Planter, was born Agust 26, 1880, at Athens; son of Hector Davis and Madge (Mason) Lane, the former a natice of Huntsville, who served in the Alabama legislature, was first commissioner of agriculture elected by popular vote; grandson of George Washington and Martha (Davis) Lane (q. v.), of Huntsville, the former who was a Federal judge, and of Dr. Joseph J. and Margaret Mason; great-grandson of Nicholas Davis, president of the Alabama senate, and a Whig presidential elector. He was educated at the North Alabama agricultural school at Athens; at Webb school, Bell Buckle, Tenn.; and at the University of Alabama.

 

He was occupied as a coal dealer until 1902, and since 1903 he engaged in planting. He represented Limestone County in the State legislature during the session of 1911, and served for a time after the adjournment as assistant clerk in the department of Agriculture and Industries. He was a Democrat and a Presbyterian. Married January 29, 1902, at Courtland, to Jessie Olivia, daughter of Malcom Joseph and Florence (Burkhead) Gilchrist, of Courtland; granddaughter of Dr. J. D. Burkhead, a prominent Presbyterian minister. Children: 1. Anne Burkhead; 2. Malcom Gilchrist. Residence: Courtland.

 

Authorities:
Owen, Thomas McAdory, History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography. Spartanburg: The Reprint Company Publishers, 1978 (1921), IV, 1007.