Scope and Content Note
The papers of James J. Davis (1873-1947) span the years 1895-1946, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1931-1946. The collection consists of thirteen series: Diaries , Loyal Order of Moose Correspondence , Patronage Correspondence , Political Correspondence , Family Correspondence , Special File , Financial File , Book File , Speeches and Articles , Scrapbooks and Personal Miscellany , Printed Matter , Photographs and Cartoons , and Oversize .
The Diaries include desk diaries and a register of constituents. The three correspondence series and Special File relate to political matters, constituent services, job seekers, and to his activities as a founder, organizer, and director general of the Loyal Order of Moose. Correspondents include Rhys J. Davies, Homer L. Ferguson, Herbert Hoover, and Andrew W. Mellon.
The Special File includes files on Davis's senatorial campaign in 1931; the United States Congress Senate Select Committee on Senatorial Campaign Expenditures investigation, headed by Gerald P. Nye, of his campaign expenses; and a legal case where he was the defendant, United States v. Davis, the Loyal Order of Moose lottery trial. The Speeches and Articles includes Davis's writings and speeches about labor relations, unemployment, social security, various political campaigns, and a draft of his unpublished book, "The History of Strikes."