Samuel Davis began his career as an English soldier before transitioning into diplomacy, ultimately taking on the role of director at the East India Company (EIC). His association with the EIC positioned him at the forefront of British colonial ambitions in South Asia during a period marked by substantial growth and dominance. Throughout his tenure, Davis was involved in administrative and governance activities that helped shape the course of British engagement within the region.

In addition to his own achievements, Samuel Davis is recognized for his notable family legacy. He was the father of John Francis Davis, a key figure in British colonial history who served as the Chief Superintendent of British Trade in China and subsequently as the second governor of Hong Kong. This familial connection demonstrates the Davis family's ongoing participation in British colonial administration across generations.

In his capacity as a director of the East India Company, Davis played a role in steering the organization’s management and strategic direction at a time when the EIC was a dominant player in international trade and politics. The company functioned not only as a commercial entity but also as a governing authority, administering vast territories in India and elsewhere. Serving as a director required him to confront intricate political and economic issues on both local and international fronts.

While Samuel Davis began his professional life in the military, his shift toward diplomacy and administration illustrates the adaptability required of many colonial officials of his era. His involvement with the EIC, along with his family's continued role in the British overseas administration, reflects broader trends of influence and public service among the leading British families of his day.