Jefferson Davis

(June 3, 1808 - December 5, 1889)

Jefferson Davis was born in Christian County (now Todd County), Kentucky. He graduated from West Point in 1828. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (1845-1846). He served as Secretary of War (1853-1857) under President Pierce was was elected to the U.S Senate (1857-1861). After the southern states started seceding from the Union, Jefferson Davis was elected President of the Confederate States of America. After the Civil War, he spent nearly two years imprisoned for Treason but was released without trial.

Trivia

Jefferson Davis married the daughter of President Zachary Taylor in 1835 and was widowed shortly thereafter.