Samuel Davies (clergyman)

Samuel Davies
4th President of Princeton University
In office
1759–1761
Preceded byJacob Green (acting)
Succeeded bySamuel Finley
Personal details
Born(1723-11-03)November 3, 1723
New Castle County, Delaware Colony
DiedFebruary 4, 1761(1761-02-04) (aged 37)
Princeton, Province of New Jersey
Spouse(s)Sarah Kilpatrick (1746–1747); Jane Holt (1748–1761)
Children6, including William
ProfessionEvangelist, University President, Poet, Hymnist

Samuel Davies (November 3, 1723 – February 4, 1761)[1] was an evangelist and Presbyterian minister. Davies ministered in Hanover County from 1748 to 1759, followed by a term as the fourth President of Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, from 1759 to 1761. Davies was one of the first non-Anglican preachers in Virginia, and one of earliest missionaries to slaves in the Thirteen Colonies. He was a strong advocate for religious freedom, and helped to institute significant religious reforms in the colony.[2] Davies was also a prolific writer, authoring several hymns and publishing a book of poetry. He advocated for providing religious education to slaves.

  1. ^ Whitley, William Bland. "Samuel Davies (1723–1761)". Encyclopedia Virginia. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 14 May 2012.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference bondage was invoked but never defined (see the help page).