Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis was born to parents Louis P.H. Davis and Henriette Steward Davis on July 1, 1877 in Washington D.C.  Brigadier General Davis was the grandson of a slave who had bought his freedom in 1800.  As a child, Brigadier General Davis attended M Street School and was a member of the drill team called 'The Zouaves'.

During the War with Spain, Davis, age 21, joined the military as a temporary first lieutenant after a year at Howard University.  One year later he was mustered out on March 6, 1899.  Davis re-enlisted as a private in Troop 1, 9th Cavalry, of the Regular Army three months later.  During the six years between joining the 9^th Cavalry and his promotion to first lieutenant, Davis married his wife Elnora Dickerson.  On December 24, 1915 First Lieutenant Davis was promoted to captain.  From captain he was temporarily promoted to major (1917) and then temporarily promoted to lieutenant colonel on May 1, 1918.  During this time Davis's first wife died, and he married Sadie E. Overton.  After being reverted back to his rank as captain, Davis was promoted to lieutenant colonel (1920), to colonel (1930), and then temporarily promoted to brigadier general on October 25, 1940.  Thinking his military career was over at his retirement on July 31, 1941, Davis was called back to active duty as a brigadier general.  He officially retired in July 14, 1948.

Brigadier General Davis was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1944 and a Bronze Star Medal in 1945 for his service.  He died on November 26, 1970 and left behind three children: Olive Elnora, Benjamin Oliver, Jr., and Elnora Dickerson.