined to make up for the militia's poor showing, declaring that "he would show the British and the world that the militia dare fight."