Born June 3, 1806, in Kentucky; died Dec. 6, 1889, in New Orleans. United States political figure, plantation owner, and slaveholder.

From 1853 to 1857, Davis was minister of war. During the Civil War (1861-65) he was president of the confederation of southern slaveowning states, which had rebelled and declared their independence from the USA. He was taken prisoner by the North in 1865. After he was freed in 1867, Davis no longer participated actively in politics.