Glenn Robert Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Glenn Robert Davis
Davis in 1956
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin
In office January 3, 1965 – December 31, 1974
Preceded by	Lester Johnson
Succeeded by	Bob Kasten
Constituency	9th district
In office April 22, 1947 – January 3, 1957
Preceded by	Robert Kirkland Henry
Succeeded by	Donald Edgar Tewes
Constituency	2nd district
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the Waukesha 1st district
In office January 6, 1941 – June 1942
Preceded by	Lyle E. Douglass
Succeeded by	Frederic F. Woodhead
Personal details
Born	October 28, 1914 Vernon, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	September 21, 1988(1988-09-21) (aged 73) Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Education	University of Wisconsin-Platteville (B.Ed.) University of Wisconsin-Madison (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	Lieutenant
Battles/wars	World War II

Glenn Robert Davis (born October 28, 1914 – died September 21, 1988) was an important politician from Wisconsin. He served in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. Congress. He represented two different areas of Wisconsin during his time in Congress. First, he represented Wisconsin's 2nd district from 1947 to 1957. Later, he represented Wisconsin's 9th district from 1965 to 1974.

Early Life and Education

Glenn Davis was born on a small farm in Vernon, Wisconsin. His family was not wealthy. Even though his father wanted him to focus on farming, Glenn loved school. He was a very bright student. He skipped several grades and even helped teach younger kids in his one-room school. He graduated from Mukwonago High School at just 15 years old in 1930. This was three years earlier than most students.

Glenn's mother secretly saved money to help him go to college. He attended Platteville State Teachers College, which is now the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. He studied education and became a high school teacher. He taught in Cottage Grove and Waupun for five years. After teaching, Glenn went back to school. He earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1940.

After becoming a lawyer, Glenn opened his own law firm in Waukesha, Wisconsin. From there, he decided to run for public office. His first election was for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1940, which he won. He later lived in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Military Service in World War II

After serving one year in the state legislature, Glenn Davis decided to join the U.S. Navy. This was after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, which started World War II for the United States. He resigned from his political position to serve his country.

Lieutenant Davis worked as a communications officer. He served on a ship called the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). This was a special type of ship called an escort carrier. Towards the end of the war, near Okinawa, his ship was attacked. It was hit by a kamikaze plane, but Glenn survived the attack.

A Career in Politics

After leaving the Navy in December 1945, Glenn Davis returned to his law practice. He also became more involved in politics. He served as a local court commissioner for a short time. He also attended many events for the Republican Party. He was chosen as a delegate for every Republican National Convention from 1952 to 1972. This meant he helped choose the party's presidential candidate.

In 1947, Glenn ran for Congress in a special election. He won and served five terms representing Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district. In 1956, he decided to try for a higher office. Instead of running for re-election to the House, he tried to become a U.S. Senator. However, he lost in the primary election to the current Senator, Alexander Wiley.

Glenn returned to his law practice after this. Eight years later, in 1964, he made a successful comeback. He won the election for the new ninth congressional district in Wisconsin. This district was created because of changes in how voting areas were divided. He served another four terms in Congress. In 1974, he lost in the primary election to a new politician named Bob Kasten. Glenn felt that the pardon of President Richard Nixon by President Gerald Ford hurt his chances. Glenn had been a close friend of Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon. He was even in the Oval Office the night Nixon resigned.

During his time in Congress, Glenn Davis was known for his generally conservative views. However, his views became a bit more moderate in the early 1970s. He was a close friend and golf partner of House Minority Leader Gerald Ford. Glenn was also the star shortstop for the "Washington Senators," a fun baseball team made up of congressmen.

Glenn Davis is still the only person from Waukesha County to have served in the U.S. Congress.

Later Years and Legacy

After losing the primary election, Glenn Davis resigned from Congress on December 31, 1974. This was just a few days before his term would have officially ended. He then moved permanently to Arlington, Virginia. From 1975 to 1983, he worked as a consultant for a company called Potter International, Inc. He passed away in Arlington on September 21, 1988.

One important part of Glenn Davis's legacy is the Glenn R. Davis Charitable Foundation. This organization gives scholarships to students. His family funds and manages it. Every year, the foundation gives a money award to one graduating student from each high school in Waukesha County. This award goes to a student who has overcome big challenges. This reflects Glenn Davis's own journey from a humble farm family to a U.S. Congressman.

Family

Glenn Davis's son, J. Mac Davis, also became a public servant. He served as a judge in Waukesha County and as a Wisconsin State Senator.