Lieutenant Benjamin S. Paulen Spouse(s) Mary Purdom Political party Democratic | Succeeded by Benjamin S. Paulen Preceded by Henry J. Allen Name Jonathan Davis | |
 | ||
Died June 27, 1943 (aged 72)
Bourbon County, Kansas | ||
Jonathan M. Davis: Overview of dxml and Lessons Learned
Jonathan McMillan Davis (April 27, 1871 – June 27, 1943) was an American politician and the 22nd Governor of Kansas.
Contents
Biography
Davis was born in Bronson, Bourbon County, Kansas to Jonathan McMillan and Eve (Holeman) Davis. His education was in the public schools and the University of Kansas and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He left college without graduating due to the death of his father. He married Mary "Mollie" Purdom on September 26, 1894 and they had Russell, Eva, Mary, and Lola. Mollie died in 1926 and he married Mary E. (Winston) Raymond on December 16, 1931.
Career
Davis served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 1905 to 1913; and then in the Kansas State Senate from 1915 to 1917.
Winning the 1922 gubernatorial race, Davis was sworn into the office on January 8, 1923. During his tenure, taxes were cut, prohibition and women's suffrage were endorsed, increased funding secured for veteran's pensions, banking procedures were limited, an improved road bill was authorized, utilities were controlled, and the chancellor of the University of Kansas was fired.
Davis was arrested the day after his term ended. He was indicted twice for bribery, tried twice and acquitted both times.
Death
Davis died on June 27, 1943 following a lengthy illness and several repeat visits to a Fort Scott hospital. He is interred at Bronson Cemetery in Bronson, Kansas.