Virginia Governor. Davis was born on a ship en route to Liverpool. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute, received a law degree from Columbia University, and became wealthy as a New York City attorney. In 1903 he purchased an estate and working farm called Morven Park, where he introduced scientific reforms to improve productivity and sanitation. Davis was head of the Virginia State Farmers Institute from 1908 to 1915, and in 1912 he bought "Southern Planter", one of the most popular publications in the South. Davis used the magazine to advocate for farm reforms and lobby for increased government aid to farmers. In 1917 he ran for Governor, winning a narrow victory in the Democratic primary and defeating the Republican nominee in the general election. As Governor, Davis worked for increased state funding for colleges and agricultural programs. After leaving office in 1922 he served again as president of the Virginia State Farmers Institute from 1923 to 1924 and 1941 to 1942. He was also a member of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute Board of Directors and President of the Virginia State Fair Association. In 1955 his wife established the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, and in 1967 Morven Park was opened to the public. Today it contains a museum of agriculture, a carriage museum, and a museum of hounds and hunting, and is home to steeplechases and the America's Cup polo tournament.
Virginia Governor. Davis was born on a ship en route to Liverpool. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute, received a law degree from Columbia University, and became wealthy as a New York City attorney. In 1903 he purchased an estate and working farm called Morven Park, where he introduced scientific reforms to improve productivity and sanitation. Davis was head of the Virginia State Farmers Institute from 1908 to 1915, and in 1912 he bought "Southern Planter", one of the most popular publications in the South. Davis used the magazine to advocate for farm reforms and lobby for increased government aid to farmers. In 1917 he ran for Governor, winning a narrow victory in the Democratic primary and defeating the Republican nominee in the general election. As Governor, Davis worked for increased state funding for colleges and agricultural programs. After leaving office in 1922 he served again as president of the Virginia State Farmers Institute from 1923 to 1924 and 1941 to 1942. He was also a member of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute Board of Directors and President of the Virginia State Fair Association. In 1955 his wife established the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation, and in 1967 Morven Park was opened to the public. Today it contains a museum of agriculture, a carriage museum, and a museum of hounds and hunting, and is home to steeplechases and the America's Cup polo tournament.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Family Members
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Records on Ancestry
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