Josiah Davison was born in 1692 to Daniel Davison, Jr. and Sarah Dodge Davison, probably in Ipswich, Massachusetts; he was baptized on April 1, 1694 at Wenham Congregational Church. In about 1701 Josiah’s father moved the family to Stonington, Connecticut. At age 19, in about 1711, Josiah purchased land in Southold, Long Island, New York. Josiah Davison changed the spelling of his name to Davisson, and since he was the only son of Daniel Davison, Jr. who had sons, Josiah Davisson became the progenitor of the House of Davisson. Josiah Davison married Mary possibly Skelton or Winthrop, probably in about 1714, going by the date of their firstborn child. He and his brother, Daniel Davison III, moved to Middlesex County, New Jersey in about 1726. Josiah’s brother, Dr. Daniel Davison III, helped to establish him in New Jersey. Sometime after 1726 Josiah Davisson purchased 224 acres of land in Prince Town, New Jersey from his brother, Dr. Daniel Davison III. During his life Josiah Davisson had learned the potter’s trade, and later was described as a carpenter, and finally as a miller in New Jersey. Josiah Davison died on Millstone River, near Princeton, New Jersey, will probated November 24, 1759.

The children of Josiah and Mary [possibly] Skelton or Winthrop Davison were: Mary Davisson b. abt 1715, m. Joseph Skelton; Daniel Davisson b. abt 1717, m. Phebe Harrison; John Davisson b. abt 1719, m. 1st Sarah Wilkins, m. 2nd Mary Bonham; #6 Obadiah Davisson b. abt 1720, m. Elizabeth maiden name unknown; Andrew b. abt 1722, m. 1st Caroline Stuart, m. 2nd Elizabeth maiden name unknown; James b. abt 1724, m. Jane maiden name unknown; Amaziah Davisson b. August 19, 1726, m. Margaret Burns; Nathaniel Davisson b. after 1728, m. Phebe Scudder; and Ananias Davisson b. abt 1730, m. Jemima maiden name unknown.