John Sheldon Davidson (1846–1894) was born and reared in Augusta, Georgia. He was a parliamentarian, educator, and eminent Freemason. He was also a journalist and a lawyer, and served the City of Augusta for 13 years as the City Attorney. He is the namesake of a High School and a Masonic Lodge in Augusta, GA.
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Educator
John S. Davidson was elected to the Board of Education for Richmond County in 1871 and was credited for helping lay a solid foundation for the present comprehensive system of public education in Richmond County. He served on the board for 21 years, 15 of which he served as President. He is still known as the "Father of Education in Richmond County." John S. Davidson Fine Arts School is named in his memory.
Freemason Leader
For seven terms John S. Davidson was Master of Webb Lodge No. 166, of Augusta (1875–1881) and in 1883 enjoyed a distinction known only twice in the history of Georgia Masonry, that of being elected from the floor of the Grand Lodge of Georgia to its highest office, 'Most Worshipful Grand Master', and served from 1883 until his death in 1894. He is the namesake of the 'John S. Davidson' Masonic Lodge #677.
Political career
In the year 1884 he was chosen to represent the Tenth District of the Georgia State Senate, and in 1886 was unanimously elected president of the assemblage. Historical opinion states that he was "one of the finest presiding officers who ever wielded a gavel in Georgia legislative halls."