Abraham Hopkins Davis (15 Jun 1796 - 4 Jun 1866)

Abraham Hopkins Davis was born on 15 June 1796 at 8 Churchyard Row, Newington, Butts, Surrey, England to parents John Davis and Mary Davis (nee Edmonds).  Here is an old map of the street.  The street still exists today.

Abraham was christened twice.

The first time was on 4 July 1796 at Saint Mary's at Newington, Surrey, up the road from where he was born

First Christening Notice for Abraham Hopkins Davis

and then on 20 August 1796 at the Saint Mary the Virgin Church, Parish Church of Bishopstone, Oxfordshire, England

Bishopstone - Saint Mary the Virgin Church where Abraham was christened

When Abraham was around 4 years old, he welcomes a little sister Martha to the family. She was christened on the 6 June 1800 at the same church at Bishopstone.  At this stage we are unsure whether she was christened a second time earlier around the Newington area.

Abraham Hopkins Davis and Mary Williams met at the Surrey Chapel in London, England.  The Davis family sat in a pew behind Mary and her brother Charles.  The group became acquainted and Mary and Abraham eventually married on 8 December 1818 at Church of St. Martin, Outwich, City of London.  The church was demolished in 1874.  The Church of St Martin Outwich stood on the corner of Threadneedle Street and Bishopsgate Street, opposite the South Sea House.

The parish records state “Dec. 8 Abraham Hopkins Davis, Bachelor, of this Parish, and Mary Williams of this Parish, Spinster; by Banns. John Rose, DD, Rector. Witnesses: Martha Davis, John Davis”. Martha being his sister and John his father.

Mary Williams and Abraham had five children.

1. Mary Ann Davis – born 26 September 1819 in the Parish of St Botolph, Bishopsgate, London and christened at Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars Road, Lady Huntingdons, Southwark, Surrey, England on 18 October 1849.

2. Emily Davis – Born at Charlotte Street (called Union Street since 1912).  Christened on 30 August 1821 at Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars Road, Lady Huntingdons, Southwark, Surrey, England

3. Helen Davis – Born at Charlotte Street (called Union Street since 1912) on 12 May 1824 in the Parish of Christ Church, Surrey England and christened at Surrey Chapel, Blackfriars Road, Lady Huntingdon, Southwark, Surrey, England on 10 November 1824.  Helen died at 14 months in the Parish of Christ Church, Surrey, England on 16 July 1825 and is buried at Union Street Deadman's Place, Surrey, England.

Helen, death certificate

4. Frederick Charles Davis - born 9 January 1827 in the Parish of Christ Church, Surrey, England and christened on 23 February 1827 at Union Street Independent Church, Southwark, Surrey, England

5. Alfred Davis – Born 1 June 1834 at 20 past 10 o'clock in the morning at 31 Brunswick Crescent in the Parish of Lambeth, Surrey and christened at Union Street Independent Church, Southwark, Surrey, England

On 24 September 1824, Abraham writes to his daughter Mary Ann Davis the following:

"To Mary Ann Davis on her Birthday -

This day, said Papa, is your birthday my dear,
So I'll give you some counsel in rhyme,
And I trust when it reaches my Mary Ann's ear,
It will cause an improvement in time.

I have seen with regret that you often delight,
In unkindness to sister, and shew
Strong feelings of discontent, envy and spite
And I dread lest these evils should grow

I have witnessed you pettish and sulky sometimes,
When chidden for things you've done wrong
And believe me, dear girl, this will grow into crimes
And become by indulgence more strong.

I have seen you at times half incined to despise,
The instruction you daily receive;
And have watched you attempt, with regret and surprise
You dear Mother and ..... to deceive.

Now, my dear little prattler, remember that you
An example should always display
Of affection, good temper, and diligence too,
And begin on your fifth natal day.

So I'll love you more dearly and daily enjoy
To watch you grow wiser and better;
And remember my love that you constant employ
Be to mind the advice to this letter."

On 24 September 1826, Abraham writes from 27 Nelson Square, Southwark, London, England to his daughter Mary Ann Davis the following:

"My dear Mary Ann
I write you a letter on this day, because I love you.
The garden has been in the … have sprung with the trees have been covered with leaves, the bee has collected his honey – the fruit has been gathered in the fields has been reaped and another year is gone. Remember how quick the years .. … and improve.
I am
My love
Your affectionate Father
AH Davis"

On 4 November 1826, Abraham writes from 27 Nelson Square, Southwark, London, England to his daughter Emily Davis the following:

"My dear Emily
So you want me to send you a letter like I did to your Sister. Well, little bird (?) here it is. I will fill it with pictures if I can. You are ? a little child yet you may be very good and I hope you will try to be so. The leaves will soon fall and the trees will be bare then the cold and snow will come, then the flowers will spring up then Summer and Autumn will come and you will be six years old. Now I hope you will learn well and behave well and then every body will love you.
To my little Emily
I am
Your affectionate Father
A H Davis"

Mary Williams, Abraham's wife would have been pregnant with Frederick Charles Davis when Abraham wrote this letter.

Family lived on the right hand side of the square between 24 September 1826 and 1 August 1832

It was obviously a fairly well-to-do area to live because Thomas Barnes, editor of The Times, lived at Nelson Square at number 48 from 1826 to 1831 and at number 49 from 1832 to 1835.

The residences of Nelson Square pre demolition in 1951

Also Sir Charles Aldis, surgeon, lived at number 57 (formerly 53) from 1808 to 1812 and at number 49 from 1813 to 1830, being the first occupant of both houses. He was for a time surgeon to the parish of Christ Church.

Abraham and family were still living at Nelson Square East in 1828 according to the Sewerage Rate Books.  They were paying 60 pounds a year or 3 pounds a fortnight. [Source: Southwark Library].

The Magazine of Natural History published an article by AH Davis (written from London on 5 December 1831) about his Journey through several English Counties, and in Wales and Ireland, during July and August 1831 as follows:

"On the 18th of July I left London, and proceeded, by way of Birmingham and Shrewsbury, to Capel Cerig, in North Wales, where I designed staying a day, and then ascending Snowdon. The weather, which had been unsettled for several days, became, as I proceeded, excessively cold and wet; and, on my arrival at Capel Cerig, the rain fell in torrents, and continued the whole evening, detaining me within doors The windows of the inn were constantly visited by many tri-chopterous insects, so that I was not without sport; and ii/this
way I took a fine series of Phryganea varia, and several species of Limnephilus. The two succeeding days continued very wet, with much wind ; during the intervals of the heavy showers I collected a little in a plantation, and on the mountain opposite the inn. Among other captures may be named, of Coleoptera, Cychrus rostratus, Carabus glabratus; pitchy varieties of C'ara-bus catenulatus, Malthinus nigricollis, Colymbetes affinis ; of Lepidoptera, Eupithecia nova species ?, Ypsolophus costellus, Anchylopera retusana; of Neuroptera, Perla minor ; of Trichoptera, Leptocerus azureus and bifasciatus, Phryganea minor; of Hymenoptera, Nematus varipes; of Diptera, Sphegina nigra, Loxocera zehneumonea, and a beautiful species of Macrocera.

