Samuel H. Davis (civil rights leader)

Samuel H. Davis (August 13, 1810 – 1907)^[1] was a religious and civil rights leader in the United States. He was a pastor at the Michigan Street Baptist Church and chaired the National Convention of Colored Citizens of America held in Buffalo, New York from August 15 to August 19, 1843.^[2][3][4]

Michigan Street Baptist Church

Davis was born in Temple Mills, Maine. He lived in Buffalo, New York.^[5][6]

Davis studied at Oberlin College in Ohio. Afterwards he spent time in Windsor, Canada before returning to Buffalo. He worked as a mason. He taught at a Buffalo school for African Americans.^[7] Davis was the fifth pastor of the Michigan Street Baptist Church, reached the funding level needed for a church building for the congregation, and built much of it himself.^[8] The church was a stop on the Underground Railroad. In 2011, signage was unveiled at the church commemorating its history and Samuel H. Davis. Attendees included his descendants.^[9]