Samuel Davis Wilson

Samuel Davis Wilson (August 31, 1881 – August 19, 1939) was an American politician; he served as the 86th Mayor of Philadelphia from 1936 until his death in 1939.

Early life and career Wilson was born in Boston in 1881. He was educated at the Phillips Exeter Academy.

Career He moved to Philadelphia in 1905

He entered the 1935 race for mayor as a Republican after the Democratic Party selected John B. Kelly Sr., a former Olympic rower and the father of Grace Kelly. With the unusually strong challenge from Kelly, Wilson's campaign at one point resorted to antisemitic rhetoric, accusing Kelly of being beholden to Jewish interests. Wilson won the election, but by only 45,000 votes. This was one of the closest elections in Philadelphia history Wilson made overtures to Black political self-determination as mayor, accepting invitations to speak at the National Negro Congress The race wasn't close and Earle won handily by over 500,000 votes with Davis failing to carry any wards in Philadelphia.