Davis, William Henry

William Henry Davis

Wellington - Nelson - Christchurch - Auckland

William Henry Davis born 21 September 1837, London, England the son of Elizabeth Mose and William Henry Whitmore Davis, [Mother-of-Pearl turner, later photographer], arrived New Zealand about May 1858 aged about 20 years, died on 30 August 1875 at sea, New Zealand aged 37 years.

Wellington - May 1858 to December 1859
Sydney - December 1859 to August 1860
Nelson - August 1860 to December 1864
England - 1865 
Nelson - December 1865 - December 1873
Christchurch - December 1873 to November 1874
Auckland - 1875 

Wellington
May 1858 to December 1859




 Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1293, 19 May 1858
This notice dated 10 May 1858 first appeared in the Wellington Independent on 12 May 1858.

Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1295, 26 May 1858

Swan and Davis

Lambton Quay, Wellington

about 3 August 1858 to 11 December 1858

Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1310, 4 August 1858

Photographic Portrait Lottery.
The photographich (sic) portrait and picture lottery, advertised by Messrs. Swan and Davis closes on Friday the 22nd inst. The drawing will take place in the Lyceum Theatre at 8 o'clock. We believe there are a few tickets yet undisposed of, and such of our readers as have neglected to purchase had better do so quickly.

The numerous views of Wellington, taken by these artists, afford a very easy method of conveying an impression of the extent and character of our town to friends in England; and, being transmissible by the post, ought to meet with a ready sale, if for this purpose only.

Being in the daily habit of witnessing the commencement of new buildings and the fencing and cultivation going on around us, the progress so rapidly being made, does not strike ordinary observers as it does those who have been absent a few months.

The sun pictures of Messrs. Swan and Davis have surprised most who have seen them because they present to the eye the extent over which the town is daily spreading. The clearness of these views, and the faithfulness and finish of the portraits are too well known and appreciated to need notice from us; but render the reasons all the greater, why the efforts of these young artists should be well rewarded.

Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1319, 23 October 1858

Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1319, 11 December 1858



W. Davis
Lambton Quay, Wellington
December 1858 - November 1859

Wellington Independent, Volume X, Issue 1319, 29 December 1858

Wellington Independent, Volume XII, Issue 8, 15 January 1859

Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1319, 29 January 1859

Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1327, 22 April 1859

 

Lyttelton Times, Volume XI, Issue 683, 25 May 1859, Page 4
 

Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1375, 25 October 1859

Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1380, 15 November 1859

 

Wellington Independent, Volume XV, Issue 1383, 25 November 1859



Sydney, Australia
December 1859 to August 1860

Empire (Sydney, NSW), Tue 13 Dec 1859, Page 4
  arrived Sydney from Nelson 12 December 1859 on the steamer "Prince Alfred"




Nelson
from August 1860- December 1874

Many photographic negatives by William Henry Davis are now held by the Nelson Provincial Museum

Probably the second cabin passenger "Davis" who arrived in Nelson from Sydney on the I.R.M. steamer "Lord Ashley" on 22 August 1860.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 69, 25 August 1860

 

 

Colonist, Volume III, Issue 297, 24 August 1860

Photography.— We are pleased to see that Mr. W. Davis, Trafalgar-street, has introduced among us a most highly finished style of photography, whereby the pictures have quite the finished appearance of miniature paintings, with the addition of the unerring likeness which this style secures.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 82, 6 October 1860 

Mrs T. R. Fisher

Frances Annie Hadfield wife of Thomas Richard Fisher 

https://collection.nelsonmuseum.co.nz/objects/1519

unidentified women by William Henry Davis, Nelson

unidentified man copied William Henry Davis, Nelson. Original photographer not known.

 

above cdv courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

above cdv courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

Davis and Hoby

Nelson
from October 1861

Photography. — It is now more than twenty years ago that specimens of a new and mysterious art were first exhibited to our wondering gaze. They consisted of a few heads of elderly gentlemen, executed in a bistre-like colour upon paper. The heads were not above an inch long, they were little more than patches of broad light and shade, they showed no attempt to idealize or soften the harshnesses and accidents of a rather rugged style of physiognomy — on the contrary, the eyes were decidedly contracted, the mouth expanded, and the lines and wrinkles intensified. Nevertheless we examined them with the keenest admiration, and felt that the spirit of Rembrandt had revived.

