Robert Wyche Davis facts for kids
Robert Wyche Davis (born March 15, 1849 – died September 15, 1929) was a important politician from Florida. He served as a Representative for Florida in the United States Congress.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Wyche Davis was born on March 15, 1849, near a town called Albany, Georgia. He went to public schools when he was young.
Military Service
In 1863, when he was about 14 years old, Robert Davis joined the Fifth Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This was a part of the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He served in the army until his company surrendered on April 26, 1865.
Becoming a Lawyer
After the war, Robert Davis decided to study law in Florida. He worked hard and was allowed to become a lawyer in 1869. This means he could officially practice law. He started his law career in Blakely, Georgia.
Moving to Florida and State Politics
In 1879, Robert Davis moved to Florida. He continued to practice law in several Florida towns. He worked in Green Cove Springs in Clay County. Later, he moved his practice to Gainesville in Alachua County. Finally, he practiced law in Palatka in Putnam County.
Serving in Florida's Government
Robert Davis also became involved in Florida's state government. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for Clay County. He served there in 1884 and 1885. In 1885, his fellow representatives chose him to be the Speaker of the House. This is a very important leadership role in the state's law-making body.
National Political Career
Robert Davis was a member of the Democratic Party. He was elected to represent Florida in the United States House of Representatives.
Time in Congress
He served in the Fifty-fifth Congress and three Congresses after that. His time in the U.S. Congress lasted from March 4, 1897, to March 3, 1905. He decided not to run for re-election in 1904.
Later Life and Public Service
After leaving Congress, Robert Davis went back to being a lawyer. He practiced law in Palatka and also in Tampa, Florida.
Other Important Roles
In 1914, he moved back to Gainesville, Florida. He worked as the register for the United States Land Office in Gainesville from 1914 to 1922. This office managed government land. He also became the editor of the local newspaper, the Gainesville Sun. From 1924 to 1925, he served as the mayor of Gainesville.
He started practicing law again in 1928. Robert Wyche Davis passed away in Gainesville, Florida, on September 15, 1929. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Gainesville.
