Robert Atkinson Davis | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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Robert Atkinson Davis

Robert Atkinson Davis, businessman, politician, premier of Manitoba 1874-78 (b at Dudswell, Qué 9 Mar 1841; d at Phoenix, Ariz 7 Jan 1903). Davis came to Winnipeg in May 1870 and bought a downtown hotel, which he named Davis House.

Davis, Robert Atkinson

Robert Atkinson Davis, businessman, politician, premier of Manitoba 1874-78 (b at Dudswell, Qué 9 Mar 1841; d at Phoenix, Ariz 7 Jan 1903). Davis came to Winnipeg in May 1870 and bought a downtown hotel, which he named Davis House. Elected an MLA in April 1874, Davis was appointed provincial treasurer that July and succeeded Marc GIRARD as premier on 3 December 1874. Davis emphasized economy and retrenchment, negotiated better financial terms with Ottawa, and abolished the Legislative Council. Davis retired from politics after resigning the premiership 15 October 1878, sold his property in Winnipeg and removed to Chicago, where he became a wealthy businessman.