John J. Davis (congressman)

For other people named John Davis, see John Davis (disambiguation).

John J. Davis
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 1st district
In office March 4, 1871 – March 3, 1875
Preceded by	Isaac H. Duval
Succeeded by	Benjamin Wilson
Personal details
Born	John James Davis May 5, 1835(1835-05-05) Clarksburg, Virginia, USA
Died	March 19, 1916(1916-03-19) (aged 80) Clarksburg, West Virginia USA
Resting place	Odd Fellows Cemetery
Nationality	American
Political party	Democratic
Other political affiliations	Independent Democrat
Spouse(s)	Anna Kennedy
Children	John W. Davis
Alma mater	Lexington Law School
Occupation	Lawyer, politician

John James Davis (May 5, 1835 – Mar. 19, 1916) was an attorney and politician in West Virginia who served as a United States Representative in Congress from that state.

Early life

John James Davis was born in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia), he attended the Northwestern Virginia Academy at Clarksburg, and was graduated from the Lexington Law School (now the law department of Washington and Lee University) in 1856; was admitted to the bar in 1856 and commenced practice in Clarksburg, Virginia.

Political career

State politics

Davis became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in 1861 and was a member of the first convention looking toward the formation of a new State loyal to the Union, from counties of western Virginia, held April 22, 1861.

Davis was a delegate from Harrison County to the Wheeling convention June 11, 1861 and also to the Democratic National Conventions in 1868, 1876 and 1892. He served as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1869 and 1870.

National politics

He was elected as a Democrat to the 42nd Congress and re-elected as an Independent Democrat to the 43rd Congress, he was not a candidate for renomination in 1874.

Later years

His political years over, Davis resumed the practice of law in Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Death

Davis died in Clarksburg, Harrison County on March 19, 1916 and was interred in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Personal life

He was the father of John W. Davis, who followed in his father's footsteps as a lawyer and congressman.

External links

• John J. Davis (congressman) at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• John J. Davis at Find a Grave

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by Isaac H. Duval	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 1st congressional district 1871–1875	Succeeded by Benjamin Wilson