C. H. "Sammy" Downs

Davis was born in Effie, Louisiana, the son of Callie McCann and U. T. Downs, a mayor and sheriff. He attended Louisiana Christian University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1932.^[1] He then attended Louisiana State University, where he earned his law and master's degree.^[1] Downs taught athletics at the Glenmora High School, and was the head teacher at the Cheneyville High School.^[1]

In 1944, Downs was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, serving until 1948.^[2] In that year, Downs was elected to the Louisiana State Senate,^[3] succeeding Grove Stafford.^[3] In 1952, Downs was succeeded by John R. Hunter Jr.^[3] He then succeeded Hunter in 1956.^[3] Downs was succeeded by Cecil R. Blair in 1960.^[3] He was later the executive counsel for the 49th Governor of Louisiana, John McKeithen.^[1] Downs was the chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party. In 1964 was one of the master of ceremonies at John McKeithen's inauguration.^[4]

According to Life magazine, McKeithen described Downs as "the only Mafia link I know of in my administration".^[5] Davis was involved in 1973 in a case involving the Shoup Voting Machine Corporation which resulted in a hung jury.^[6][7]

Downs died in May 1985 at the Rapides General Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana, at the age of 73.^[1] He was buried in Greenwood Memorial Park.^[8]