Manuscript Division James J. Davis

James J. Davis

Collection

Identifier: MSS17913

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and speeches about labor relations, unemployment, social security, various political campaigns, and a draft of his unpublished book, "The History of Strikes."

Dates

Creation: 1895-1946
Creation: Majority of material found within ( 1921-1945)

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access and Restrictions

The papers of James J. Davis are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of James J. Davis in these papers and in other collections of papers in the custody of the Library of Congress has been dedicated to the public.

Biographical Note

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1873, Oct. 27: Born James J. Davies, Tredagar, Wales
1881: Immigrated to the United States with his parents
1884: Apprenticed as a puddler's assistant in iron works, Sharon, Pa.
1893 - 1902: Moved to Elwood, Ind., and worked as city clerk
1903 - 1907: Recorder, Madison County, Ind.
1907 - 1947: Active with the Loyal Order of Moose, serving as supreme organizer and director general
1914: Married Jean Rodenbaugh
1921 - 1930: Secretary of labor in the Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover administrations
1931 - 1945: Senator from Pennsylvania
1942: Ran unsuccessfully for govenor of Pennsylvania
1947: Administrative assistant to Senator William Langer of North Dakota
1947, Nov. 22: Died, Takoma Park, Md.

Extent

13,000 items
56 containers
3 oversize
22.4 linear feet

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Additional Description

Abstract

U. S. secretary of labor and senator from Pennsylvania. Correspondence, diaries, speeches and writings, investgation files, financial papers, scrapbooks, photographs, and printed matter relating to Davis's service as secretary of labor in three Republican presidential administrations, his tenure as senator from Pennsylvania, and as organizer and leader of the Loyal Order of Moose.

Arrangement of the Papers

This collection is arranged in thirteen series:

Catalog Record

https://lccn.loc.gov/mm78017913

Provenance

The papers of James J. Davis, U. S. secretary of labor and senator from Pennsylvania, were given to the Library of Congress by James J. Davis, Jr., Jane Schoeller, Jean A. Davis, Joan E. Hurt, and Jewel D. McGuire in 1955.