John W. Davis

John W. Davis
Born	(1873-04-13)April 13, 1873 Clarksburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Died	March 24, 1955(1955-03-24) (aged 81) Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.
Alma mater	Washington and Lee University
Occupation	Lawyer, Politician

John William Davis (April 13, 1873 – March 24, 1955) was an American lawyer, politician, and diplomat who is best known for being one of the most prominent conservative leaders of the Democratic Party in the early 20th century. He served as the Solicitor General of the United States from 1913 to 1918, and later as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1918 to 1921. Davis was the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in the 1924 presidential election, but he was defeated by Republican incumbent Calvin Coolidge.

Early life and education

John W. Davis was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and attended schools locally before going on to study at Washington and Lee University, where he graduated with a degree in law.

Career

After completing his education, Davis quickly rose in the ranks of the legal profession and politics. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives from West Virginia in 1911 and served until 1913. As a congressman, Davis was noted for his oratory skills and his staunch defense of conservative values.

In 1913, Davis was appointed as Solicitor General of the United States by President Woodrow Wilson. During his tenure, he argued several important cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1918, he was appointed as the Ambassador to the United Kingdom, where he served until 1921.

Returning to the United States, Davis resumed his law practice and became one of the country's leading corporate lawyers. He was a partner in the New York City law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, which remains a prominent law firm to this day.

1924 Presidential Election

In 1924, Davis won the Democratic nomination for president after a record 103 ballots at the Democratic National Convention, reflecting the deep divisions within the party. His platform was conservative, advocating for limited government and traditional social values. However, he was defeated in the general election by Calvin Coolidge, who won a landslide victory.

Later life and legacy

After his defeat in the presidential election, Davis continued his legal career. He is perhaps best remembered for his role in arguing before the Supreme Court against New Deal legislation in the 1930s, most notably in the case Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States, which declared some aspects of the New Deal unconstitutional.

Davis passed away in 1955 in Charleston, South Carolina. His contributions to American law, politics, and diplomacy are still recognized today. He is often cited as a key figure in the conservative wing of the Democratic Party during a time of significant change in American political life.

See also

• List of United States presidential candidates
• History of the Democratic Party (United States)