The afternoon of Friday proved fine ; and I resolved on ascending Snowdon the next day. Accordingly, about 7o'clock on the ensuing morning, accompanied by a guide, I started, the summit of the mountain being ten miles distant. There was every appearance of a fine day, in which I was not disappointed. The pretty moth Aplocera caesiata, much faded, frequently flew out from the stone walls which lined the road. I availed myself of such opportunities as presented themselves for collecting; my guide, who knew the locality, directed me to the spot for Carabus glabratus, of which we took many. Higher up the ascent, and indeed almost to the summit, I took both the red and black-legged varieties of Helobia GyllenhabV in considerable abundance, and some few specimens of Helobia Marshallana. Patrobus rufipes was very common ; and I took one within 6 ft. of the extreme summit, i. e. 3.500 ft. above the level of the sea. J should not have named this common beetle, but from its having been described as a littoral [coast] insect. I reached the highest peak of the mountain, called Ywyddra, about midday : and, while admiring the magnificent prospect which an almost unclouded sky afforded, 1 saw a Pontia flit by; and, shortly after, a small Geometra, either Harpalyce fulvata or Acidalia? bilineiita. I was rather too late for Chrysomela cerealis, which, together with Leistus montanus, were taken on this and neighbouring mountains in June. I descended on the Llanberris side of Snowdon, and proceeded, by way of Caernarvon and Bangor, to Holyhead, and on the ensuing morning reached Dublin.

On the 25th and 27th of July I availed myself of a little leisure, to collect on the sand hills at Port Marnoch, about eight miles from Dublin. Several of the Papilionidae were in abundance; among others, Arg5'imis Aglaia and Hipparchia Semel insect, except Serica brunnea; both days were dull, with occasional gleams of sunshine. On the flowers of the ragwort (Senecio Jacoba3xa), and close to the sea, I took several species of the genus A'grotis, in excellent condition, viz. valligera, tritici L. and horturum Steph., which, I think, is a variety of the former, and lineoluta Haw. Among a dwarf Salix, a small but beautiful Tortrix, LozotasVna crucia.ua, was in the utmost profusion, but very difficult to secure.

Many species of Bombus were also alighting on the various flowers. Pompilus nigra, and Colletes succincta were also frequent. These sand hills are fertile in good insects; and Mr. Tardy, the most active of the few entomologists in Dublin, informs me that the larvae of Act^bia pras cox, Miana literosa, and Phragmatobia fuliginosa are abundant! On the same spot I also took Chrysopa viridis Dale's MSS., and Thereva annulata.

On the 28th of July I returned to England by way of Liverpool, and crossed the Mersey to the Cheshire coast, on the sand hills of which I took Cicindela hybrida Z,., the riparia and aprica Steph. They flew well in the sunshine, and were very abundant. The low herbage was crowded with the various genera of Orthoptera, amongst which were some beautiful species of the genus Gomphocerus. The ragwort (Senecio Jacobae^z) was equally abundant as on the opposite side of the Channel; but I did not observe a single specimen of A'grotis. The delicate little moth, Phibalapteryx lineolata, was in fine condition, and I captured a good series.

Liverpool, although its neighbourhood affords great facilities for collecting, has no entomologists; and the collection at the Museum is very indifferent. Thence I proceeded to Manchester, in which spirited town the study of natural history in every branch has many enthusiastic followers. The late Edward Hobson, though moving in an inferior station, contributed greatly by his ardour and talent towards the extension of botanical and entomological knowledge. The collection of the Natural History Society is rather extensive; and there are several very valuable private collections, both of exotic and British insects, in the town and neighbourhood. Many rare insects have been captured near Manchester, and I had myself the pleasure of securing, on the banks of the Irwell, Epkphius secillis, Bleinus discus, Peryphus ustus, &c. From various sources I also obtained specimens of Blemus micros, Saperda scalaris, and Bembidium paludosum. I reached Halifax on the 2d of August, where there are several active collectors. It is well known to most entomologists that some of our latest novelties have been discovered on the moors and in the streams of this district, such as Leiochiton arctica and ReudzV, Tarns basalis, Helobia jSTthiops, Enicocerus viridi-aMieus and GibsouzV. In addition may now be enumerated a species of Agonmn new to this country. As this beautiful insect is undescribed, I will avail myself of a note to present it to your numerous readers : — Agomim fulgcns Daviis J\ISfi.; length 3 to 31 lines. Nearly allied to A. austriacum. Of a brilliant fiery copper, mingled with a purplish tint; the sides of the thorax and the elytra reflecting a golden green, and the suture on each side occasionally tinged with a grassy green. Head rugose ; anteriorly, with a transverse impression; posteriorly, smooth. Labrum, mandibles, palpi, and three basal joints of the antenna;, shining black, reflecting green. Thorax anteriorly with a curved impression extending to the angles; the sides considerably dilated, rugose, and elevated towards the posterior angles, an abbreviated dorsal channel; the base rugosely punctate, and the whole disk beautifully strigose. Elytra ovate, a littte also I obtained several valuable insects, Lyda cingulata, Se- landria dorsalis, Peltastes dentatus in Hymenoptera; and of Lepidoptera, Xylina combusta, Rusina ferruginea, Orthosia gracilis and pusilla, Electro populata, Adela viridella, and Cheimatophila castanea. Several spirited individuals have lately established a museum at this place, and have lent their own collections as a commencement.

York has several active collectors, from whom I procured some valuable species taken during the preceding season, Agonum sexpunctatum, Timandra vespertaria, Hipparchus^a-pilionarius, Macaria liturata, and Sirex juvencus ; the males of this last insect are most commonly taken on the Minster, and an acute observer there informed me, that it was his opinion they merely made it a resting-point in their flight from a distance, as he has frequently seen them alight on the roof apparently exhausted, and shortly afterwards depart in an opposite direction.

At Leeds there is a good public collection at the Museum, and one or two private ones. O'smylus maculatus is taken at Kirkstall Abbey; and I am indebted for a fine series to Mr. Denny, author of an admirable monograph on the Pse- laphidae and Scydmae'nida?. At Nottingham, Anthophora Haworthana, of which the male had been previously recognised, has been discovered, and both sexes obtained. SapeYda ferrea, Serrocerus striatus, and On- thophilus sulcatus have also been taken ; and I was successful in procuring specimens of all but the last-mentioned*

Before I close these brief notes, I may state that I captured numerous rare insects in the neighbourhood of Black-heath, Kent, during June, July,and August, among which may be enumerated ; in Coleoptera, Donacia fusca, Pachyta lasVis, Hoplia argentea, Magdalis asphaltina, Ophonus puncticollis and foraminulosus, Tillus elongatus; in Hymenoptera, Psenequestris c? and ?, Saropoda furcata, subglobosa, and rulpina, Paniirgus wrsinus, Selandria ovata, Dosytheus abietis; and in Lepidoptera, ^Egeria mutillaeformis, Semasia Wcebera»a, &c., besides numerous other insects of moderate rarity. "

The following is written by AH Davis from Nelson Square, London, England on 1 August 1832 and is published in The Entomological Magazine, Volume  1:

"Observations on Lucanus Cervus.—The village of Lee, in Kent, appears to be a favourite habitation of this gigantic species of beetle; but some seasons seem peculiarly favourable to the production of the insect. On the 14th of June, 1831, I found a single male; and every day between that period and the 5th of July, I found one or more specimens. The evenings of the 23d and 24th of June, were those on which they were most numerous: many of them were taken on the wing, but generally crawling upon palings, or on elm and lime trees. The females are later in the time of their appearance than the males; the first I took was on the 21st of June, and they were not at all numerous until the evening of the 23d: even then they were few,—not more, on the average, than one to three males. The females come out later in the evening, and are more sluggish in their motions than the other sex: it is also worthy of remark, that I never took, or even saw, a female on the wing.