Before that time little was the existence of a power, availing itself of the eye of the sun, both to discern and execute, suspected by the world, still less that it had long lain the unclaimed and unnamed legacy of our own Sir Humphry Davy. Since then photography has become a household word and a household want is used alike by art and science; by love, business and justice; is found in the most sumptuous saloon, and in the dingiest attic; in the solitude of the Highland cottage, and in the glare of the London gin palace; in the pocket of the detective; in the folio of the painter and architect; among the papers and patterns of the mill owner and manufacturer; and on the cold brave breast on the battlefield.

Nelson may be said to be particularly favoured in the facilities it affords for gratifying the universal desire for the possession of specimens of this delightful art, for we have four or five photographers resident amongst us, each excelling suo genere. We alluded a short time since, in eulogistic terms, to the beautiful views of Nelson and its environs, lately taken by Mr. Fletcher; we now desire to direct attention to some equally exquisite specimens of the art, in the form of portraits, taken by the photographic art, and finished by the pencil, which are now to be seen at the establishment of Mr. Davis, in Hardy-street.

Portraits, as is evident to any thinking mind, and as photography now proves, belong to that class of facts wanted by numbers who know and care nothing about their value as works of art. For this want, art, even of the most abject kind, was, whether as regards correctness, promptitude, and price, utterly inadequate. These ends are not only now attained, but, even in an artistic sense, attained far better than before. The coloured portraits which Mr. Davis has produced are a most satisfactory coalition between the artist and the machine. Many an inferior miniature-painter who understands the mixing and applying of pleasing tints, may be wholly unskilled in the true drawing of the human head. With this deficiency supplied, these present productions, therefore, are far superior to anything that could have been accomplished by artists, single-handed, before.

Photographs, coloured by hand, from nature, such as may be seen at the atelier of Mr. Davis, are all that can be needed to satisfy the mere portrait-want, and may, moreover, be regarded as artistic productions of no ordinary kind. We desire more especially at the present moment to call attention to these exquisitely coloured photographs, because we are informed that Mr. Davis purposes leaving Nelson for England at an early date. Persons, therefore, who desire to avail themselves of his assistance, in order to secure portraits, either of themselves or their friends, should lose no time in doing so.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle,

Volume XXIII, Issue 105, 1 September 1864, Page 2

 Colonist, Volume VIII, Issue 741, 2 December 1864

London
1865

Late in 1864 or in 1865 Davis traveled to England with his family but by December that year they had returned to Nelson.

Nelson

December 1865 to December 1873

Passengers per Water Nymph from London. Cabin - Mr. and Mrs. Woods, Mr. Lewis; second cabin — Mr. and Mrs. Davis and 2 children, Mr. and Mrs. Durham and child, Mr. Strong; steerage — Mr. Stephens, Mr. Wilkins, Mr. and Mrs. Akersten and 3 children, Mr. Packman, Mrs. and Mrs. Sand.

Colonist, Volume IX, Issue 849, 19 December 1865


 

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXIV, Issue 152, 19 December 1865

Colonist, Volume IX, Issue 854, 5 January 1866
this appears to be the first time the word colorist or colourist was used in New Zealand newspapers relating to photography 

Photography.—A specimen of an improved process of coloring photographs has been submitted to us by Mr. Davis, photographer, Trafalgar-street, and the work certainly appears not only to be one of the best we have seen as a portrait, but it also exhibits an amount of artistic treatment in the coloring, and an excellence of finish which produces roundness and and precisive in a very marked degree, even surpassing the previous productions of this clever colorist. The process being conducted entirely with oil color, a permanency is secured which far surpasses the ordinary water color treatment, and therefore, in addition to the very excellent and painstaking manopelation [sic] which this production testifies to a very important desideratum with respect to the lasting quality of portraits is also secured.

Colonist, Volume XI, Issue 1090, 6 March 1868

Notice. W. Davis, Photographer and Colorist, of Nelson, begs to inform the public that he is staying in Wellington for a short time only, coloring photographs in his new style for W. H. Davis, photographer, Mulgrave street, opposite the English Church. Portraits taken from 10 till 2. Miniatures for lockets or brooches.

