James O. Davidson

James Ole Davidson (born February 10, 1854 in Årdal , Norway , † December 17, 1922 in Madison , Wisconsin ) was a Norwegian- American politician and from 1906 to 1911 the 21st governor of the state of Wisconsin.

Early years and political advancement

James Davidson immigrated to Minnesota from Norway in 1872 . Five years later he moved to Boscobel , Wisconsin, where he worked as a tailor and temporary worker on a farm. He then made a successful business career in the town of Soldiers Grove . In this place he was village president and chamberlain. Between 1893 and 1898 he was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly ; he then served as State Treasurer of Wisconsin for five years . Davidson was a member of the Republican Party and was elected lieutenant governor of his state in 1902 .

Governor of wisconsin

When Governor Robert La Follette resigned on January 1, 1906 to switch to Congress , Davidson fell to his office. In 1906 and 1908 he was confirmed by the electorate, so that he could serve as governor until January 2, 1911. Many progressive proposals were put into practice during his tenure. The powers of the Railway Committee were expanded, thus limiting the power of the railway companies. The stock market was also placed under state supervision. The insurance companies, telephone companies, water supply and energy companies were brought under better control. Davidson got along very well with his predecessor La Follette. Over time, however, the two politicians fell apart and Davidson leaned more towards the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Another résumé

After his tenure ended, Davidson was Chairman of the State Board of Control of Wisconsin for five years . Then he withdrew into private life. James Davidson died in December 1922. He was married to Helen M. Bliss, with whom he had two children.

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personal data
SURNAME	Davidson, James O.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES	Davidson, James Ole (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION	Norwegian-American politician
DATE OF BIRTH	February 10, 1854
PLACE OF BIRTH	Årdal , Norway
DATE OF DEATH	December 17, 1922
Place of death	Madison , Wisconsin