Near Soldiers Grove in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

James Davidson

Photographed by Greta Schassler, May 2, 2026

1. James Davidson Marker

Inscription. Product of a small American community, James O. Davidson's life illustrates the romance of citizenship in a democracy. Born 1854 in Norway, where he received little formal education, he emigrated in 1872 and was a farmer and tailor before coming in 1877 to Soldiers Grove. A leading merchant here for twenty-three years, "Yim" was village president, village treasurer, assemblyman, state treasurer and lieutenant-governor before he attained the governorship, 1906-1911. As governor, he introduced the law providing for bank examiners and promoted legislation giving the railroad commission jurisdiction over most public utilities. He was visionary and popular without being spectacular. He had strong convictions, cool judgment and keen administrative ability. He died December 16, 1922 and was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison.

Erected 1961 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 112.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Norwegian-Americans, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 16, 1922.

Location. 43° 23.15′ N, 90°

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45.773′ W. Marker is near Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. It is on Pine Street (U.S. 61) north of Sunbeam Boulevard / Halverson Ridge Road, on the left when traveling south. Marker is south of Soldiers Grove at a highway pull-off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Soldiers Grove WI 54655, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Corn Belt,

in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Soldiers Grove Origin (approx. 0.9 miles away); Beauford T. Anderson (approx. 4.1 miles away); Gays Mills Apple Orchards (approx. 6.3 miles away); Cliff Swallows (approx. 6.4 miles away); Gays Mills Sesquicentennial (approx. 6.4 miles away); Black Hawk Trail (approx. 10.1 miles away); John McCulloch (approx. 10.4 miles away); Jeremiah McLain Rusk (approx. 12.9 miles away).

Also see . . . James O. Davidson. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on June 8, 2010.)

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

2. James Davidson Marker

Photographed by Keith L, June 6, 2010

3. James Davidson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,358 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 2, 2026, by Greta Schassler of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.