American judge (1894–1937)
This article is about the Florida politician. For other uses, see
Fred Davis .
Fred Henry Davis
In office Preceded by Rivers H. Buford Succeeded by James B. Whitfield In office Appointed by Doyle E. Carlton Preceded by Louie W. Strum Succeeded by Roy H. Chapman In office Governor John W. Martin Doyle E. Carlton Preceded by J. B. Johnson Succeeded by Cary D. Landis In office Preceded by A. Y. Milam Succeeded by Samuel W. Getzen In office In office Appointed by Sidney Johnston Catts In office
Born (1894-05-18 ) May 18, 1894Greenville, South Carolina , USDied June 20, 1937(1937-06-20) (aged 43)Jacksonville, Florida , US Political party Democratic Spouse
Frances M. Chambers
(
m. 1921)
Children 1 Occupation Attorney Allegiance United States Branch/service Florida Army National Guard Years of service 1917–1927 Rank Major Unit 124th Infantry Regiment Commands Governor's Guards Battles/wars World War I
Fred Henry Davis (May 18, 1894 – June 20, 1937) was an American attorney and politician from the state of Florida , serving as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida from 1933 until 1935.[ 1]
Early life and military service
Davis was born on May 18, 1894, in Greenville, South Carolina , though he settled in Tallahassee, Florida , with his family at an early age. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1914 and became a practicing attorney in Wakulla County, Florida .[ 2]
In 1917, Davis, a Democrat , became the Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida . He resigned the same year to enlist in the Florida Army National Guard , serving as a private with the 124th Infantry during World War I , though he did not go overseas with the American Expeditionary Force . On December 10, 1918, Davis was discharged from the United States Army and was sent to Camp Hancock , near Augusta, Georgia , to begin his officers' training.[ 3]
Davis quickly worked his way up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant and later a major in the Army Reserve Corps .[ 4] Governor's Guards , a historic infantry unit dating back to the Third Seminole War . Davis retired from the military in 1927.[ 3] [ 5]
Political career
After his return to Florida from Camp Hancock in 1919, Davis was appointed as the Prosecuting Attorney for Leon County, Florida , by Governor Sidney Johnson Catts .[ 6] Florida House of Representatives , representing Leon County.
He was re-elected in 1922 and 1924. Davis also served as the special counsel for the Florida Railroad Commission in 1925[ 6] Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives in 1927. He would only serve for a few months, however, as he was appointed the 24th Florida Attorney General on June 4, 1927, by Governor John W. Martin , finishing the term of J. B. Johnson , who had been appointed to a state circuit court . Davis was elected to a full term in 1928.[ 1] [ 7]
On March 9, 1931, Governor Doyle E. Carlton appointed Davis to the Supreme Court of Florida.[ 8] Chief Justice on January 10, 1933, serving in that role until January 8, 1935. He continued to serve on the bench until his death in 1937.[ 9]
Personal life
In 1921, Davis married Frances M. Chambers. They had two daughters.
Davis was a practicing Methodist . He was a member of many veterans' organizations , including the American Legion , the Military Order of the World Wars , the Reserve Officers Association , and the Sons of Confederate Veterans . Additionally, Davis was also a member of several fraternal orders , namely the Freemasons , the Knights Templar , the Shriners , Elks , Lions , Odd Fellows , and Phi Alpha Delta .[ 2]
Death
On June 20, 1937, Davis died of a sudden heart attack while on a visit to Jacksonville, Florida .
References
