Martin L. Davey

Martin Luther Davey
Martin Luther Davey
	Charles Landon Knight
Succeeded by	Francis Seiberling
Personal details
Born	July 25, 1884; Kent, Ohio, U.S.
Died	March 31, 1946 (aged 61); Kent, Ohio, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Berenice Chrisman
Children	3
Alma mater	Oberlin College

Martin Luther Davey (July 25, 1884 – March 31, 1946) was an American

governor of Ohio

.

Childhood

Davey was born in Kent, Ohio, in 1884. His father was John Davey, better known as the tree doctor and founder of the Davey Tree Expert Company. His mother was Bertha Reeves, the daughter of a minister. Martin was one of seven children. His sister Mary and another sibling died before reaching maturity. His surviving siblings were Belle, Wellington, James (Jim), and Paul.

Their family struggled with money, leading the young Martin to start making and selling his own horseradish as a child. All of the profits from this went to help his family. He also helped with his father’s farm and greenhouse. He was an excellent salesman, developing friendships with his customers.

He attended a country fair where he heard the famous "Cross of Gold" speech given by William Jennings Bryan. This led to him wanting to be a politician.

Education

Davey graduated from

track team

. He was third in his class, when he stopped his education to help found the family business. He returned to school for a time, until he met and married his wife. The marriage and birth of their first child ended his school career.

Political career

Davey was elected mayor of Kent, serving from 1913 to 1918. In 1918, he was elected to the

Elsworth R. Bathrick. He was re-elected in November, but lost another bid for re-election in 1920. He was re-elected in 1922, 1924 and 1926. In 1928, Davey ran for governor, but was defeated. He ran again in 1934, and won two two-year terms before being defeated in a bid for renomination in 1938 by Charles W. Sawyer

. He was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1940, but lost to incumbent Gov. John Bricker.

Family

In 1907 Martin married Berenice Chrisman of Kent. They had three children: Evangeline, Mary Bernice, and Martin Luther Jr.

Mary Bernice died in childhood. Evangeline married Alexander M. Smith. Martin L. Jr. went on to work at the family business.

Legacy

Davey's family was known for their company, The Davey Tree Expert Company (founded 1880), located in Kent, Ohio.

The Davey Beef Building (erected in 1977 but no longer standing) at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair in Columbus, Ohio, was named in honor of Davey.

References

Pfleger, Robert E. (1977). Green Leaves A History of the Davey Tree Expert Company.

ISBN 978-0-87106-081-5

.

ASIN B002MH472G

.

United States Congress. "Martin L. Davey (id: D000080)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

External links

Media related to Martin L. Davey at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Governors and lieutenant governors of Ohio
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