George F. Davis, Cavendish
Vermont Quartermaster General.

Elected Quartermaster-General State of Vermont, in 1857, with rank of Brigadier-General, filling the office for seven years, during which time the War of the Rebellion broke out. General Davis equipped and sent into the field the the First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth Regiments, Vermont Volunteer Infantry.

It is a matter of record that the troops from no other State were sent into the field better armed and equipped or in better condition in every way than those from the Green Mountain State. During his administration General Davis frequently went to the front to look after and care for the sick and wounded, and to do anything in his power for their comfort. The Marine hospital at Burlington was turned over to the State and general government in May, 1862; the arrangement of which was in charge of General Davis, as were also the hospital buildings at Brattleboro. In 1864 he erected the hospital and other buildings at Montpelier. From the commencement to the end of his administration, Quartermaster-General Davis was a most patriotic and zealous officer, whose heart was thoroughly in accord with the government in putting down the rebellion. General Davis was relieved from his duties as Quartermaster-General by Col. Perley P. Pitkin, Quartermaster Unites States Volunteers, then in charge of the Depot of Supplies for the Army of the Potomac, at City Point, Va. colonel Pitkin was elected Quartermaster-General of the State of Vermont, with rank of Brigadier-General., in November, 1864, soon after the St. Albans raid. In his office he performed all the duties with fidelity and zeal, and his executive abilities found ample scope. He was busily engaged in the winter of 1864 in the equipment of a Division of twelve regiments of infantry, a battalion of cavalry, and three light batteries of Vermont militia, authorized by the General Assembly of Vermont, for service on the frontier, in case of emergency. In the fall of 1869, he was succeeded by Q.M.-GEN William W. Lynde, (Captain 8th Vermont), of Marlboro, who in turn was succeeded in 1872 by Q.M.-GEN Levi G. Kingsley, (Major 12th Vermont), who held the position for ten years, and was one of the most efficient officers that State has ever had; his interest in the welfare of the National Guard of Vermont will long be remembered. General Kingsley was succeeded by Quartermaster-General Horace K. Ide (Brevet. Major 1st Vermont Cavalry), of St. Johnsbury, who in 1884, was succeeded by Quartermaster-General William H. Gilmore, (Quartermaster-Sergeant 8th Vermont), of Fairlee, under whose efficient management the duties of this office are at present in charge.

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See Additional biographical sketch and family photographs

Sources:

Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant General, Vermont Volunteers and Lists of Vermonters who served in the Army and Navy of the U.S. during the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1866. Revised Roster, (Watchman Press, Montpelier, 1892), p. 745.

Photograph of George F. Davis courtesy of Mike Collins.