Born in Harrison County, Texas, Davidson read law to enter the bar in 1903.
He was the city attorney of Marshall 1907 to 1914, thereafter resuming his private practice in Dallas, Texas until 1920.
[1] On January 22, 1936, Davidson was nominated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas vacated by Judge Edward Roscoe Meek.
Davidson was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 30, 1936, and received his commission on February 5, 1936.
He served as Chief Judge from 1954 to 1959, and assumed senior status on November 1, 1965, holding that position until his death on January 26, 1974.