Brigadier General Abel Davis (December 26, 1874 – January 7, 1937) was an officer in the Illinois National Guard.

In January 1891,[citation needed] the Davis family moved to Chicago, Abel was seventeen at the time.

[7] Davis continued his political career in November 1904 when he was elected Cook County Recorder of Deeds on the Republican ticket.

[8] After his second term as Recorder, Davis retired from elected office and served as the Vice President of the Chicago Title and Trust Company.

[8] During this time, Davis continued to serve in the Illinois National Guard and rose through the ranks.

On July 6, 1912, Major Davis and a group of soldiers were struck by lightning at Camp Lincoln outside of Springfield, Illinois.

A Chicago Tribune article states Davis was the most seriously injured and was reported to be in critical condition with his tongue blackened and the soles of his feet burned.

[13] In October 1918, Colonel Davis' unit and the 17th French Army Corps were attacked at St. Hilaire three days before the armistice.

[15] After the war ended, Davis became a Brigadier General in command of the 66th Infantry Brigade of the Illinois National Guard.

[20] By 1919, "he served as general chairman of the nonsectarian Joint Distribution Committee's War Relief Drive.

[2] His Distinguished Service Cross citation states "Disregarding the heavy shell and machine-gun fire, Colonel Davis personally assumed command and by his fearless leadership and courage the enemy was driven back."

Afterward he handled it in all its actions against the enemy with marked success, displaying courage, resourcefulness, tactical skill, and military leadership of the highest order.