On the 23rd of June, early in the evening, I took two males and one female; I placed them under a tumbler, and shortly after, both the males began to pay some attention to the female. The larger of the two, however, attacked the other with some spirit, pursuing him round the glass, and occasionally pinching him severely with his mandibles, and actually, with his powerful jaws, lifting him fairly off the table. The smaller male appearing to resign his pretensions, I withdrew him, and the others remained in copula, about twenty minutes : but the male did not quit his hold of the female for many hours; during which period another act of copulation took place. The same evening, I took a small pair in copula; they remained in that state some hours. Subsequently to this, I have seen several other pairs in a similar situation.

On the evening of the first of July, I took five males all on the wing about a small extent of paling, on which a female was subsequently discovered. I have little doubt that the males were attracted by the female, which was one of the largest I had seen during this season—the whole of the males were also large.

The variety of size in this insect is very remarkable. I have captured males so small as not to exceed 1 inch 4 lines in length up to 2 inches 2 lines ; and females, from llf lines to 1 inch 8 lines, including every possible intermediate size.

They appear to prefer warm and still evenings, after hot days : then they are on the wing between eight and nine in the evening. I have never detected them flying earlier or later: and on cold and windy evenings, they are very rarely met with.

The fact is thus fully established, that the Lucanus inermis of Marsham is truly the female of Cervus; and from the many varieties taken in the same locality, it is also pretty certain that the Cervus, grandis, inermis, and other presumed species are really but one, varying in size, from some cause arising from their condition in the larva state.

It may not be uninteresting to remark a fact as to the vitality of this insect. I picked up a mutilated male on the 3rd of July. The abdomen was gone. I separated the head from the thorax and elytra, and was astonished to find my finger violently pinched by the mandibles: it continued to hold me tightly, frequently pinching, the antennae also quivering, for a full hour. The following morning it did the same; and was not wholly without motion twenty-four hours after it had been separated from the thorax:—how long the abdomen had been lost, is uncertain."

Abraham gives a book called "Cabinet of Youth"... narratives, sketches and anecdotes printed in Edinburgh by Whyte & Co to his daughter Emily Davis for her 11th birthday. Inside he writes (see below)... To Emily Davis, a present from her Father on completing her 11th year - 30 August 1832." The book is now with Anne Partridge.

At the Entomological Society of London Anniversary Meeting on 27 January 1834 in pursuance of the by-laws, Abraham and three other gentlemen were removed from the council.

In 1834, Abraham is listed on the Electoral Register as being in the City of London at 10 and 11 Ave-Maria Lane (his place of work).

When in England Abraham’s firm was Westley (Frederick Westley) & A. H. Davis at 70 Stationers Court (Hall) (EC4M 7DD), London at the top of Ludgate Hall, off Ave Maria Lane, Paternoster Row just opposite St Paul’s Cathedral.   Rumour had it the firm went bankrupt.

Between 13 July 1837 and 24 July 1837, Abraham lists his residence as Brunswick Crescent/Place, Camberwell, London.

He resigned from the Entomological Society of London on 21 September 1837 [See The Entomological Magazine, Volume 5] as below:

"Mr Davis tendered his resignation of Membership in the Entomological Club, on the ground of his being about to leave England, and settle with his family at Adelaide in South Australia; he took leave of the Club with great regret, having spent some of the happiest hours of his life at its various Meetings ; and it would afford him great pleasure, when in a distant country, to do everything in his power to forward the objects for which the Club was associated, and to use his best exertions to add to its collection.

Mr. Davis’ resignation was accepted, and he was at once admitted an honorary corresponding Member of the Club, the usual formula of the ballot being dispensed with."

13 October 1837 - Abraham lists residence as 3 Walnut Tree Walk, Fiedham, two days before departing for Australia.  This is most likely 3 Walnut Tree Walk, Fulham, Middlesex but could be the Walnut Tree Walk in Kennington near Lambeth?

On 15 October 1837, Abraham Hopkins Davis, Mary Ann Davis and their children left Gravesend, London for Australia on a ship named “Lord Goderich” as part of the Wakefield Scheme. They travelled for 6 months. There were 157 passengers on board (111 adults and 46 children). Abraham, Mary and their children was given free passage to South Australia even though Abraham and Mary was too old to qualify. Abraham was 41. "At Sea, Lat. 37° 35'.

15 November 1837

Before he left London he bought a block of some acres of land in South Australia, where Adelaide stands today. He got there and found it was a swamp. He called it “Nettle Bed” and later sold it.

While on the ship, he wrote a journal.  Parts were published in Entomological Magazine, Volume 5 as follows:

We left Cowes [Isle of Wight] on Monday, the 6th [November], in the afternoon, with light breezes from the S. E.; passed the Needles in the evening, and the next morning were off Portland. On Wednesday we were off the Lizard, but the wind, which had been scant all down, became more west; we were therefore unable to make much way. A goldfinch rested a little while on the rigging on Tuesday, and this day a linnet and a starling; the former was captured, and died soon after; the latter, after several attempts to take it, fell into the sea. On the 9th, with our course towards Ireland, porpoises and gulls were in sight; the weather drizzly.


10th.—Still cloudy, and wind west; standing for the Bay of Biscay; fairly out at sea; no gulls today.


11th.—Wind fair; weather cleared up; vessel sails well, and passes everything we have seen. Warmer considerably. Observation being taken, find we are in Lat. 46° 16' 3", Long. 11° 41'.


12th.—A delightful day, clear and warm. The waters of the Atlantic are intensely blue, almost approaching black, and the effect produced by the surges, as the foam subsides, is very beautiful, the concussion of the waves producing lighter patches of a bright green. There was a most glorious sunset and the full moon rose in such majesty as I never before witnessed; it was indescribably beautiful. Late in the evening we still walked the deck, admiring the scene.


Tuesday, 14th.—By observation, in Lat. 40° 4', Long, about 14°, in a direct course for Madeira: and the prospect of putting a letter on shore has led me to write this:—of course I keep up my journal daily. This has been quite an eventful day; early in the morning, a whale was observed spouting away to leeward of us—this was before I was up; then we had a shoal of porpoises round the bows; subsequently the stormy petrels flew about the stern: they are very pretty birds—their flight graceful; they skim the crested waves, and appear to be incessantly on the wing. I hope to get more opportunities for observing them; they staid but a little while. Small patches of rainbows were visible on the clouds on the horizon very early : these the captain calls sun-dogs; their canine qualifications I do not understand. In the evening there was a fine lunar rainbow, and at ten o'clock a splendid aurora. You will probably remember a luminous arch of red vapour, visible in February, near London; the phenomenon was of this kind. It was most vivid in the N.E. about forty degrees above the horizon, and extended, with varying intensity, far to the N.W. tinting all the clouds in the distance. The stars were distinctly visible through it. The colour was deep crimson. It continued visible nearly an hour, the moon shining brightly, and the breeze strong from the N.N.E. As the clouds came over, it gradually disappeared, but was again seen about midnight in a more defined form, consisting of several luminous arches.


Thursday, 16th.—We had two lunar rainbows last night, both of which I was fortunate enough to see. The first occurred about half-past nine o'clock, nearly due west, forming a segment of a circle with the horizon; it was very well defined, and the colours could all be detected, though some of them were faint. The whole internal part of the bow was beautifully clear, and rather luminous; above it, dark and cloudy. It remained visible about fifteen minutes—some portions of it, the more westerly, much longer; and about a quarter past ten o'clock there was a second, not nearly so well defined, nor so vivid. The moon approaching the last quarter, having been at full last Sunday: a fine N.E. breeze, and cloudy in the N. and W.


