This is a photo of a political watch fob. It advertises the November 1904 presidential campaign of Alton B. Parker, New York and his running mate for vice-president Henry Gassaway Davis, West Virginia.
Mr. Parker was the Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals; Mr. Davis was a former Senator and was age 80 when ask to be the running mate. Mr. Davis was chosen as a running mate as it was thought he could deliver West Virginia to the Democratic Party. These men were running as Democratic candidates. The fob was meant to resemble a railroad baggage tag with the candidate’s destination being Washington, D.C. These men were not successful for their bid for election. As is well know, this same Mr. Davis selected the site for the founding of the town of Davis. He, along with his brother, Thomas Davis owned vast amounts of land which they intended to timber and mine. They did this quite successful. The first residents of Davis lived in a Box Car for the first winter. The City of Thomas was named after Thomas Davis who was the brother of Henry Gassaway Davis. Ideas or comments contact Tim Turner (304) 478-3389.