Delos Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Delos Davis
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| Born | August 4, 1846 Maryland
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| Died | 1915 Near Amherstburg
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Years active | 1873–1911 |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Jane Mitchell (married 1868–1893), Mary Jane Banks (married 1907) |
Delos Rogest Davis (born August 4, 1846 – died 1915) was a very important Canadian lawyer. He was the third Black lawyer in Canada. He also became the first Black person to be named a King's Counsel. This was a special title given to experienced lawyers.
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Who Was Delos Davis?
Delos Davis was a pioneering Black lawyer in Canada. He faced many challenges to achieve his dream. His life story shows how determination can help you reach your goals. He opened doors for many others who came after him.
Early Life and Family
Delos Davis was born in Maryland in 1846. When he was young, his family moved to Canada. They settled in the Colchester Township area of Ontario. His father, James Davis, had been a slave in Virginia. James found freedom in Canada through the Underground Railroad in 1850. Delos grew up in this new home, learning and dreaming big.
A Dream to Become a Lawyer
Delos started his career as a school teacher. But he had a bigger dream: he wanted to become a lawyer. He began studying law with two lawyers in Windsor, Gordon Watts Leggatt and Charles Robert Horne. This was a big step towards his goal.
In 1868, Delos married Nancy Jane Mitchell. In 1873, he became a notary public. This meant he could legally witness signatures and documents.
Overcoming Challenges
Becoming a lawyer was not easy for Delos. He could not find a law office willing to let him train with them. This was a common problem for Black people at the time. But Delos did not give up.
In 1884, a special law was passed just for him. This law allowed Delos to take a test to become a solicitor. A solicitor is a type of lawyer who advises clients. He passed the test! Later, another special law allowed him to become a barrister. A barrister is a lawyer who argues cases in court. On November 15, 1886, Delos Davis officially became a lawyer.
Making History: King's Counsel
After becoming a lawyer, Delos Davis opened his own law office. He started practicing law in Amherstburg in 1887. From 1900 to 1905, he worked with his son, Frederick Homer Alphonso. His son also became a lawyer after studying at Osgoode Hall.
In 1907, Delos married Mary Jane Banks. His first wife, Nancy, had passed away earlier.
On November 10, 1910, Delos Davis made history again. The government of Ontario named him a King's Council. This was a very high honor for a lawyer. He was the first Black person to receive this title in the entire British Empire. This included countries like the United Kingdom and Canada.
His Legacy
Delos Davis retired from practicing law in 1909. He passed away at his home near Amherstburg in 1915. Delos Davis is remembered as a brave and determined person. He broke down barriers and showed that anything is possible with hard work. His achievements paved the way for future Black lawyers in Canada.