Friday, 11th.—Madeira in sight on our larboard bow, distant about fifteen miles. We are to westward of the island, and it is not the captain's intention to put in; so we shall be deprived of the expected opportunity of sending our letters, for which this was begun.


Nov. 27, 1837. Lot. 10° 14'21" N.


The captain thinks we may see some homeward-bound vessels in a day or two. We have run twenty-three degrees of latitude since the 17th—not bad work. Beautiful breezes. Flying-fish now swarm; the little fellows start out of the water in lots, rise but very little, and then start in a straight line. It appears to me, that they drop from their inability to get on: some get along much farther than others—I should say, occasionally twice the ship's length; but, as their course is always at an angle from the ship, it is difficult to tell. Sometimes they meet a wave, and, if the crest touches them, they appear to have power to continue their flight; this arises, probably, from their getting another wet: they certainly have no means for rising beyond what the first impulse gives them. We have taken two or three. The dolphin is their inveterate enemy. We caught one of these gentry a day or two since during a slight calm, while under San Antonio, one of the Cape de Verds; it was small, but the changing hues of the scales, while pulling out of the water, were exquisitely beautiful. To-day a shark has been seen. Porpoises are frequent: their gambols are very amusing; they spring from the water several feet, describe a curve, and dip their noses in again, with a jaunty flap of their tail, quite refreshing. The sea is beautifully luminous at night; the foam of the sea is saturated with stars of all magnitudes—they sparkle as brightly as Aldebaran : some have a halo round them, others are more like nebulae. What a countless host must inhabit the sea! I got up some of the water to examine it, but my microscope is not powerful enough to scrutinize the wretches," nor have we a lamp to throw light on it. The weather is rather warmish, the thermometer having been steady at 80°, day and night, in the cabin: we are gradually liquefying. The heavens, at night, are beautiful; Venus casts a reflection on the sea almost equal to that of the new moon. In a few days we shall see stars new to us: the sun now sets a long way to our right. Mother Carey's chickens occasionally visit us,—but we cannot catch them.


Dec. 11, 1837. At Sea. Lai. 5° 10' S. Long. 30° 16' W.


I have commenced the study of navigation, to beguile time; and am now a dab hand, and can find the ship's place, and all that;—better do something than be idle. The weather has been excessively hot; the greatest heat was on the 2d of December—88° in the shade in the cuddy all day: the result was a tropical thunder-storm about four o'clock next morning; lightning and thunder incessant, following with a rapidity to which we are unaccustomed in Old England; torrents of rain, and sudden squalls of wind, laying the vessel down nicely:— these noises, combined with the loud voice of the captain, and the wild song of the sailors taking-in sail, was singularly effective. There was a glorious sunset the preceding evening; and previously, while the sun, with unclouded brilliancy, was full 6° above the horizon, we had the pleasure of seeing both the new moon and Venus distinctly shining at the same time. The whole circle of the moon was dimly visible.


AfineLibellulaalso visited us to-day; it resembled our common JEschna: I could not catch the fellow, though I offered a reward: the nearest land is the coast of Africa, full five hundred miles off. Its resemblance to our English species led me, at first, to think it might have come in the water-casks, but the water was taken in from the filterer of the St. Katharine's Docks, except a little additional at Cowes; this, however, had been long exhausted, and the casks emptied. The captain says he has frequently taken moths, &c.; and that he has some at home, in glass cases, with labels attached with the latitude and longitude where taken. We also hooked a 5-feet shark, but the hook and line were too weak, and the rapacious fellow broke away with the hook in his jaw. On the 7th, the sailors performed their usual ceremonies on crossing the Line; our captain would allow no interference with the passengers: it is a ridiculous affair, " more honoured in the breach than the observance." One of the passengers volunteered to submit to the shaving, which, otherwise, was inflicted only on their messmates. I think he repented his folly, for he was well punished by the crew, and laughed at by his fellow-passengers. For several days while near the Line we had calms; one day we proceeded only four miles; in fact, on Nov. 29 we were in Lat. 5° N. and only crossed the line on the evening of the 8th. Since then we have enjoyed the regular S. E. trade, under the steady breezes of which we are now getting along. Warm sunny days, refreshing moonlight nights, and all the attendants of fine weather. Unhappily, we have some restless, discontented spirits on board.


Dec. 14. Lat. 10° 58' S. Long. 34° 59' W.


Our worthy captain is making for Bahia, where I presume we shall get ashore to-morrow or next day.


Bahia. Dec. 20, 1837.


" We little thought, when we set out, Of running such a rig."—John Gilpin.


Here we are! What would our friend Doubleday say if he had strolled, as I have done, the last two or three days, under the tamarinds, cocoa-nuts, mangoes, oranges, bananas, and hosts of other trees too numerous to mention ? How he would have shouted, as I have done, at the splendid Papilios and Hymenopterous tribes which flit around! Their variety is charming, from the little skip and jump style of the little Hesperidce, to the wide circling flight of some of the larger Morphos. I have managed to save a few, caught with my hands, for I have neither forceps nor net left out. Coleoptera I have yet seen none. The city is besieged, and we are now and then amused with a few shots from the fort to the blockading squadron. On Sunday, while at anchor here, a flight of Neuropterous insects, something like Nemoura, hovered round the poop; they had long dark wings, nearly as long again as the body, so that they could not run fast: when they were caught, they bit off" their wings, and ran with great rapidity. I captured several, but at first lost all their wings; I then nipped them hard at first, and thus kept them on. On close examination of those which lost their wings, I found they were bitten off" close to the side, leaving four processes like abbreviated elytra. On taking down the awning next morning, lots of the insects ran out, all wingless, and the wings fell down in profusion on the deck; these must have performed the amputation without any apparent necessity. At night we had a swarm of what they call here the winged ant; they were in sufficient abundance almost to put out the lights; I do not think it is a true ant. I also took a few Ichneumons. As to the rest, you will see what they are when you get them. I fear we shall be here some time, and it will be mortifying not to get some insects. Miss W. is going to try to manufacture a net in some way, and to-morrow we will try what it will do. The seamushroom abounds in this bay; they are reputed to annoy swimmers, but with what truth I know not; they float past the ship at a considerable inclination, something like forty-five degrees.


18 February 1838.—At sea, lat. 35° S.; long. 14° 30'E


A beautiful summer's morning, and a dead calm. An immense quantity of "whale's food" passed us in shoals of two or three feet wide, with intervals of a yard or more between the shoals. When near the ship's side we could see innumerable brown spots, but in the distance they imparted a ferruginous tint to the sea, so that it appeared as if there were long red-brown streaks in the water. A bucketful being drawn up, we found the water teeming with life. I presume the animals were Medusce; they were lumps of a pure white jelly, of about three-quarters of an inch in length, and one-third of an inch in breadth, having at one extremity a small mammiform protuberance, which in some specimens tapered off to a mere thread. They possessed a strong pulsation, or muscular contraction, which continued for five or six minutes, when they usually became dry. In each was a brown speck, which I supposed to be the head and stomach. I took a tea-cupful of the water containing them, and placed it in the sunshine, when the brown spots and filaments were alone visible; yet in the shadows of these animals seen at the bottom of the cup, the entire outline of each was clearly defined, and appeared variously adorned with transverse rings; their figure, as represented in these shadows, was very much that of cowrie shells: the effect was extremely pleasing. I could distinguish the mode in which they propelled themselves through the water; this was done by contracting the entire body, and then by suddenly releasing the anterior portion from its contracted state, this part darted forward, the remainder moved, or rather appeared to be dragged after it: the perfectly transparent always preceding, and the portion containing the brown spot following more slowly. Under a glass I could discover nothing like muscular tissue; but the clearly defined shadows of lines, &c, of course proved the presence of somewhat solid muscular and partially opaque spots, as compared with those which were perfectly transparent and shadowless. I subsequently examined them under a high power, and found below the brown part or stomach two transparent sacs, which were connected by filaments with a variety of tubes under and around them; in those tubes I observed a regular pulsation—they alternately dilated and expanded: in different parts of the body I observed globules floating, more particularly round the external parts.


