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“Jefferson Davis has been more misrepresented, and is to-day more misunderstood by many than any character that figured in the Civil War of 1861-1865. ... I think this was due to several causes: 1 . He was regarded as responsible for the War, and as its incarnation. 2. The assassination of Lincoln directed upon him, as the opposing leader, a retaliatory spirit. 3. It was taught and believed that he was responsible for the suffering of Northern soldiers in Southern prisons. 4. He was proud and unbending in his disposition; and declined to apply for pardon. 5. He dedicated the remainder of his life to the vindication of the cause of which he was the head.”

1890, Life and Reminisences of Jefferson Davis By Distinguished Men of His Time, p. xiii-xiv.

Davis' Wife & His family

Sarah Knox Taylor Davis (First Wife) (1814-1835) Married only for three months - died of malaria. Daughter of General/President Zachary Taylor

By Jane Brewster Reid, Louisiana State Museum

Varina Anne Banks Howell Davis (Second Wife)(1826-1906)

Sarah Knox Taylor Davis (First Wife) (1814-1835) Married only for three months - died of malaria. Daughter of General/President Zachary Taylor

1890, Jefferson Davis. Ex Presiden. A Memoir, Volume 2, cover.

Following the Mexican War, Colonel Davis came home to Mississippi. With “This exploit at Buena Vista created the profoundest enthusiasm throughout the country, and the Legislatures of several states passed resolutions thanking him for his services. Governor Brown of his own state, in obedience to an overwhelming popular sentiment, a few weeks after his return, appointed Colonel Davis to fill a vacancy that had occurred in the Senate, an appointment which was speedily ratified by the Legislature.” [1904, The Real Jefferson Davis, p. p. 49.] Davis began in the first session of the Thirtieth Congress in December – 1847.

“After seven years of almost uninterruptedly continuous public service, either civil or military, Mr, Davis was now in retirement for some months. During this period he has described himself as happy in the peaceful pursuits of a planter, busily engaged in cares for servants, in the improvement of his land, in building, in rearing live stock, and the like occupations. He took, nevertheless, an active interest in the presidential canvass of 1852, and on the election of General Pierce was invited to a seat in his cabinet. This offer was at first declined, but having accepted an invitation to attend the inauguration, which took place on the 4th of March, 1853, he was induced, ‘by public considerations,’ on its renewal, to reconsider the matter and accept the office of Secretary of War.” [1890, The Davis Memorial Volume or Our Dead President, Jefferson Davis, and the World's Tribute To His Memory, p. 79.]