Horace Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Horace Davis
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1881 |
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| Preceded by | William Adam Piper |
| Succeeded by | William Rosecrans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 16, 1831 Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Died | July 12, 1916 (aged 85) San Francisco, California |
| Resting place | Cypress Lawn Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Parents | John Davis and Eliza Bancroft Davis |
| Relatives | see Davis political family |
Horace Davis (born March 16, 1831 – died July 12, 1916) was an important American politician. He served as a United States Representative for California. His father, John Davis, was a governor of Massachusetts. Horace also had a brother, John Chandler Bancroft Davis, who was a diplomat.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Horace Davis was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He went to public schools in Worcester. Later, he studied at Williams College and graduated from Harvard University in 1849. He also studied law at Harvard, but he did not become a lawyer. This was because his eyesight became poor.
Moving to California
In 1852, Horace Davis sailed to San Francisco, California. He traveled all the way around Cape Horn. When he arrived, he tried different jobs. He worked briefly as a gold miner. He also surveyed lumber for ships and worked as a purser on a steamship.
He helped start the Mercantile Library Association of California. This was one of California's oldest public libraries. He worked hard to organize the library's books. He even created a special catalog to help people find books.
Business and Public Service
In 1860, Horace Davis moved to San Francisco permanently. He started two very successful businesses. These were the Golden Gate Flouring Mills and the Sperry Flour Company. He was also elected to the American Antiquarian Society in 1862.
During the American Civil War, he helped make sure California stayed loyal to President Abraham Lincoln and the Union. He was part of a group called the Home Guard. This group helped keep peace and supported the Union cause in California.
From 1867 to 1877, he led the Produce Exchange of San Francisco. This was a big market for farm goods.
Serving in Congress
Horace Davis was a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served two terms, from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1881. During his time in Congress, he spoke about important issues. For example, he supported a bill to limit Chinese immigration. He tried to be re-elected in 1880 but was not successful.
Later Career and Legacy
After leaving Congress, Horace Davis continued his public service. He led the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce from 1883 to 1884. He also led the Savings and Loan Society in 1885. He was a member of the Republican National Committee for eight years.
In 1888, he was chosen to be the president of the University of California. He resigned from this role in 1890. He also served as the president of the board of trustees for Stanford University. He held this position from 1885 until his death in 1916. He helped combine Stanford with other schools.
Horace Davis was married twice. He was a devoted Unitarian and supported the Starr King School for the Ministry. He loved history and literature. One of his most famous writings was an essay called American Constitutions. Horace Davis passed away in San Francisco in 1916. He was buried in Cypress Lawn Cemetery.
