Milford has produced seven state governors. In this series, Milford Times will delve into the men and women who led our state who called Milford home. The first governor from Milford, Jehu Davis, served as governor prior to the ratification of the US Constitution.
When Governor Jehu Davis served as leader of Delaware, his actual title was “President.” He took the office after Thomas Collins, serving just a few months from March 1789 to June 1789.
Born in Worcester County, Maryland in 1738, Davis was the son of Thomas Davis. His paternal grandfather was born in Wales. Davis moved to Laurel where he married Rhoda Laws. The couple purchased “McSparren,” a farm about three miles west of Milford. They had eight children – Isaac, John, Henry, Sarah, Rhoda, Nancy, Joshua and William. After Rhoda passed away, Davis married Sarah Douglas.
Davis was a successful planter when the Revolutionary War began. He was a member of the local militia and served as Justice of the Peace starting in 1777. He was elected to the first state house, known as the House of Assembly, and served until 1780. He was elected again to serve from 1782 to 1784 and again from 1786 to 1790.
During his time in the assembly, Davis became a respected leader which is why he was selected to serve as acting governor.
When Collins died in office, the speaker’s seat was vacant and Davis became president. The Delaware General Assembly held a special vote to choose a replacement on June 2, 1789, and he was replaced by Joshua Clayton.
Davis served as the leader of the state when George Washington was inaugurated into office. While serving as governor, Washington traveled through Wilmington, which was the capital of Delaware at the time, on his way to New York for the inauguration during Davis’ term. After leaving the governor’s seat and the House of Assembly, Davis served as a judge of the Court of Common Pleas from 1789 to 1792 and as a Justice of the Peace from 1793 until his death.
Davis died at his home of apoplexy in 1802 and was buried at Christ Episcopal Church Cemetery. That cemetery no longer exists as it was paved over by Milford Harrington Highway. There are no known portraits of Davis.
