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.