Jefferson Davis (1862 - 1913)

Born 6 May 1862 in Rocky Comfort, Sevier, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Ina Mary (McKenzie) Davis — married 22 Oct 1882 in Pope, Arkansas, United States

Died 3 Jan 1913 at age 50 in Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

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Preceded by 19th Governor Daniel Webster Jones Preceded by James Henderson Berry

Jeff Davis 20th Governor of Arkansas 1901—1907 US Senator (Class 2) from Arkansas[1] 1907—1913

Succeeded by 21st Governor John Sebastian Little Succeeded by John N. Heiskell

Biography

Jeff Davis is a part of Arkansas history. Join: Arkansas Project Discuss: arkansas

Jeff Davis is Notable.

Jefferson "Jeff" Davis is a notable figure in Arkansas history, leaving an enduring legacy for his multifaceted contributions. Rising from humble beginnings in Rocky Comfort, he embarked on a remarkable legal and political career. From being admitted to the bar at the tender age of nineteen to serving as the prosecuting attorney and attorney general of Arkansas, Jeff displayed legal acumen and a commitment to justice. Elected as governor for three terms, he became a passionate advocate for the poor, earning widespread support. His bold actions against powerful corporations, leading to an international boycott, showcased his unwavering commitment to the people. Serving as a United States Senator and representing Arkansas on the national stage, Jeff Davis's impact extended far beyond state borders. His life, marked by resilience, advocacy, and dedication to the underprivileged, cements his place as a key figure in Arkansas politics and champion for the rights of the common man.^[2][3]

Jefferson "Jeff" Davis entered the world on May 6, 1862^[4], in Rocky Comfort, Sevier County (later became part of Little River County), Arkansas. Born to Lewis Ward Davis and Elizabeth Phillips Davis, Jeff's journey unfolded against the backdrop of post-Civil War reconstruction.^[5][6]

By 1870, young Jeff found himself in Dover Township, Pope County, Arkansas, where the seeds of his future were sown.^[7] Remarkably, at the age of nineteen, he was admitted to the bar in Pope County, showcasing early signs of legal prowess.^[4][8]

On October 22, 1882, he married Ina Mary McKenzie, embarking on a shared life in Pope County.^[9] Jeff's political journey began in 1892, when he was elected prosecuting attorney of the fifth judicial district. Reelected in 1894, he served two terms, four years, honing his legal skills and building a reputation as a formidable prosecutor.^[4][8]

In 1898, Jeff ascended to the position of attorney general of the State of Arkansas, filing suits against various companies, sparking controversy that reached international proportions. His actions led to a boycott of Arkansas by outraged insurance companies, a stance that would eventually be overruled by the courts. Undeterred, Jeff continued his crusade, taking the issue directly to the people.^[4][10]

By 1900, he lived in Russellville, Pope County, continuing his legal practice.^[11] A pivotal moment in his political career came when he was elected governor of Arkansas in 1901, subsequently reelected in 1903 and 1905, serving three terms, or six years. As governor, he fervently championed the cause of the poor, earning the support of those who endured hardship and toil.^[4][12][13]

Jeff's political influence extended beyond state borders. In 1904, he served as a delegate at the Democratic national convention and repeated the role in the 1912 Baltimore convention. His political trajectory reached the national stage when he was elected United States Senator on February 9, 1907, earning a full term of six years.^[4]

Despite the promise of a potential reelection in 1913, tragedy struck. On January 3, 1913, Jeff Davis succumbed to apoplexy in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.^[8] His final resting place became Mount Holly Cemetery in the same city^[14], marking the end of a life dedicated to law, politics, and advocacy for the downtrodden. Jeff Davis, a name etched in Arkansas history, left an indelible mark on the political landscape of his time.^[13]

• Fact: Residence (1900) Illinois Township Russellville town, Pope, Arkansas, United States
• Fact: Occupation (from 8 January 1901 to 8 January 1907) Governor of Arkansas Arkansas, United States
• Fact: Obituary (03 Jan 1913) Obituary Adrian, Michigan
• Fact: Residence (03 Jan 1913) United States
• Fact: Obituary (03 Jan 1913) Obituary Springfield, Massachusetts
• Fact: Obituary (03 Jan 1913) Obituary Seattle, Washington
• Fact: Obituary (03 Jan 1913) Obituary Detroit, Michigan
• Fact: Obituary (03 Jan 1913) Obituary Riverside, California
• Fact: Residence (03 Jan 1913) Arkansas
• Fact: Residence (23 Oct 1965) Little Rock, Arkansas
• Fact: Obituary (07 Nov 1972) Obituary Little Rock, Arkansas
• Fact: Residence (10 Feb 1979) Little Rock, Arkansas
• Fact: Burial Little Rock, Pulaski, Arkansas, United States
• Fact: Residence Russellville, Pope, Arkansas

Sources

1. ↑ Died in office, vacant January 3, 1913 – January 6, 1913 when successor appointed.
2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Jeff Davis (Arkansas politician). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. January 1, 2024, 08:38 UTC. Available at: Jeff Davis. Accessed January 21, 2024.
3. ↑ Arsenault, Raymond O., University of South Florida, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Jeff Davis (1862–1913)." Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5} Jeff Davis (late a Senator from Arkansas): Memorial Addresses. United States: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1913. "Jeff Davis (late Senator from Arkansas)." Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
5. ↑ Jeff Davis' Aged Mother is Dead, Judsonia Weekly Advance, Judsonia, Arkansas, 6 Aug 1913, Wed. - Page 2. Newspapers Clip: 139214301, Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
6. ↑ Judge L. W. Davis Dead - Father of Governor Davis Died at His Home in Russellville Saturday Night, The Newark Journal, Newark, Arkansas, 9 Mar 1906, Fri. - Page 7. Newspapers Clip: 139213920, Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
7. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Dover, Pope, Arkansas; Roll: M593_61; Page: 335B Ancestry Record 7163 #13913733
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2} Jefferson Davis, U.S. Senator, Dies, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 4 Jan 1913, Sat. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 139210629, Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
9. ↑ Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957: Ancestry.com. Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957," database, FamilySearch; from Arkansas Courts of Common Pleas and County Clerks. Digital images of originals housed at various county courthouses in the State of Arkansas. Marriage records. Ancestry Record 2548 #741612
10. ↑ Woodward, C. Vann. Origins of the New South, 1877–1913: A History of the South. United States: LSU Press, 1971. :Origins of the New South, 1877-1913 - A History of the South." Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
11. ↑ 1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Russellville, Pope, Arkansas; Roll: 72; Page: 14; Enumeration District: 0180 Ancestry Record 7602 #75885266
12. ↑ Perman, Michael. Pursuit of Unity: A Political History of the American South. United States: University of North Carolina Press, 2010. "Pursuit of Unity - A Political History of the American South." Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
13. ↑ ^{13.0 13.1} Jeff Davis of Arkansas, The Bryan Democrat, Bryan, Ohio, 24 Jan 1908, Fri. - Page 6. Newspapers Clip: 139212797, Accessed 20 Jan 2024.
14. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10403/jeff-davis: accessed 20 January 2024), memorial page for Jeff Davis (6 May 1862–3 Jan 1913), Find A Grave: Memorial #10403, citing Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by Find a Grave.

• "Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : modified 13 March 2024, 00:22), entry for Jefferson Davis (PID https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/4:1:MR4K-TKQ ); contributed by various users.

See also

• Wikidata: Item Q365015
• Biographical Directory of the United States Congress