Capt. Isaac Davis, in honor of whose Patriotism and Valor,
Post No 138 G. A. R. receives it name, was born in Acton, Mass.,
February 23rd, 1745.
He was the son of Ezekiel and Mary (Gibson) Davis. He married
Hannah Brown, of Acton, Oct. 24, 1764. He became a member of the
church in 1765. He was by trade a gunsmith and had the reputation
of being a good workman. In November, 1774, a company of minute-men
was raised in Acton, by enlistment, which elected Isaac Davis
as Captain. They met twice a week during the winter to drill and
when called to service had reached such a state of efficiency
that they were considered the best armed and most reliable of
the companies of minute-men in the vicinity.
Capt. Davis was a born soldier and in response to the cry
of alarm sounded by Paul Revere, Capt. Davis' Co. quickly gathered
at his house and were ready to march. After forming his Co. in
the road, he returned to his house. His stout heart must have
been sorely tried, for he left a young wife and four sick children.
He could only say "Hannah, take good care of the children"
and then led the way to the Old North Bridge. In the hastily called
council of war, which was held before the fight Capt. Davis took
part and when it broke up he gave the encouraging assurance "That
he hadn't a man that was afraid to go." Suiting the action
to the word he took his command from the left to the right of
the line and to the tune of "The White Cockade," led
the first organized attack upon the British Invaders.
After receiving the fire of the enemy he was in the act of
sighting his gun when they again fired and Capt Davis fell shot
through the heart.
He was the first commissioned officer killed in the Revolutionary
war. He was but thirty years and two months of age when he fell.
The epitaph placed on his head-stone one hundred and nineteen
years ago is the best epitome of his character.
"In memory of Captain Isaac Davis, who was slain at Concord
April 19, 1775, in defence of the just rights and liberties of
his country, civil and religious. He was a loving husband, a tender
father, a kind neighbor, an ingenious craftsman and serviceable
to mankind."
Did I say an epitaph? an epic rather: for this gallant captain,
this true husband and father, this skilful mechanic, this good
citizen, this Christian patriot found his home at the early age
of thirty years.
(This brief tribute to the memory of Capt. Isaac Davis was
written by Hon. Luther Conant of Acton, Mass)
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