February 24th. — This morning, about 10 A.M., we passed through another large shoal of Medusae; they did not tinge the water as before, neither were they distributed in lines, but formed reticulated masses. On examination, I found them to be composed of masses of animals, not so fully developed as those I before examined; they were agglutinated together in a double series ; they appeared to possess no power of motion in the sea, but were propelled by the waves: when put into a basin of water, and placed in the sunshine, there was a slight movement among them, but no activity. In the water their bodies resembled films of dissolved isinglass, but when taken out they were mere lumps of jelly.


March 10th.—We have been constantly attended by the oceanic birds, but have never been able to take any until this date, when, during a calm, we hooked eight Albatrosses, in every variety of plumage, from the uniform ashy brown of the young birds, with pale lilac beaks, to the black and white of the adult birds, with yellow beaks. On examination we found them infested with three species of parasites, all of which I shall send you for the Club cabinet.


We took in a good deal of water at Rio, and as long as this remained we were troubled with mosquitoes. I have caught these blood-suckers coming out of my filterer at five or six in the afternoon. Their bite is as bad, but not worse, than that of our English Culex; they are black, having the legs prettily annulated with white; when resting they frequently throw out the hind legs.

ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA

Adelaide, 24 April 1838.—We arrived safely in Holdfast Bay on the 16th of this month. I went on shore at midnight with a naval officer, and accompanied him with the mail to this place. The country and climate are delightful. The expectations I had formed were moderate, I am therefore more than surprised at the rapid progress making here: houses are springing up in every direction. There are all the elements of a flourishing community here."

19 May 1838 - Abraham places an ad in the newspaper saying that he will open a store next week called "AH Davis and Co" at Gilles Arcade. Items for the store have been shipped with him on the Lord Goderich. This is the first time I've found Abraham in an Australian newspaper.

7 July 1838 - Abraham places an ad in the newspaper and is listed as a Ship Agent at Gilles Arcade.

18 Aug 1838 - Abraham places an ad in the newspaper selling a variety of goods from Gillies Arcade including pickles, fine fresh salmon, raw sugar and tea kettles.

20 Oct 1838 - Abraham attends a public meeting to address the Governor. He reads an address to his Excellency Colonel Gawler

10 Nov 1838 - Abraham writes in paper the desire to form a Natural History Society of South Australia.  He writes from Rundle Street. 

15 Dec 1838 - Abraham is listed in the paper as the President of the Natural History Society of South Australia.

29 Dec 1838 - Abraham writes in paper stating he is looking to create a Chamber of Commence within Adelaide. He is listed as the Provisional Secretary.

2 Feb 1839 - Abraham listed as a man liable to serve on Grand Juries, Adelaide for the present year. 

8 March 1839.  Stated in South Australian Register of 10 August 1839 - Abraham purchases land with W. Williams and H. Neale.  Sections 240, 241 and 457, District B, 240 acres.

4 April 1839.  Stated in South Australian Register of 10 August 1839 - Abraham purchases land with W. Williams and H. Neale. Section 61, District B, 80 acres. 

Adelaide, 26th July 1840 - Letter to The Entomologist – Volume 1 by Abraham Hopkins Davis. 

"My dear friend,

You may well wonder how I find time to attend to Entomology; the truth is, I do not find time, but chance throws a good many things in my way, and persons who know I am interested in insects, bring them to me. I have not gone out for the object professedly, for eighteen months, and there is little probability of my doing so for that time to come. Still, when business calls me to the farm, I take a pincushion and can pin a fly when I catch him. I have not been able to devote any time to the small insects, which are very numerous, particularly Chalcidites, and minute Cicadites, the latter evince very singular habits here. I have now by me the leaf of a Eucalyptus, covered with little habitations perfectly like shells, the form even of the ribs being faithfully represented, as in the annexed drawing: there are a dozen on one leaf, and they are scarcely half the size here depicted; the shell is of a dirty brown colour: some species of the same family make white shells, and the shell fabricated by one species resembles that of a limpet. We have a caterpillar now out which congregates in a mass on the young stems of the gum-tree ; it is black, covered with little tubercles and rows of spines of a pure white colour; it has six true legs : on being touched these caterpillars hold tight by the third pair of legs, and erect the anterior part of the body, spreading out the first and second pair, and endeavouring to look formidable, at the same time curling the posterior part of the body, as represented in the accompanying sketch, and protruding a yellow appendage from the telum : I also observed that a thick yellow juice was exuded from the last two or three segments. The legs are of a pale yellow colour. I have set a person to watch one or two of the masses in his garden, and see what becomes of them. They grow to be as large as a full-grown larva of Cerura Vinula. "


1842 - South Australian Government Gazette


In accordance with the above order, a meeting of the creditors of the estate of Abraham Hopkins Davis, and Harriott Williams, or Currie-Street, Adelaide Merchants, and co-partners trading under the firm of AH Davis & Co., will be held before His Honor the Judge, at his office, in Victoria Square, on Thursday the 28th day of April instant, at 11 o'clock in the fore noon, when and where the creditors are to come prepared to "prove their debts" and when application will be made for the appointment of one or more Assignee or Assignee of their Estate.


1842 - Abraham is on Agricultural Society of SA Board from 1842 to 1844.  He is the Chairman of the Board from 1850 to 1851.


1845 - South Australian Government Gazette


Abraham Hopkins Davis and Harriott Williams, late of Currie-Street, Adelaide, Merchants and Commissioners Agents, against whom a fiat, bearing date on or about 22nd day of March, 1842, was duly issued.


WHEREAS the above-named Abraham Hopkins Davis and Harriott Williams have applied
to His Honor the Judge for the allowance to them of a certificate of conformity, in pursuance of the Ordinance of Council relating to Insolvent Debtors, numbered 11, and passed on the 18th day of July instant. Notice is hereby given that His Honor the Judge will sit at the Supreme Court House, Adelaide, on Saturday, the twenty third day of August next, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon, when and where such certificate will be allowed, unless cause by then shown to the contrary.

By order of the Court

Saturday 20 March 1847 - South Australian Register

"Michael Dinan, son of Chas. Dinan, of the Port Road, an urchin with a very dirty face and ragged clothing was charged with stealing a quantity of grapes from the vineyard of Miss Williams at the Reedbeds.  The prisoner said, in answer to his Worship, that the other boys picked and gave them to him, and that he did not steal them.

A H Davis, of the Reedbeds, stated that the stolen grapes were the property of a Miss Williams, and were growing in a garden which was fenced in.  Had not seen the boy take the grapes, but had examined plants in the garden from which they had been taken.  Had seen the grapes growing in the garden on Sunday last.  Had the management of the garden.  At the trade price the value of the stolen grapes was 5 shillings.

