Winfield J. Davis (1851-1909) came with his family from New York to California in 1862. He was active in California political affairs and was elected to the state legislature, where he served from 1884-1890. In 1891 he was elected a member of the Board of Education of Sacramento. He wrote extensively on historical and political subjects related to California, and he is perhaps best known as the author of History of political conventions in California, 1849-1892.
From the description of Papers of Winfield Davis, 1871-1909. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122570734