John Davis (Kansas politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Davis
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's 5th congressional district |
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| In office March 4, 1891 – March 3, 1895 |
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| Preceded by | John Alexander Anderson |
| Succeeded by | William A. Calderhead |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 9, 1826 Springfield, Illinois |
| Died | August 1, 1901 (aged 74) Topeka, Kansas |
| Resting place | Topeka Cemetery |
| Political party | Populist Party |
| Other political affiliations |
Greenback Party |
| Alma mater | Illinois College |
| Signature | .png){kind=small} |
John Davis (born August 9, 1826 – died August 1, 1901) was an important politician from Kansas. He served as a U.S. Representative, which means he was a member of the United States House of Representatives. He worked to help farmers and supported new ideas like women's right to vote.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Davis was born near Springfield, Illinois, in 1826. When he was four years old, his family moved to Macon County. He went to local country schools and also attended Springfield Academy. Later, he studied at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois. After his schooling, he worked in farming and growing plants near Decatur, Illinois.
Career and Community Work
In 1872, John Davis moved to Kansas. He settled on a farm near Junction City. He quickly became a leader for farmers in the area.
Leading Farmers' Groups
In 1873, John Davis was chosen to be the president of the first major farmers' meeting in Kansas. This meeting led to the creation of the Farmers' Cooperative Association. This group helped farmers work together and support each other. Davis was also its first president.
He continued his work with farmers by serving as president of the Grange convention in 1874. The Grange was another important organization for farmers.
Newspaper and Horticulture
In 1875, Davis became the owner and editor of the Junction City Tribune newspaper. He also served for many years as the Secretary of the Central Kansas Horticultural Society. This group focused on growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Political Journey
John Davis was a strong believer in certain ideas. He was an anti-slavery Republican, meaning he was against slavery. He also believed the government should support education for farmers. He was even a neighbor and friend of Abraham Lincoln.
Early Attempts at Congress
Davis tried to become a U.S. Representative several times. In 1880 and 1882, he ran as a candidate for the Greenback Party. However, he did not win these elections.
Serving in Congress
John Davis was finally elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a member of the Populist Party. He served two terms, from March 4, 1891, to March 3, 1895.
While in Congress, he gave speeches on many important topics. These included how the government handles money (finance), taxes on imported goods (tariff reform), and how goods are moved (transportation). He also supported an income tax, which means people pay taxes based on how much money they earn. A very important cause he championed was women's suffrage, which is the right for women to vote.
In 1894, he tried to be re-elected to Congress but was not successful.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in politics, John Davis spent his remaining years writing. He passed away on August 1, 1901, at his daughter's home in Topeka, Kansas. He was buried in Topeka Cemetery.
