(1756-1820)
William R. Davie was born in England and emigrated to South Carolina when he was a boy.
Davie attended college in North Carolina and New Jersey, graduating with honors.
He studied law in North Carolina and practiced there until 1787.
During the 1780s, he also served in the military, a career he enjoyed.
Davie favored the Great Compromise, the indirect election of senators and the president, and felt strongly that slaves should be counted when determining representation.
Davie did not sign the Constitution but did work for ratification.
After the convention, he served as governor of North Carolina, as a state legislator, and as a peace commissioner to France, among other offices.
Davie was one of the founders of the University of North Carolina.
