John William Davis (Georgia politician)

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John William Davis (September 12, 1916 - October 3, 1992) was an American politician and lawyer.

Davis was born near Rome, Georgia, attended the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens and graduated in 1937 with an A.B. and from the UGA School of Law with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 1939. He was admitted to the state bar in 1939 and began practice in Rome.

Beginning in July of 1942, Davis served in the United States War Department Headquarters until December of 1945. He then served in South America on behalf of the Counter Intelligence Corps. In 1946, Davis moved to Summerville, Georgia, and resumed practicing law.

On December 27, 1950, Davis became solicitor general of the Rome Circuit and remained in that position until January 1, 1953. Two years later, he was elected judge of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, serving from January 1, 1955, until his resignation on December 31, 1960.

In 1960, Davis won election to the 87th United States Congress as a Democrat representing Georgia's 7th congressional district, . He won relection to six additional terms in that body until losing his re-election campaign in 1974. He served as a U.S. Representative from January 3, 1961 to January 3, 1975.

Davis returned to practicing law and lived in St. Simons Island, Georgia, at the time of his death on October 3, 1992.

[edit] References

• This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• John William Davis Collection at the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

Preceded by: Harlan Erwin Mitchell

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Georgia's 7th congressional district January 3, 1961 - January 3, 1975

Succeeded by: Lawrence P. McDonald