Daniel Franklin Davis (September 12, 1843 – January 9, 1897) was an American politician and the 37th Governor of Maine.
Early life
Davis was born in Freedom, Maine, on September 12, 1843.[1] He entered the East Corinth Academy in 1863 but after a few weeks he enlisted in the Union Army to fight in the Civil War.[1]
Davis became a member of the Maine House of Representatives in 1871.[1] He held that position for four years.[1] He then became a member of the Maine Senate in 1875.[1] He held that position until 1879.[1] In 1879, he was nominated for the governorship by the Maine Republican Party.[1] In the general election no candidate received a majority of the vote, so the election moved to the Legislature, which selected Davis.[1] He served from January 17, 1880, to January 13, 1881.[1] During his administration, the enforcement of the prohibition law was contested. Davis was not successful in his re-election bid.[1]
Later life
After leaving office, Davis served as the federal collector of customs for the port of Bangor from 1882 to 1886.[1] He died in Bangor on January 9, 1897, and was buried at Corinthian Cemetery in Corinth.
Family
In 1867, Davis married Laura B. Goodwin of East Corinth; they were the parents of eight children, five of whom lived to adulthood.[1]