Thomas Fittcher, servant to Mr Davis, stated that he saw four boys in company with the prisoner going from the vineyard, across the adjoining river.  The other boys ran away, and the prisoner not being able to keep up with them he was taken.  He dropped the grapes in one of the baskets produced.  Picked up the remainder a few yards away, which the other boys had dropped.  They took a coat produced in which some of the grapes were wrapped.  The grapes are the same as those growing in the vineyard.  Did not see him in the vineyard.  When captured he said lie had nothing on him.  Took him and shut him up, and told him he would be transported.  Did not know the boy or his father, but heard that he lived near Albert Town.  In answer to his Worship the boy said his father was not in Court.

His Worship read the little thief a severe lecture, in the course of which he remarked that he was afraid his father had not done duty to him. In lieu of sending him to prison he would fine him in such a sum as his father would feel.  He must pay 5 shillings for the grapes and a fine of 20 shillings.  He was then removed to the station house, and directions given to the Police to send for his father."

REMARRIES

On the 9 May 1848 in the South Australian Register it states:

MARRIED - On the 8th instant, at Moore Farm, Reedbeds, by the Rev. T. Q. Stow, Mr A. H Davis to Miss Williams.

1857 - Mrs Davis' (Harriot) dog (a valuable newfoundland) is poisoned.

ACCIDENT AT MOORE FARM

Saturday 2 February 1859 - Accident with Firearms in the South Australian Register is states:

On Saturday afternoon, about 2 o'clock, one of the men in the employ of Mr A H Davis, Moore Farm, met with a mishap whilst discharging a gun.  The gun burst and tore off one of his fingers, leaving a large wound in the palm of the hand.  Mr Davis, Junior, instantly proceeded to town, and procured the professional aid of Dr Renner, who, after dressing the wound, directed the sufferer to be conveyed to the Hospital, where he was kindly received by Mr and Mrs Briggs, and is, we understand, progressing very favourably.

ABOUT MOORE FARM

Thursday 26 December 1861 - The Residence of Mr A H Davis

"There is very little in the immediate vicinity of the road from Adelaide to the Reedbeds to awaken the admiration of a lover of the picturesque. Post and rail fences enclosing grazing and cultivated paddocks, with a few scattered houses of every imaginable material, from stone to mud, comprise almost all that is to be seen for the first few miles. " Lockleys," the estate and residence of Mr. C. B. Fisher, situate on the right of the road, about four miles from Adelaide, presents the first and a most welcome relief to the sameness of the plains. Here the majestic looking trees, both English and Colonial, the tastefully laid out shrubbery, the well-bred stock depasturing on the extensive paddocks, and the long range of substantial and roomy stabling, where repose some of the noblest scions of the best blood of the Knowsley and other equally famed studs -all these recall memories of Old English Sportsmen's homes, and justify the anticipation that the yeomanry of Australia will be entitled to rank with the proudest of those who derive wealth and enjoyment from the broad lands of the old country.

Beyond Mr. Fisher's estate the country has in places a more English appearance - green hedgerows and rustic cottages enlivening the scene. Near to Mr. Davis's the scenery is very pretty, a beautiful view of the hills being obtainable, whilst the immediate neighborhood of Moore Farm is much improved by two picturesque bridges over the Torrens, built by private subscription, supplemented by a grant from Government. These bridges cost about £600, and lead, one to the beach and the other to the Port. Presently a view of Moore Farm is obtained. Mr. Davis's residence is on the left of the road, and on the right is the oldest portion of his vineyard and the orchard. The other and younger portion of the vineyard and the dairy paddock adjoins the house. The fact that the major extent of Mr. Davis's vineyard and orchard has been planted upwards of 20 years invests it with more than ordinary interest, because it affords evidence of the value the gardens of the colony may attain in their maturity. There is, however, less to write about than in places where cultivation and production are still experiments, because here everything is so matured, and of such even excellence, that one descriptive remark will almost suffice for all. During a recent ramble through the grounds we noted the most prominent objects of interest, but the fact that our opportunities for observation were somewhat curtailed by the burning sun and stinging mosquitoes, must be our apology if some matters of detail escaped our ken.

The older portion of the vineyard is bounded on the west and south by a stately row of towering aloes, and the north side of the orchard adjoining this vineyard abuts on the River Torrens. Commencing our stroll by the banks of the river the first object which arrested attention was a magnificent elder tree now thickly covered with bloom. Beyond this avenues of bigareau, black-heárt and white-heart cherries, densely hung with fruit, speak volumes for the richness of the soil. Adjacent to them are a number of fig trees, including the Turkey fig, as well as the common species. Other fruit trees, such as the peach, apricot, plums of various kinds, damson and green gage, are here in large numbers, all in perfect health and presenting indications of prolific yields. To the east of the vineyard there are two extensive plantations of pear, apple, and quince trees, and soft-shell almonds; the former indicating great luxuriance of growth and in fine bearing. . There are also some splendid mulberry trees which came into full bearing at the unusually early age of six years At this portion of the orchard Mr. Davis has had recourse to a valuable artificial aid which will in time add largely to the bearing capabilities of the trees. A well has been sunk close to the river 35 feet deep, and in this there is 20 feet depth of water. A double action pump has been erected, and this worked by one horse will raise 2,000 gallons of water per hour. Communicating with the pump, galvanized iron pipes have been laid along the surface of the orchard, and the trees and shrubs are irrigated at pleasure by means of hose and hand pipes. This irrigation was not commenced until August last, but the beneficial effect of the moisture thus supplied is already apparent on many of the trees. Mr Davis states that in former years in the wet seasons his garden was almost invariably flooded several times in the year, and it was then necessary to devise means for carrying off the surplus water. But now, owing to the increased area of ploughed land on the hills, even with the same amount of rainfall the floods do not come. The water which formerly poured down the hill sides and overflowed the banks of the Torrens is absorbed in the higher lying ploughed lands almost as fast as it falls. Nor is this all.  The cloud water is also attracted by the ploughed land on the hills, and but comparatively little of this beneficial atmospheric influence is experienced on the plains near the Reedbeds. There is little doubt that newly turned soil does attract moisture, and it is probably owing to this circumstance that the climate of Australia generally has within the last few years become much more moist - than it was wont to be. At the northeastern extremity of the orchard we were shown the spot where about fourteen years ago, during a more than ordinarily heavy flood, the Torrens burst its banks and forced a new channel for its waters from this point to the Bay. We must not omit to mention one characteristic of Mr. Davis's gardening, although we by no means think it a special and are not sure it is an unwise one. It is that he allows weeds to grow without let or hindrance, for the simple, and if it can be substantiated, sufficient reason, that he considers the cost of removing them exceeds the value of the benefit attained thereby. The principle is, making it an orchard and not a garden. Whether the proposition is good or bad will well bear argument. There can be no doubt that with the present price of labor hand weeding is an expensive process, and we are not sure whether, where only large trees are growing, the absorption of the goodness of the soil by a heavy crop of weeds is not counterbalanced by the valuable shade their foliage affords. Besides the trees we have already mentioned, we observed in the orchard a cork elm, thriving well, and a date palm (phoenix sylvestris), which has borne fruit two or three times, although, as this is a female tree, and stands solitary, the fruit is not perfect ; the tree is now coming into bloom.

