DAVIS, John W., statesman, born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17 July 1799; died in Carlisle, Indiana, 22 August 1859. He received a classical education, studied medicine, and was graduated at the Baltimore medical College in 1821, removing in 1823 to Carlisle, Ind. He was for several years a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, being chosen speaker in 1832. In 1834 he was appointed a commissioner to negotiate a treaty with the Indians. He was elected to congress by the democrats, and served from 7 December 1835, till 3 March 1837, was reelected and again served from 1839 till 1841, mid from 1843 till 1847. During his last term he was speaker of the House of Representatives, having been elected 1 December 1845. He was U. S. commissioner to China in 1848'50, and governor of Oregon in 1853'4. He presided over the convention held at Baltimore in 1852 that nominated Franklin Pierce for the presidency,