Frederick Kerr Davis was born on February 6, 1889 in Arcola, Illinois. For a time in his youth, he lived in the former Ninian Edwards' home in Springfield, Illinois, the house where Abraham Lincoln courted and married Mrs. Edward’s sister, Mary Todd. The experience gave him a life-long interest in both Lincoln’s life and Civil War history.  He lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a few years and then moved to Eugene, Oregon during 1926.

His father, William, was commissioned a 1st Lieutenant with Co. C, 1st Illinois Cavalry on July 19, 1861. He later joined with Co. G, 13th Illinois Cavalry and then with Co. K, 79th Illinois Infantry. He mustered out on March 9, 1864 as a Captain.

Frederick served the Eugene Camp No. 156 as its Secretary and/or Treasurer for 20 years. He was elected Commander of the Oregon and Washington Department in 1935.  At the 1950 National Encampment, he was appointed National Patriotic Instructor. He was elected Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief at the 1951 National Encampment. At the 1952 National Encampment, Frederick was elected  Commander-in-Chief by a standing vote of confidence. He became a Life Member on January 6, 1958 and was
assigned number 11.

He was involved in a variety of occupations including: owning a theater, organizing a bank, vocational placement for schools and corporations, and personnel management with Charles M. Schwab.

Frederick was survived by his wife Barbara (nee Booth), his son Navarre, daughter-in-law Martha, and three grandchildren.

Brother Davis died in Eugene on April 27, 1970, was cremated, and is at Rest-Haven Memorial Park in Eugene. He had a flag draped casket and was wearing his Past Commander-in-Chief's badge.
 

Includes information submitted by PCinC Steve Michaels