Walter Naylor Davis

Walter Naylor Davis (November 29, 1876 – September 16, 1951) was a Democratic politician from the state of Missouri. He was the state's 34th Lieutenant Governor[1] and a former commissioner of the Missouri Supreme Court.[2]

Walter Naylor Davis
34th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri
In office
January 8, 1945 – January 10, 1949
GovernorPhil M. Donnelly
Preceded byFrank G. Harris
Succeeded byJames T. Blair, Jr.
Personal details
Born(1876-11-29)November 29, 1876
St. Louis County, Missouri
DiedSeptember 16, 1951(1951-09-16) (aged 74)
Political partyDemocratic
ProfessionAttorney

Personal history

Davis was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Judge Alexander Davis and Alice (Edwards) Davis. He had two brothers and three sisters. Davis' father had been a Colonel in the 5th Division of the Missouri State Guards during the Civil War.[3] and later a judge in the Montana Territory before returning to St. Louis and practicing law.[4] Davis received his secondary education at Smith Academy (St. Louis), graduating in 1894. He received his college degree from Vanderbilt University in 1898, and law degree from Saint Louis University in 1900. In 1901 he married Roberta Randolph Morrison.[5] Davis practiced law as a partner in the firm of Bates, Blodgett, Williams & Davis. He died September 16, 1951 and is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis.

Political history

Davis made his first foray into elective politics in 1916 by running for a circuit judge position in St. Louis County. However he was soundly defeated by his Republican opponent. He served twice as a commissioner of the Missouri Supreme Court, first in 1923, then again from 1927 to 1931[2] In 1944 Davis won a narrow victory to become Missouri's 34th Lieutenant Governor.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Election 1944
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican James G. Blaine 761,568 49.05%
Democratic Walter Naylor Davis 789,517 50.85% Winner

[6]

References
  1. Lawrence Kestenbaum. "Index to Politicians: Davis, U to Z". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  2. "Former Commissioners of the Supreme Court". Courts.mo.gov. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  3. "Our First 100 Years 1899". Pricecamp.org. 1987-06-27. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  4. Stevens, Walter Barlow (1921-01-01). Centennial History of Missouri (the Center State) One Hundred Years in the Union, 1820-1921. S.J. Clarke.
  5. "Walter Naylor Davis". Pricecamp.org. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
  6. "MO Lt. Governor Race - Nov 07, 1944". Our Campaigns. Retrieved 2011-01-29.
Political offices
Preceded by
Frank G. Harris		 Lieutenant Governor of Missouri
1945–1949		 Succeeded by
James T. Blair, Jr.
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