We come now to the vineyard. The whole extent of the vineyard and orchard is about 25 acres. Of this extent five acres were planted in 1839 and 1840, and the chief portion of the remainder in the intervening years up to 1850 ; the original portion was gradually added to year by year. In the older portion of the vineyard there are a large number of table vines. Most of these are trellised on wooden frames nearly eight feet high, and are about 17 years old. They consist principally of Muscat, of Alexandrina, and the Chrystal. There is also a collection of various sorts originally obtained by Mr. Davis from Sydney. Of the wine grapes in the original vineyard there are Shiraz, Verdeilho, Frontignac, and Gouias. In the younger portion of the vineyard on the other side of the road the sorts are almost entirely Shiraz and Verdeilho. The latter are planted in rows 12 feet by four, with the view of enabling the space between the rows to be ploughed periodically to keep down the weeds. Mr. Davis, however, asserts that he would never again plant any sorts closer than 7 feet by 7, which in his garden, owing to the richness of the soil and the luxuriant growth of the vines, he computes as equal tq 6 feet by 4 on the hills. Mr- Davis confines his manufacture of wine chiefly to two sorts Moore Farm Red, from the Shiraz grapes unmixed; and the Moore Farm White, from the Verdeilho unmixed. Samples of his Shiraz vintages 1858, '59, '60, and of the Verdeilho vintage of 1858, were selected by the Wine Committee for transmission to the Exhibition of all Nations, Those which we tasted were of excellent quality. The Shiraz vintage of last season is a full-bodied, fruity vine, and will no doubt be excellent when matured. By Baume's Sacoharometer the must of the Verdeilho of last season averaged 19 deg., and the Shiraz l8 deg. In the year preceding the Verdeilho averaged 21, The usual average of the Yerdeilho is 16, and the Shiraz 15.

Mr. Davis estimates the average yield of his vineyard at two gallons to every three Shiraz vines, and one gallon of Verdeilho to from two to three vines.

The whole of the vines were planted in deeply ploughed soil, but no trenching, manuring, or irrigating has been done in the vineyard. The soil is alluvial, and of great depth-in some places there is a rotten limestone subsoil, at about nine feet. Mr. Davis has done very little with orange trees, many that he planted having failed; but there are, in the orchard, a number of lemon trees and a purple guava, a West Indian tree, the fruit of which resembles the strawberry in flavor, and the damson in appearance.

Mr. Davis's orchards are no less known for. their magnificent yield of fruits for table, than for their ample supply of material for preserves. In fact, a very large proportion of the producet is yearly manufactured into jam, for the preparation of which Moore Farm can boast of some prodigious croppers, by no means the least interesting objects in the eye of an ordinary visitor."

Thursday 26 December 1861 - South Australian Register - MOORE FARM JAMS

"We think we may venture to say that without exception the first and foremost horticulturist of South Australia is Mr A H Davis.  The late Mr George Stevenson might during his life have divided the crown with Mr Davis, but he having passed away, the worthy owner of Moore Farm remains the oldest if not the most extensive producer we have of Pomona's treasures.  Singularly enough, Mr Stevenson and Mr Davis were alike assiduous cultivators of letters.  The one was for years avowedly identified with the newspaper press of Adelaide.  The extent of Mr Davis's literary labours is either unknown or only suspected by the public.  He occasionally resumes his pen, and his style is remarkable for retaining the trenchant vigour of youth, while its effect is enhanced by that exactitude of aim which experience alone can confer.  It is, however, in his simple character of husbandman that he have here to refer to Mr Davis to glance at the produce of his gardens and the purposes to which he applies it.  The orchard and vineyard at Moore Farm occupy 26 acres of the richest alluvial soil in the neighbourhood of Adelaide.  They have been many years in cultivation, and some of the trees have attained gigantic proportions. Indeed, looking at those patriarchal evidences of Mr A H Davis's taste and industry, one is tempted to think that he has possessed himself of the secret by which "the monks of old", it is said, secured not only large trees, but large crops - the greatest bulk with the finest flavour.  We have referred to those fine old trees and their abundant produce the more particularly because Mr Davis uses in his jams no fruit but that grown in his own grounds, gathered by his own servants, and manufactured under his own inspection.  It was not so last year, we believe, in consequence of the state of his health; but this season the whole process of the manufacture has been carried out under the personal direction of the proprietor of Moore Farm.

Mr Davis takes special care to preserve the peculiar flavour of each particular fruit, therefore his jams are not merely fruits properly preserved, but they are the precise fruits they process to be.  With the exception of cherries and damsons, all the stones are extracted before the fruits are forwarded to the boiling house, and Mr Davis estimates this as an advantage of from 10 to 15 per cent in favour of the consumer.  His list of jam making fruits is very extensive, including various choice sorts of the plum, the mulberry, the damson, the cherry, the apple, the apricot, the nectarine, the greengage, the pear, the peach, and the grape.  There are two furnaces in the boiling house, and the fuel used is ordinary firewood.  The jam is made in two coppers, kept scrupulously clean - one capable of making 300 lbs, and the other 140 lbs at a boiling.  The jam when made is ladled into tins of the usual sizes and soldered airtight in the same manner as by other persons in the trade.  The labels are printed in letters of gold upon a ground of ultramarine, and have a very pleasing effect.  The tins are made by Mr Simpson, the cases in which they are packed are supplied by Mr Pulsford.  Those who have used the Moore Farm jams need not to be told how delicious they are, and those who have not can scarcely conceive how sufficient they are in the their choice variety to satisfy every taste.

The Moore Farm wines have long enjoyed a local reputation, and it is a somewhat amusing fact that although no medal was awarded to the samples sent home to the Great Exhibition, they were nearly all imbibed by the tasters.  Unlike many winemakers, Mr Davis has had the wisdom to keep one vintage in his cellar until the mellowing influence of time has effected the improvement which age only can impart to the juice of the grape.  For his friends who may have favoured with an introduction to that particular tap a great treat is in store; and if exported, as we hope at least a portion of it will be, we have no doubt, it will not only meet the "acceptance bounteous: which greeted its predecessor, but also extort honourable mention from the gentlemen taster, who do not always like to praise what they always like to drink.

We noticed a curious instance of the fertility of even the sand in the neighbourhood of Moore Farm. The vine cuttings of last year that were given to the District Council for the repairing of the district road, and were covered with sand, have taken root, and sent up strong and healthy shoots.  For a considerable distance along the road where it has not been cut up by the traffic there is a nursery of vines."

18 May 1864 - South Australian Register - West Torrens District - Opening of the Moore Farm Bridge

"The inauguration of the opening of the Moore Farm Bridge, West Torrens, was the occasion of one of those pleasant country reunions which bring together the farmers and friends of a district for miles around, and winch generally serve as an opportunity for the free interchange and expression of opinions on matters of local importance between the representatives and the ratepayers of the district.  The celebration in connection with the opening of this bridge has been looked forward to with considerable interest for some time past, and accordingly the residents and friends of the district mustered in full force on Tuesday, May 17 - the day appointed for the ceremony to take place.  There must have been several hundred persons on the ground, amongst whom we noticed the Hon. John Morphett MLC, Mr H B T Strangways MP, the Mayor of Glenelg, Mr A Stow MP, Mr C M Pearson (Chairman of the District Council), Councillors Marjoram, Hemingway, W H Gray and Dew, Dr Wheeler, Rev S L Harris and Messrs W Bartley, H Gawler, Parkin (late MP GM Galley, Harrold J Foreman and Mockridge (builder of the bridge) and several other gentleman.

The weather, which had been threatening rain for some time past, was at the Reedbeds highly favourable for the success of the event, and the bright blue sky occasionally bespangled with fleecy clouds, together with the fine bracing south-west wind which blew, seemed to give additional zest to the spirit of the undertaking.

The bridge is situated near a portion of the Moore Farm, Henley Road, and spans a spot which has hitherto been regarded by the residents of the neighbourhood as a veritable "Slough of Despond".  In a paddock a few yards westward of the bridge stood a spacious pavilion profusely ornamented with flags, boughs, festoons etc.

