Robert A. Davison, a prominent attorney and dealer in real estate in Brooklyn, is a Long Islander by birth, as well as by inheritance, for not only was he born here, but his father and grandfather were before him. He was born in Rockville Center, October 10, 1843, the son of Tredwell and Phebe (De Mott) Davison, who passed their entire lives in this locality. The grandfathers of our subject on both sides served as soldiers in the Revolutionary War, in which conflict they acquitted themselves bravely.

Robert A., of this history, first attended Hempstead Seminary, but after a time became a student in Union Hall Academy of Jamaica. In 1861 he entered the sophomore class of the New York University and soon became known among the students as a fine Latin scholar, receiving the first prize upon examination in this language. He was graduated from the university in 1864 with high honors and was selected on that occasion to deliver the Latin salutatory.

Having determined to follow a professional life, Mr. Davison next entered Columbia Law School and was graduated from the same two years later. Opening an office in New York, he began the practice of his profession and remained there until 1872, when he located in the city of Brooklyn, where he is now in command of a large and paying clientage. On first coming there he formed a partnership with a Mr. Hagner, and for five years operated under the firm name of Hagner & Davison. That year, however, our subject withdrew from the firm and has since carried on his business alone. His office, which is finely appointed, is located at No. 26 Court Street.

In 1870 our subject was married to Miss Emeline Sealy, the daughter of Robert Sealy, now deceased. Their union has resulted in the birth of two sons, George W. and Alfred T., and a daughter, Mabel E. George W. was graduated from Wesleyan University of Middletown, Conn.

During his earlier years Mr. Davison was a member of St. Mark’s Methodist Episcopal Church and served as a member of its first board of trustees in Rockville Center. He took a great interest in the work of the Sunday-school, and for eleven years made a most popular and efficient superintendent. At the present time, however, he is connected with the New York Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and is also a member of the Brooklyn Church Extension Society, which is doing a noble work in establishing churches in the city. The cause of education finds him an able supporter, and while at Rockville Center he was elected a member of the board of education, which position he held continuously until 1894. He is now one of the trustees of the Wesleyan Academy of Wilbraham, Mass., being elected a member of this body in 1887.

Politically Mr. Davison is a stanch Republican and has taken some interest in local politics. Had he cared to turn his attention in that direction he would have been a leading politician. On the organization of the Bank of Rockville Center he was chosen its president, and re-elected the following year, but when petitioned by the directors and stockholders to still continue its management he refused to do so, as his practice occupied nearly his entire time and attention. Mr. Davison is a member of Brooklyn Union League Club, Aurora Grata Lodge of Perfection, Aurora Grata Consistory and is past master of Morton Lodge No. 63, F. & A. M., of Hempstead, which claims him as one of its most valued members. He stand very high in this order, being past district deputy of the first Masonic district, which includes Queens and Suffolk Counties.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Queens County (Long Island) New York"
(Copyright 1896 by Chapman Publishing Company)

BACK TO Bios. index

BACK TO NASSAU COUNTY HISTORY