Garrett Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Garrett Davis
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| United States Senator from Kentucky |
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| In office December 10, 1861 – September 22, 1872 |
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| Preceded by | John C. Breckinridge |
| Succeeded by | Willis B. Machen |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1847 |
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| Preceded by | James Sprigg |
| Succeeded by | Charles S. Morehead |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kentucky's 12th district |
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| In office March 4, 1839 – March 3, 1843 |
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| Preceded by | John Chambers |
| Succeeded by | District eliminated |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives | |
| In office 1833–1835 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | September 10, 1801 Mount Sterling, Kentucky |
| Died | September 22, 1872 (aged 71) Paris, Kentucky |
| Resting place | Paris Cemetery, Paris, Kentucky |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Whig, Unionist, Democrat |
| Spouses |
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| Profession | Politician, lawyer |
Garrett Davis (born September 10, 1801 – died September 22, 1872) was an important American politician from Kentucky. He served as a U.S. Senator and a Representative.
Contents
Early Life and Career
Garrett Davis was born in Mount Sterling, Kentucky. He was the brother of Amos Davis. As a young man, Davis worked in government offices. He worked for the county clerk in Montgomery County, Kentucky, and later in Bourbon County, Kentucky.
He studied law and became a lawyer in 1823. After that, he started his own law practice in Paris, Kentucky. Like many wealthy people at the time, he owned enslaved people.
Political Journey
Davis began his political career in the Kentucky House of Representatives. He served there from 1833 to 1835.
Serving in Congress
Later, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Whig Party. He served in the House from March 4, 1839, to March 3, 1847. During this time, he led the Committee on Territories. This committee dealt with new areas of the country that were not yet states.
Davis chose not to run for reelection in 1846. He went back to working as a lawyer and also farmed. For the next 15 years, he stayed out of politics. He turned down offers to run for Lieutenant Governor and Governor of Kentucky. He even declined a chance to run for president in 1856.
Return to Politics
The issue of secession (states leaving the United States) brought Davis back into politics. He was against states leaving the Union. In the 1860 presidential election, he supported the Constitutional Union Party.
In December 1861, Davis was elected to the United States Senate. He was a Unionist, meaning he supported keeping the United States together. He filled a spot left open when John C. Breckinridge was removed for supporting the Confederacy. Davis was reelected as a Democrat in 1867. At the time of his death, he was the chairman of a Senate committee. This committee handled claims about private land.
Family Life
Garrett Davis was married two times. His first wife was Rebecca Trimble. She was the daughter of a Supreme Court Justice. After Rebecca passed away, he married Eliza J. Elliott. Davis had four children: Rebecca, Robert, Carrie, and Garrett.
Death and Legacy
Garrett Davis died while still in office on September 22, 1872. He is buried in the Paris Cemetery in Paris, Kentucky. His home, called Woodhome, was later sold. It became a military academy.
Davis County, Iowa, was named after Garrett Davis.
See also
- List of United States Congress members who died in office (1790–1899)