Wellington Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 2678, 9 May 1868

 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 60, 12 March 1870

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 105, 5 May 1871

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 3, 6 May 1871

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 133, 7 June 1871

Photograph of M.M.S. Basilisk. — Mr. Davis of Trafalgar-street, has succeeded in taking a most excellent large sized view of the Basilisk, to see which is well worth a visit to his shop. The original photograph, taken a few minutes before the ship left the harbor, was of the ordinary carte de visite size, but Mr. Davis has, with his magnifying lens, to the working of which he has devoted an immense amount of time and labor, succeeded in producing a picture some sixteen inches in length. It is to be hoped that his endeavors will meet their reward in a large demand for these really very creditable pictures.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 224, 21 September 1871

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXX, Issue 55, 8 November 1871 

Map of the Province. — The large map of the Province of Nelson prepared by Mr. Gully, and the border of which is ornamented with 39 indian-ink sketches of various parts of the province by the same artist, is now on view at the Provincial Hall. It is a work of art that is well worth preserving, and we are glad to find that the Provincial Government has engaged Mr. Davis to take a photograph of it, prior to being despatched to Dr. Featherston, the Agent-General for the colony in London.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 293, 12 December 1871 

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 14, 16 January 1872

Photography. — We have been shown by Mr. Davis some very excellent specimens of photographs he has recently taken, which present an entirely different appearance to any we have yet seen in Nelson, the features being by some new process so beautifully softened down as to give the idea of their being printed upon ivory instead of on paper. If we mistake not, Mr. Davis will, on this style becoming more generally known, find his hands full of work.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 74, 26 March 1872

 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 93, 18 April 1872

Photography. — Mr. W. Davis has long been known as a very successful photographer, and many of his portraits are gems of photographic art; but recently, he has so far improved his pictures, that they far exceed his previous efforts. By some new process the tone of his pictures is so softened, that they are really life-likenesses, and stand out as it were in bold relief from the back-ground. We recommend all who have not seen the latest efforts of Mr. Davis's skill, to pay his rooms in Nile-street a visit.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 23, 20 April 1872

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 41, 22 June 1872

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 179, 29 July 1872

Colonist, Volume XV, Issue 1554, 16 August 1872

 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 205, 28 August 1872

Photography Made Easy.— Mr. W. Davis, photographer, of this city, has shown us some specimens of the new photo-carbon printing process which he has lately executed, that for faithfulness of expression, as well as evident immunity from decolouration, is likely to supersede the present system of photography. We observe in our advertising columns that Mr. Davis intends giving lessons in his art to amateurs for a fee of one guinea for twelve lessons, and we would expect that one so well-qualified to teach will not want for pupils. To medical men, engineers, artists, mechanics, and manufacturers; to travellers, and all engaged in scientific pursuits whether for pleasure or profit, a knowledge of photography is a great acquisition. It is easily learnt, and the apparatus is not only inexpensive, but can be rendered very portable

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 61, 31 August 1872

 

 Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VII, Issue 209, 2 September 1872

Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1605, 7 February 1873

...Mr. Davis, of Trafalgar-street, also succeeded in producing a capital picture of the procession when it arrived before the Church steps, previous to its leaving town, and before the vehicles carried it off in sections to Stoke.

Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1632, 13 May 1873

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 149, 21 June 1873

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 152, 25 June 1873

Colonist, Volume XVI, Issue 1647, 1 July 1873

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 71, 23 July 1873

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 180, 28 July 1873

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 76, 29 July 1873

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 82, 5 August 1873

 

Christchurch
December 1873 - November 1874 

Star, Issue 1804, 9 December 1873, Page 1

Press, Volume XXII, Issue 2882, 14 November 1874 

 William Henry Henning by William Henry Davis
William Henry Henning, taken at Christchurch 19 November 1874. He was the husband of Lucy Nalder and brother-in-law of Charles Allan Nalder (photo below). 

Charles Allan Nalder by William Henry Davis
born at Long Ashton, Somerset, England July 25th 1848,
son of George William Nalder (solicitor) and Marianne Nalder nee Cooper.
drowned at Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand 9 January 1875.



Auckland
 1875

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXXI, Issue 5495, 3 April 1875

Auckland Star, Volume X, Issue 1707, 7 August 1875
[this notice was repeated in the Auckland Star until 20 August 1875]




Death

Melancholy Suicide.
We regret to state that Mr W. Davis, photographer, who for many years was a resident in Nelson, committed suicide by jumping overboard from the steamer Hawea when on the passage from Manukau to Taranaki. It had been noticed by several of the passengers that he was in a very depressed state, and he spoke to some of them regarding his pecuniary affairs, stating that he had been "jumped on" at the Thames, where he was nearly ruined, and that although he only owed a small sum he should not be surprised to find a telegram stopping him at Nelson.

