This very old name can be traced back to biblical times and is traced back to Zedekiah, King of Judah in the fifth century B.C. Its literal meaning is, of course, "son of David".
One of the earliest settlers in the New World was Nicholas Davidson of Lynn, England who made his home in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1650. Barqillia Davidson, a descendant of Nicholas, was a sea captain during the Revolutionary War. His grandson married Harriet Standish, a descendant of the noted Miles Standish.

Early American history annals reveal that many persons bearing this old family name were constructive in the development of our country and their descendants today are prominent in the political and social affairs of our nation.

Andrew J. Davidson came to Iowa from Ohio in 1856. He lived in Freemont County nine years, then moved to Madrid, Iowa in 1865.

He was the father of 12 children. One was Amos J. Davidson born at Madrid, Iowa. He was the father of Otha D. Davidson born at Madrid, Iowa, in 1874. He was the father of

four children. One was Elmer N. Davidson born at Madrid in 1898. Otha Davidson and family moved north of Murray in 1907. They lived in that community 5 years, then moved to Thayer, Iowa in 1912. On Dec. 24, 1918, Elmer was married to Maude Bashor. To this union four boys were born. Delbert and Ralph were born at Thayer, Iowa. In 1923 Elmer and and his family moved 3 miles northwest of Murray where Kenneth and Richard were born. In 1941 Elmer moved 1 mile south of Murray. They moved to Murray in 1947. He started a business which is still known and operated under the name of Davidson and Sons.

Delbert married Rose Siefkas and to this union were born two children, Jerry and Kathy.

Ralph Davidson married Irma Green and to this union were born two children, Johnny and Pamela.

Kenneth Davidson married Wanda Palmer and to this union was born one child, Mark.

Richard married Ann Mayonadier and to this union was born one child, Michael.