Davis was born in
Northborough, Massachusetts, graduated from
Brown University in 1822, studied law until admitted to the bar in 1825, and began the practice in
Worcester, Massachusetts, where he soon rose to eminence. He was, from 1843 to 1854, a member of the
Massachusetts Senate, and three times mayor of Worcester from 1856 to 1859, in 1858, and 1861. Davis also served on the boards of various banks and railroad companies. Davis was a promoter of popular education. From 1838 to 1851 Davis was on the board of trustees of
Brown University, and became a Fellow in 1851; Davis also was a trustee of Columbian College (now
George Washington University),
Norwich University, and Waterville College (now
Colby College). Davis served as first President of the
Worcester Academy Board of Trustees, from 1834 to 1873, and for some time was an active member of the
Massachusetts Board of Education. He was president of the
Worcester County Horticultural Society from 1844 to 1848. He was elected a member of the
American Antiquarian Society in 1841, and later served on its board of councilors from 1850 to 1883. Davis died in
Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1883. == See also ==