Davis started his political career as an unsuccessful candidate for the Indiana Senate in 1828. He instead became a state court judge in Indiana from 1829 to 1831. He was elected a member of the Indiana House of Representatives four times, serving terms beginning in 1831, 1841, 1851, and 1857.[1] He was Speaker of the Indiana House from 1832 to 1833 and again from 1841 to 1842 and 1851 to 1852.[1]
Davis was appointed to the office of Governor of the Oregon Territory in 1853 by President Franklin Pierce.[2] His appointment was not welcomed by Oregonians, however, and he left office just over a year later, with the position returning to his predecessor, Secretary of the Territory George Law Curry.
Death
Davis died in Carlisle, Indiana, on August 22, 1859.[1] He was buried at City Cemetery in Carlisle.[1]
