Jefferson Davis

Jefferson Davis
June 3, 1807(1808?) - December 6, 1889

This carved emu egg features Jefferson Davis, the first and only President of the Confederate States of America.

Born in Kentucky, Davis moved as a child to Mississippi where he grew up. He attended West Point from 1824 to 1828, graduating 23rd in a class of 33. One cannot help but wonder if he would have graduated with a higher ranking if he had not been court-martialed (he was cleared) for a certain trip to "Benny's Pub" in 1825, or his participation the "Eggnog Riots" of December 1826, which resulted in his confinement to quarters for 2 months.

During his first stint in military service (as a 2nd lieutenant) from 1829 to 1835, serving during the Blackhawk Wars. In 1835 he was acquitted in a court-martialed for bad conduct. It was at this time that his family urged him to leave the service, which he did the following month, May He married Sara Taylor, daughter of Zachary Taylor (Twelfth President 1849-1850) in June. In September, she and Jefferson both contracted yellow fever. She died. Davis was very ill and recovery was slow. In 1936 he established Briarwood Plantation, near his brothers, and slowly became active in local and state politics. In 1843 he met 17 year old Varina Banks Howell who he married in 1845. They were married 54 years.

When Mississippi seceded from the Union, Davis resigned from Senate (January 21, 1861). his surprise, he was elected provisional President of the Confederacy on February 18, 1861 at Montgomery. It had been his intention to serve in the army. In October 1861 Davis was elected to President and formally inaugurated on February 22, 1862. The following years were trying, with both victories and setbacks. It was only after Lee's surrender at Appomattox April 19, 1865 that Davis himself accepted defeat. Captured by Federal cavalry on May 10, 1865, Davis spent two years as a prisoner. In 1866 he was formally charged with treason, but released on bond in 1867. The charges were dropped in 1868. In the following years Davis argued that southern school children should be taught about their heritage, it pained him deeply to see the light in which the CSA was portrayed in the classroom. While he did not write memoirs, his career was recorded in The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government. Jefferson Davis passed away on December 6, 1889 in New Orleans. When his remains were moved by train to to his burial plot in Richmond, thousands came the stations to pay homage as the train passed.

The Jefferson Davis carved egg comes with a hand turned wood egg stand and can become a personalized gift with an inscription on the back.

Because of the variations of color and texture inherent in the emu egg itself, each carved egg will be unique and make a distinctive addition to any decor or collection. If you are looking for a "different" housewarming gift, birthday present or other special occasion gift for an student of Civil War history or a re-enactor, this carved egg will delight them.

#174 Jefferson Davis Carved Emu Egg - $95.00

"Everyone marvels at a square egg,
but only the chicken understands the pain." Vinny Porcaro 1997