William H. Davidson (motorcyclist)

William Herbert Davidson
Born(1905-09-02)September 2, 1905
DiedMay 18, 1992(1992-05-18) (aged 87)
Elm Grove, Wisconsin
Alma materUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
Occupation(s)President of Harley-Davidson, 1942–1971
RelativesWilliam A. Davidson, father
Willie G. Davidson

William Herbert Davidson[1] (September 2, 1905 – May 18, 1992, Elm Grove, Wisconsin) was president of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles from 1942 to 1971.[2] His father, William A. Davidson (1870–1937), was one of the company founders and his sons, John A. Davidson (1935–2019) was a company president and Willie G. Davidson was a company vice-president.[3][4]

In 1930 he won the AMA National Enduro Champion title.[5]

Davidson was inducted to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.[5]

References

  1. ^ Davidson, Jean (Jun 1, 2003). "Davidson Clan Family Tree". Growing Up Harley-Davidson: Memoirs of a Motorcycle Dynasty. Voyageur Press. pp. 16–17. ISBN 0-8965-8569-7. Retrieved 2012-08-01.
  2. ^ Parks, Dan (20 May 1992), "Former Harley President Davidson dies", Milwaukee Sentinel, p. 5A
  3. ^ "WILLIAM DAVIDSON, MOTORCYCLE MAKER: Harley-Davidson Vice President and a Veteran in His Field Dead in Milwaukee; INVENTED MACHINE IN 1903; One of 3 Brothers Who Joined a Chum in Enterprise That Started in Small Shed", The New York Times, April 22, 1937
  4. ^ Schuyler, David (November 26, 2019). "John Davidson was president of Harley-Davidson during turbulent AMF days". Milwaukee Business Journal.
  5. ^ a b William H. Davidson at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame