The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1916-03-20
Venerable Citizen, a Brilliant
Lawyer and Leader of Eel
lows in Lies Activities.
AN IDEAL LIFE ENDED
One Of the Founders of the
Commonwealth Whose Peo-
pie Deeply Mourn Death.

The venerable John J. Davis, one OK
the most prominent figures in the
legal profession and in the political
History Of West Virginia, and father OF
John W. Davis. solicitor general OF
the United States. passed away late
Sunday afternoon at his home on Lee
street In this city after an illness Of
several months. In his elghtieth year.
Arterlo cirOBiE was described by
the physicians az the cause Of Mr.,
DRviB'S death. The end came with
practically every member Of his fame
lily surrounding his bedside.
MIR. Davis was son OF John and
Eliza a. tSteenl Davis and was born
In this city May 5, 1895. He was edU-
Gated ut tho Northwestern Virginia
Academy, An academic school OF 0arly
times here, which turned out many
graduates who became renowned. He
began the study OF law under Judge
George u. Lee here at the age Of
years and also attended Broken
hrough's law school at Lexington, va
TIa was admitted to practice at the
age Of 20. Within d few years, or In
1861, his ability secured his election
To the Virginia House OF Delegates
but this was the period Of the Civil
war aud northwest Virginia refused to
part OF the state and did not Join The
ConfedGracy. AS result, Mr. Davis
was a member of the second lNesl
Virginia convention of 1861 which Wa
instrumental in organizing the new
state
In 1870, Mr.. Davis was chossn
member OF the West Virginia legisla
turG. His Democratic constituents 50
far approved his legislative career
that he was elected to the national
House OF Representatives for. the
Fnrty-sacdnd Congress- and again 81
the Fnrty-thiEd Congress, re Nifs
twice prosid Dental plebtof from West
Virginia when General Mcclellan and
Grover Cleveland were candidates HI
served ON the board OF visitors OF the
West Point Military Academy Us re
gent OF the West Virginia UNIVERSITY
nd as a director OF the state insane
hospital at Weston. IA number pt
years ago Mr.. Davis took his SON,
John W., Into partnership in the prisc
tide of law under the fifm name OF
Davis and Davis. which bfanehed out
until now II enjoys The most extensive
law practice ot any firm in tllc cen
trial part OF the state. The SON con
tinued actively with the tIrn until he
was elected TO Congress In 1910. In
which capacity he served part Of
second term or until he. was appointed
solicitor general by President Wilson
The senior Mr.. Davis was an elder in
the Central presbyt terrain church OF
the southern denomination in which
he took an active part and at times
allied the pulpit in the absence of tho
pastor. lie was q prominent member
OF the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masonsi filling! all or the chairs IN the
local Blue Lodge. lie was also grand
dictator OF the West Virginia Grand
lodge 90 the Knights OF Honor.
When compelled by illness to leave
his Office. Mr.. Davis was the senior In
the law firm Of Davis. swartz and Tenn
tleman. and WINS the oldest nracticlpe
lawyer both in age and in number OF
years OF practice, In the Rtnte Of West
Virginia. His legal career was one OF
continuous success Possessing aa he
did the judicial temperament an apti-
stude for graphing with detail broad
and comprehensive grasp of every
question submitted for his rnnsidera-
tipn, and d style OF argument ever log
ica1. forcible and clear, AR. Davis
made himself a legal power to be
feared by opposing counsel az the bar
and to be, trusted implicitly by his
clients. AT the Harrison county bar,
which for tire generations has ranked
higher in ability and power than per
'haps any, other in the state, Mr.. Davis
has long been regarded as one OF the
leaders. Inieed. 1t Is doubtful II there
Is living in West Virginia today d law.
yer who has stronger grasp OF the
principles or his profession aud who
was better able 20 put his knowledge
into actual practice than had Mr.
Davis.
August "a. 1862. DIR. Davis and Miss
Anna Kennedy OF Baltimore. Md,
member OF q well known Maryland
family, were married. Six children
were born 10 them, OF whom four are
living. the other two having died In
infancy. The living children are
Lille. wife OF John IA. Preston. OF
LawiHburg; Anna. wife OF the Rev. II -
q. Richardson. Presbyterian min
ffonffnued on nane an