The Moore Farm Bridge, which is painted white is 90 feet long by a breadth of 16 feet.  It is built on four tiers of piles and five others of one foot diameter, each of which is composed of red gum.  The girders - five in number - are of Oregon timber, and of the measure of 9 by 12.  There are three pairs of truffles with struts of the same proportions, and these are made out of the same material.  The planking of the bridge, 4 inches thick, is composed of red gum, and fastened by eight-inch spikes.  The bolts used measure 1 1/2 inches and are 16 feet in length.  The span  of the bridge is of an elliptical or oval shape.  The approaches are not yet completed, but when finished will combine to render the bridge one of the most substantial and handsome erected in suburban or country districts.  The architects are, we understand Messrs. Poole and Sands.

Preparations for the coming event had not been overlooked.  On the bridge was erected a loft triumphal arch, decorated with foliage and flags, and on one of which were ins, ribed in large Roman characters the words "Moore Farm Bridge".  At about half past 2 o'clock the Chairman and the Councillors of the district headed a small procession of vehicles and pedestrians, and marched over the bridge, proceeding up the road for a distance of about 100 yards.  On returning and reaching the centre of the bridge, Mr C M Pearson stepped forward and Miss Pearson - a young lady of 10 or 12 years and on whom revolved the duty of christening the bridge - gallantly dashed the content of a bottle against the side of the structure, repeating the words "The Moore Farm Bridge".  Mr Pearson then formally announced the bridge open for public traffic in the name of the West Torrens District Council.  Three lusty cheers resounded through the air, and the company moved towards the marquee.  At this juncture a wagon drawn by four houses, decorated with foliage, was seen approaching with outriders.  The wagon was loaded with the produce of Moore Farm, and on its passing over the bridge a succession of hearty cheers proclaimed the event.

The Luncheon

OBITUARY

An obituary ran in "The South Australian Advertiser" dated 29th June 1866 as follows:

"THE LATE MR A H DAVIS

We regret to announce the death of another of the pioneers of the colony - Mr A H Davis - who expired on Monday at the Reedbeds, after a prolonged illness.  Mr Davis has been more or less identified with the history of the colony almost from it's commencement, and for a long time took a leading party in public affairs.  He arrived in 1838 by the Lord Goderich, Mr Justice Gwynne and anumber of well-known colonists being passengers by the same vessel.  After his arrival he commenced business as a merchant, and his talents and active habits of mind soon pointed him out as eminently qualified to take a prominent part in the affairs of the infant colony.

In the various discussions that took place during the first few years of our settlement respecting the treatment of the natives, he always appeared as the warm advocate of merciful and generous treatment of the aborigines.

He was also conspicuous in meetings called to consider the alarming financial position of the colony during Governor Gawler's, and the early part of Governor Grey's Administrations.  Mr Davis was elected an Alderman of the first Corporation with the late Mr G Stevenson, Smillie, and others, Sir James Fisher being Mayor.  This institution was abolished in 1843 as too costly and cumberous for the circumstances of the colony.  Mr Davis had a great taste for horticulture and rural pursuits, and not very long after his arrival commenced farming, and laid the foundation of the Moore Farm Garden that has attained much celebrity.  Next to the late Mr George Stevenson, probably there is no one to whom horticulture in South Australia owes so much as to the subject of this notice.  After the commercial crisis of 1841-42, Mr Davis having gone with the general crash, retired altogether to his sections of the Reedbeds, where he devoted himself  to his favourite occupation, and acquired a competence.  For many years he was known as one of the most successful exhibitors at our shows of horticultural produce.  He did not, however, abandon public affairs, but was always among the foremost in any movement having for its object the good of the colony, and the maintenance of the principles upon which it was founded.

In 1846 he took an active part in the agitation against State aid to religion.  Having been one of those who was attracted to the colony by the principle recognised in its foundation that religion should be perfectly independent of the State, he felt strongly the attempt to interfere with what he considered a distinct understanding between the British Government and the founders of the colony, and entered with the utmost earnestness into the contest that arose.   He was present at the memorable meeting at the Court House, when the colonists, by an overwhelming majority, declared against the grant : he wrote with great power against the innovation, and was one of the four secretaries to the Anti-State Aid League, the other three being the present Chief Justice, Mr John Brown, and Mr Wm Bakewell.  He was a member of the Central Road Board during the fierce agitation against the dray and land taxes in 1849-50, both of which the Government was obliged to abandon.  People were about this time looking forward to representative government, and naturally Mr Davis took a warm interest in the subject.  In 1849, he attended a meeting upon the question, and denounced the attempt of some of the officials and politicians of the day, to establish a peerage, whether life or hereditary, in a speech relete with congent argument, and glowering with withering sarcasm.  In 1851, the colony received its first constitution, by which two-thirds of the members of the Council were to be elective, and Mr Davis was at once looked to as one of the most fit men for a seat in the new Parliament.  Accordingly, upon invitation, he stood for West Torrens, but was defeated by Mr Charles Simeon Hare, professing the same principles by a majority of two.  After this, Mr Davis resolved never again to woo the sweet voices of the multitude, and nothing could induce him to alter his decision; and not even after our new Constitution was granted would he stand for either House.  He was, however, for some years Chairman of the District Council of West Torrens, and, with his duties as a member of the Central Road Board, and as a Magistrate, much of his time was given to the public.  In '53-4 there was a fresh agitation respecting the new Constitution, to supplant the mixed one we had received as an instalment of our rights ; and Mr Davis showed that his opinion had become very much modified on political matters, and he appeared as a Conservative, advocating an Upper House of nominees for life. His letters under the signature of "Vigil" will be remembered by many.  The Council and he agreed on this matter, but the remonstrances of the colonists induced the Home Government to return the Constitution framed by the Council as disapproved, and the result was eventually our present system of representative Government inaugurated in 1857.  From this time Mr Davis did not appear so much in public affairs tilli in 1859 he started the "Thursday Review", for the advocacy of more conservative opinions than were popular with the colonists.  This periodical did not, however, meet with a very large support, and was subsequently dropped.  Mr Davis's political history ends here, and though in his writings he displayed some want of respect for the opinions of others, and although many complained of a bitterness of manner in dealing with political questions and political men, all acknowledged his sincerity, and respected his never-failing morale courage. 

He was throughout his colonial life a contributor to the press, and many of his literary efforts live in the memory of old colonists.  He was also a member of the Linnean Society, and an ardent lover of natural history.  For the last year of two, Mr Davis has suffered from failing health, and a severe attack of illness some time ago, warned his friends of a certain tenure of his life.  It is not without feelings of sorrow, that we record the loss of one whose name is inseparably associated with the early history of the colony, who has been one of our most useful colonists, whose opinions, whether popular or unpopular, were always advanced with sincerity, and defended with earnestness, and who, in his various public positions, displayed the qualities of an able man and good citizen.  The remains of Mr Davis were interred in the Hindmarsh Cemetary on Wednesday, June 6.  The procession left the deceased's home shortly after noon, and consisted of the hearse, two mourning coaches, and numerous other carriages and vehicles containing, in addition to the family, His Honour Mr Justice Boothby and sons, Hon, T Reynolds, Messrs. W Bakewell, W. Owen, H. Giles, J Smith, J M Linklater, F Wicksteed, Dr. Kidner etc.  On reaching the Cemetery, the Rev. Mr Jefferis, who had attended the deceased in his last illness, conducted the usual burial service."