Wisconsin History Day By Day


Related Web Sites:
James O. Davidson photo

Governor Davidson's obituary

U.S. politicians who were born in Norway


Read More About It

"Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography"


Vocabulary:

immigrated
mercantile
ticket


Interesting Fact:

Many of the progressive programs that made Wisconsin government unique were implemented while Davidson was govenor.


Study Questions:

  • What was the political relationship between Davidson and Robert La Follette?
  • On a map, locate the Sogn region in Norway.
  • What progressive programs were implemented while Davidson was governor?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on February 10:

    1942: Glenn Miller and his orchestra are awarded the first ever gold record. It is for their recording of "Chattanooga Choo Choo."
    1967: The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution goes into effect. It deals with presidential disability and succession.



  • February 10

    Wisconsin's Governors
    James O. Davidson, Wisconsin's 21st governor, was born on this date in 1854 in Sogn, Norway. He immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 18, settling near Boscobel. By 1877 Davidson was in the mercantile and manufacturing business in Soldiers Grove where he became involved in local politics. He entered state politics in 1893, serving in the state legislature until 1899 and then as state treasurer. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1902 when he was on the ticket with Governor Robert La Follette. Davidson became governor when La Follette resigned. He held the office until 1911. Died: December 27, 1922.


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