About eight o'clock on the evening of Monday he was sitting on the deck near the smoking room with his son and daughter, when he suddenly rose without saying a word and jumped overboard. The alarm was at once given, and the engines were stopped and turned full speed astern, but, as the vessel was going at the rate of twelve knots, and it was quite dark, the attempt to rescue him was, of course, of no avail. The deceased, we understand, leaves a widow and five children.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume X, Issue 219, 1 September 1875

Suicide on Board the Hawea.
The s.s. Hawea arrived here yesterday morning from Manukau, and Captain Wheeler reports that between half-past seven and eight o'clock the previous night, as the vessel was passing out of the Manukau, a passenger named Davis jumped overboard. The alarm was immediately given, the vessel stopped, and a boat lowered. Search was made, but the unfortunate man could not be seen. The night was dark, and as it was very cold, most of the passengers were below at the time the alarm was given.

Mr. Davis was a photographer, who had lately moved from Nelson and settled in Auckland. Some time back, he was in business in New Plymouth, and is known to many residents here. Mr. Davis had two children on board the steamer, whom he was taking to Wellington, where his father, who is also a photographer, resides.

His wife is at present in Auckland. Mr. Vivian, who was on board the Hawea, was speaking to Mr. Davis shortly before he jumped overboard. The event cast a gloom over all on board the vessel.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 2337, 1 September 1875

 
Melancholy Death of Passenger by the Hawea.
We exceedingly regret to learn that the Mr Davis, who it was stated in a t[ ]n published last night, had "jumped overboard" was Mr Davis the photographed residing in one of Henderson's cottages, Waterloo Quadrant, opposite Government House. We learn that Mr Davis, with his wife and family of five children, came up to Auckland about six months ago from Wellington, where his father carries on the business of photographer.

Since his arrival here, although very skilful in his profession, he has not been successful, owing to the unfavorable winter weather. He was naturally of a melancholy constitution, and frequently became completely downcast and depressed on account of his circumstances; being sometimes without a shilling in the house.

The small debts, however, which he had been compelled to contract were not such as might not have been got over by patience and perseverance. His depression was added to by a religious mania, and latterly he had expressed the greatest fears that he would be put in the Asylum. Except for this depression of mind, the late Mr. Davis did not display such symptoms of insanity as to cause his wife uneasiness. On Saturday last, certain business circumstances that transpired caused him further annoyance and excitement, and on Sunday he did not appear to have recovered his spirits, as he expressed fears in going to church lest someone should arrest him. This he seemed to overcome, as he went to church but still continued in a melancholy frame of mind, and told his wife that he must go and see his father in Wellington.

Mrs Davis did all she could to cheer him up, encouraging him with the hope that the fine weather would bring prosperity with it but he seemed determined to go, and on Monday morning, after going into Queen-street for a short time, came up and told his wife that he intended to leave in the Hawea, and must bid her good-bye at once, as the vessel was to sail at twelve o'clock.

He said he would take the two eldest children with him — a girl of 10 and a boy of 14 — intending to leave the little girl with her grandma at Nelson, and take the boy on to Wellington. His wife could do nothing to dissuade him, although taken by surprise by, the suddenness of his determination, and she hoped the visit to his father would result in improved prospect, and in putting her husband in a better frame of mind.

She was thus left alone with her three little ones, who are about eighteen months to five years of age, and she has heard no more from him except such information as was disclosed in the press telegram already referred to. She was aware that he had not money enough to pay his passage, and that he trusted to a friend, who be believed to be one of the officers on the vessel, to assist him until he reached Wellington, but it appears the gentleman he relied on was engaged on another steamer, and not on the Hawea.

Whether this discovery in connection with after reflections upon the way he had left his wife and three little ones was the final straw that completely unhinged his mind and led to the melancholy termination recorded in the brief telegram announcing his death, will probably never be known, but we do not doubt that that fatal leap into the darkness of the night and the still darker and cold ocean, was a leap taken by a man whom it had pleased God to deprive of the faculties of judging aright, a man who had "struggled with time and inequitable things" until reduced to a hopeless gloomy despair.

