Background
DAVIS, James John was born on October 27, 1873 in Tredegar, S. Wales. Son of David James and Esther Ford (Nicholls) Davis.
DAVIS, James John was born on October 27, 1873 in Tredegar, S. Wales. Son of David James and Esther Ford (Nicholls) Davis.
Doctor of Laws, Bucknell, Pennsylvania Military Academy, University of Pittsburgh, Drake U., St. Bonaventure’s Seminary.
Came to the United States with parents, 1881. Began as puddler’s assistant in iron works at Sharon, Pennsylvania, later in Pittsburgh, at 11. Was a puddler at 16; moved to Elwood, Indiana, 1893, and worked in steel and tin plate mills.
City clerk Elwood, 1898-1902. Recorder Madison County, Indiana, 1903-1907. Director general Loyal Order of Moose since 1906 (membership increased from 247 to over 600,000).
Secretary of labor, by appointment of President Harding, March 5, 1921, and continued under Presidents Coolidge and Hoover until December 9, 1930. Elected United States senator from Pennsylvania to fill vacancy, for term expiring 1933, reëlected for terms 1933-1939, 1939-1945. Founder Mooseheart Home and School.
Chairman Mooseheart Governors, also Home for Old Folks, Moosehaven, Florida.
Member Almagamated Association Iron, Steel and Tin Workers of America. Member Veterans of Foreign Wars, Spanish American War Veterans. Mason, Odd; Clubs: Press, Chevy Chase (Washington, District of Columbia).
Married Jean Rodenbaugh, November 26, 1914. Children: James, Jane, Jean, Joan, Jewell.