Davidson was working for a local mercantile house in
Louisville, Kentucky, when he became a shareholder of the
Louisville Colonels in 1887. The Colonels were members of the
American Association (AA), a
major league. Prior to the 1888 season, Davidson was named the Colonels' secretary-treasurer, and on June 6 he bought out most of the team's other shareholders. Two days later, Davidson relieved manager
Kick Kelly, with the team having won only 10 of 39 games played. Overall, Davidson's record as manager was 35 wins, 54 losses and 4 ties. The Colonels finished the season with a record of 48–87, next-to-last in the eight-team AA. Prior to the 1889 season, Davidson brought in
Dude Esterbrook as manager, while also seeking to sell the team. Esterbrook only lasted 10 games, winning two, and the club went through four managers during the season. A special meeting of the AA board was called, and Davidson was issued an ultimatum to strengthen the club or be forced out. In early July, Davidson surrendered control of the Colonels to the AA. The team finished the season in last place, with a record of 27–111, and had a 26-game losing streak. Davidson served three years in the
Union Army during the
Civil War, in Company A,
17th Indiana Regiment. He was an active member of the
Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) through at least December 1939. he was survived by a son. ==References==