The shock caused by the intelligence to the poor widow left alone, with her three fatherless little children may well be imagined. The two on board are old enough to know where to find their grandfather, and upon the arrival of the vessel in Wellington he will, no doubt, take care of them.

A telegram has to-day been dispatched to him stating the circumstances, and expressing a hope that he will be able to come up to Auckland to take the rest of the family, who it may be gathered from the above a[ ]ive, are almost strangers in Auckland and are left totally unprovided for.

Auckland Star, Issue 1729, 2 September 1875

A most distressing case of suicide occurred during the present downward passage of the s.s Hawea from the Manukau, one of the passengers named Davis deliberately jumping over board. Mr. Davis was a photographer of well-known ability, a son of the Wellington artist of that name. He carried on his profession successfully for some years in Nelson; but, being naturally restless in disposition he moved several times, first to this city, where he speedily earned a high name in his art, then to Christchurch, and lastly to the Thames. At the last place he was somewhat unfortunate, and finding he was losing money he resolved on returning to Nelson, and started thither with his two children in the Hawea, leaving Mrs. Davis to sell off his household and other effects, and follow him. His liabilities were very small, not more than £50 we believe, but his failure seems to have prayed deeply upon his mind.

When the Hawea cleared the Manukau Heads he was sitting on the poop between his children, talking to them, saying that he could not endure to be persecuted by his creditors, and should jump overboard and end it. They begged him not to talk so, but suddenly he rushed from them to the side and jumped into the sea, the Vessel then being only a few miles from the Manukau Heads. An alarm was given at once, and Captain Wheeler stopped the steamer, afterwards backing astern, a light being shown at the same time. A boat was lowered with all possible expedition, and pulled about for a long time without discovering any sign of the missing man, nor was any cry heard, so at length the search had to be relinquished.

Mr. Davis was much liked and esteemed by all who knew him. He was singularly steady and temperate in his habits. In his boyhood he was one of the first choristers in All Saint's Church, Margaret-street, London, celebrated for its beauty and fine musical services.

Evening Post, Volume XII, Issue 55, 2 September 1875

Sad Case of Suicide.— There are few of our readers who wore not acquainted either by hearsay or personal knowledge with Mr W. Davis, who for very many year carried on the profession of a photographer in this city... 

Colonist, Volume XVII, Issue 1961, 2 September 1875

We learn that the passenger who jumped overboard when the s.s. "Hawea" was on her passage from the Manukau to the South, was Mr. Davis, formerly photographer of this City. He has been in somewhat poor circumstances lately, and seems to have become melancholy. On going South on Monday his ostensible intention was to proceed to Nelson, where his wife's parents lived, and leave the little girl, his daughter, he took with him, with her father and mother there, and thence to proceed to Wellington with the boy, to Mr. Davis's father, who carries out the business of a photographer there. Mr. Davis was a comparative stranger in Auckland, having been there little more than six months. By his rash act his widow is now left to struggle for the support of her five children, ranging from eighteen months to fourteen years of age.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXXI, Issue 5609, 3 September 1875

We have received the following:—" Sir, — Please forward the enclosed amount (£1) to the widow of the late Mr Davis, from - Sympathy."

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1734, 4 September 1875

 
We have much pleasure in giving insertion to the following :—To the Editor : Sir.— Allow me through your columns to tender my most sincere and heartfelt thanks to those kind friends who have so nobly and generously come to my assistance in my deep trouble and distress. Their generous acts have greatly lessened my sufferings, and that God may repay them in this world and the one to come, for their help to myself and my fatherless children, is the prayer of — Yours gratefully, Mrs. Davis.

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1735, 6 September 1875

Sir,—Please receive the within £1 note for Mrs. Davis and acknowledge same as usual through your valuable journal.— X. Y. Z. [We are glad to be able to state that Mrs. Davis is now with her friends in Nelson. Our correspondent's and one or two other subscriptions remaining in hand will be forwarded to their destination, and this will close the list. Mrs. Davis before leaving expressed her deep sense of the kindness displayed towards her by strangers who were actuated only by the goodness of their own hearts.—Ed. E. S.]

