James O. Davidson

James Ole Davidson ( born February 10, 1854 in Årdal, Norway, † December 17, 1922 in Madison, Wisconsin ) was an American politician and from 1906 to 1911 the 21 Governor of Wisconsin.

Early years and political rise

James Davisdon emigrated in 1872 from Norway coming in Minnesota one. Five years later he came to Boscobel in Wisconsin, where he worked as a tailor and temporary workers on a farm. Then he made in the village of Soldiers Grove a successful business career. In this place, he was headman ( Village President) and Treasurer. Between 1893 and 1898 he was a deputy in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Davidson was a member of the Republican Party and was elected in 1902 as vice- governor of his state.

Governor of Wisconsin

As Governor Robert La Follette on January 1, 1906 resigned to go to Congress, Davidson fell to his office. In 1906 and 1908 he was confirmed in each case by the voters, so that he could act as governor until January 2, 1911. During his tenure, many progressive proposals have been put into action. The powers of the Railway Committee were expanded and thus limited the power of the railway companies. Even the stock market has been placed under state supervision. The insurance companies, telephone companies, water supply and energy companies were subjected to a better control. With its predecessor La Follette himself Davidson originally understood very well. Over time, fell out but the two politicians and Davidson was more inclined to the conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Further CV

After the end of his tenure Davidson spent five years as chairman of the supervisory authority of Wisconsin ( State Board of Control). He then retired to private life. James Davidson died in December 1922. He was married to Helen M. Bliss, with whom he had two children.