Henry Clay Davis

Henry Clay Davis (September 29, 1814 – December 8, 1866) was an American soldier, businessman, politician, and Texas Ranger, known for founding the city of Rio Grande City, Texas.

Early life Davis was born in Georgia on September 29, 1814. His family moved to Kentucky in 1816. In December 1842, during the Mier expedition, Davis was captured by Mexican troops and imprisoned. He, alongside the other prisoners, was later released on September 16, 1844.

Founding of Rio Grande City After being released from prison, Davis traveled to Corpus Christi, where he became known as a prominent merchant. During the 1840s, he traveled to Camargo, Mexico, where he met his wife, Maria Hilaria de la Garza. The two married in 1846. (Sources differ on the exact date of their marriage.) The Handbook of Texas lists a date of April 21.

During the Mexican-American War, while Davis was serving under then-General Zachary Taylor, Following the establishment of Starr County in 1848, Davis was chosen to be the county's first clerk. Davis continued his business activities in the area, working alongside other business partners to open a wagon route in August 1849. The route ran between Corpus Christi, Laredo, Rio Grande City, and Mier, Mexico.

Later life In 1848, Davis became a member of the Texas Ranger Division.

On July 12, 1860, Governor of Texas Sam Houston appointed Davis to the position of brigadier general in the Texas Militia, and stationed him near the state's border. When the American Civil War began in 1861, Davis initially favored the Union, but ultimately supported Texas joining the Confederacy, and fought for them during the war.