Auckland Star, Volume VI, Issue 1737, 8 September 1875

 Photographic Negatives

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXXII, Issue 87, 11 August 1873

W. M. Stanton is continuing for the present his bon a fide sale at the lowest reductions, at cash prices, of his extensive and recently assorted Stock of general goods
comprising ... 

large Camera and Stand, 

the Photograph Negatives (portrait and landscape) of the late Mr W. Davis...

Colonist, Volume XXVI, Issue 363, 6 December 1882

 

Stanton's Sale ...
Large Photographic Camera, with Lense of 3 inches, and enlarging apparatus.
The whole of the Negatives of the late Mr. W. Davis, photographer, numbering hundreds of portraits of old Nelson identities, properly arranged and catalogued alphabetically, with numerous landscape Views. A good investment for a bookseller or photographer, as these become valuable in memoriam from year to year, together with Show Frame and Specimens...

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XX, Issue 208, 10 September 1885

 

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXVIII, Issue 137, 14 June 1894

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8325, 13 August 1895

 

 TYREE'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO.

Mr Tyree, the well-known photographer, has had considerable additions and alterations effected at his establishment, which materially aid the convenient working of the business, and go towards making this one of the most complete photographic studios in the Colony. Mr Tyree has kept every negative from the time of his starting business in Nelson, and has further, by purchase, acquired those taken by Messrs W. E. Brown, Isaacs, Clark, Bloch, Akersten, Wilton, Davis, Drew, and Nairn, so that he has now over one hundred thousand negatives on hand. The proper care of these has necessitated the building of a strong-room, in which to store them without fear of the valuable collection being destroyed by fire...

 Colonist, Volume XLVI, Issue 10861, 30 October 1903

 

Family

He married firstly on 15 May 1859 by the Rev. John Moir, Wellington to Catherine Henrietta Williams, daughter of David Williams, she died in Sydney, Australia about 10 April 1860, reg. number 435/1860.

issue: 

1. Kate Davis born about 10 April 1860, Sydney, Australia, reg. number  701/1860, died 29 June 1861, Nelson, New Zealand aged 18 months, buried Fairfield Cemetery, Nelson

married secondly 5 August 1861 by the Rev. P. Calder, Nelson, Jane Sclanders Burns eldest daughter of Frances Steedman and the late John Burns, Washington Valley, Nelson [Colonist, Volume IV, Issue IV, 9 August 1861], she died 14 February 1870 at the residence of Mrs Burns, Washington Valley [Nelson Evening Mail, Volume V, Issue 38, 15 February 1870], aged 26 years, reg. 1870/4403, buried 16 February 1870, block 02, plot 022 Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson with Adolph John Davis

issue: 

2. Frances Elizabeth Davis born 1862, died 1945, married Robert Hounsell

 

3. William Henry Davis born 1864

 

4. Adolph John Davis born 1866, died 1867 buried 31 May 1867, block 02, plot 022 Wakapuaka Cemetery, Nelson

 

5. Alfred Whitmore Davis born 1868

married thirdly 6 May 1871, at the residence of Mr John Moore, by the Rev. P. Calder [Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 107, 8 May 1871], reg. 1871/7386, Catherine Chamberlain, born 18 October 1840, Southampton, England, eldest daughter of Caroline and John Chamberlain of Motueka [3], arrived with her parents on the "Sir Charles Forbes" in August 1842 [1], died 23 June 1924, Nelson, she married secondly 15 September 1882, at St Mary's Church, Nelson by the Rev Father Mahoney, reg. no. 1882/2271, John Hyland [2]

issue:

    

6. Annie Emily Caroline Davis born 23 September 1872, at Caroline Chamberlain's residence, Motueka, died 3 January 1942 Nelson. [Nelson Evening Mail 25 September 1872 gives date of birth as 24 September

 

7. Caroline Jane Davis born 15 January 1874, Woolston, Christchurch, baptised 22 November 1874 by Rev. E. A. Lingard, St Luke's Anglican Church, Christchurch, sponsors - the parents and Sarah Emily Garrard [the Garrard family had lived in Nelson but were living in Christchurch at this time], died 29 October 1955 Napier, married 8 January 1895, reg. 1895/3014  Herbert Boyce. 

[1] Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 151, 27 June 1924
[2] Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XVII, Issue 210, 19 September 1882

[3] he was present at the Wairau Massacre - Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 167, 3 August 1889
[4] her parents may be David Williams died 24 December 1897 aged 85 years and Eliza Williams born India about 1816, died 15 July 1891 Karori