James R Davis

[New Zealander]

Greetings

I wonder if someone might be able to assist me?

James R Davis was involved with the Ballarat railway in Victoria, Australia in the early 1860's.  He had built a steam locomotive the Lady Barkly which he imported to Southland, New Zealand through the port of Bluff.

He built the first railway in New Zealand from Invercargill to Makarewa opened in 1864.  It was ultimately a failure.  James Davis also held several contracts to build the Invercargill - Bluff railway where the Lady Barkly was used as a ballast locomotive.  This opened in 1867.

James Davis was involved with the Invercargill - Makarewa - Winton railway.  he built the first Railway Hotel in Winton.

James Davis had a son - in - law Jerusalem Smith, American born who died as a result of an accident at Sydney in 1902.

By 1870 James R Davis had left the colony, presumably returning to Australia NSW or Victoria.

All trace has been lost of James Davis after he left New Zealand.

Can anyone please assist with further information on James R Davis or his son - in - law Jerusalem Smith.

I would be most appreciative of any assistance or information.

New Zealander a.k.a. Alex

[Wayne N]

You may already have these mentions of the son-in-law in 1880/1 - if not..
Mr. Jerusalem Smith, having removed to Sydney to superintend the construction of one of the tram
lines.

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70962013#:~:text=one%20of%20the%20firm%2C%20the,late%20managing%20partner%2C%20Mr

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28383613#:~:text=as%20passible%29%2C%20Mr,Jerusalem%20Smith

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/200651119#:~:text=system%20of%20traffic%20ia%20large,The%20pamphlet

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/200651119#:~:text=the%20queatiop%20of%20granting%2C%20a,concession%20to%20the

[Wayne N]

An article here that mentions your James Davies (Davis).
plus an MC Davies, Herbert Davies and Mr Butler (Karridale
resident engineer) that went to Busselton on 3 July 1890
https://lrrsa.org.au/Light%20Railways%20224%20lowres.pdf

Not sure if Maurice or Herbert are related to James, but
Maurice Coleman Davies (1835–1913)
https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/davies-maurice-coleman-295#:~:text=and%20in%20Western%20Australia%20the,sons%2C%20under%20the%20name%20of

Herbert Davies (1866–1915)
https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/davies-herbert-13530#:~:text=Tuesday%20evening,many%20thousands%20of%20loads%20of

[Wayne N]

James Davies in Vic and NSW after NZ.
Youngest daughter married in NSW

James R Davies (Davis) Death Notice - Note CE is Civil Engineer
1897 - DAVIES.—October 14, at Waverley, Sydney, N. S. Wales, James Richard Davies, C.E., aged 74 years.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14123186#:~:text=DAVIES,Wales

1890 in  Birregurra, Victoria - Mr J. R. Davies, C.E., the contractor for the line from Birregurra into the Capo Otway forest
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/269860864#:~:text=Mr%20J,the%20contractor%20for

1887: Youngest daughter of “J. R. Davies, C.E., Carcoar” married in Sydney
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/13675945#:~:text=MACMEIKAN%E2%80%94DAVIES

[cupoflife]

Waverley Cemetery
James Richard Davies  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/218650006/james-richard-davies
Same plot Ann Davies https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/218650007/ann-davies

Adding:
(14/10/1897) 14066/1897 DAVIES James R ; James; Annie; Waverley
 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231809692
 DAVIES.— At Waverley on the 14th instant, James Richard Davies, C. E., aged 74 years.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163799213

(2/07/1898) 11931/1898 DAVIES Annie; James; Ann; Waverley
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163809035
DAVIES.—July 2, at Waverley, Sydney, N.S.W., aged 74 years, Anne Davies.

[Wayne N]

Birth of James & Anne Davies' youngest daughter
https://www.findmypast.co.uk/transcript?id=ANZ%2FNZBMD%2FB%2F0494674&tab=this

First name(s) Oceana Frances Flora
Last name Davies
Country New Zealand
Registration year 1863
Record set New Zealand Birth Index
Father's first name(s) James Richard
Mother's first name(s) Anne
Subcategory Civil Births
Registration number 1863/20074

[cupoflife]

NSW Marriage 2872/1888 Percy A. MACINERKAN and Oceana F. F. DAVIES; Paddington
Vic: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/212656651/oceana-frances-macmeikan
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/212656702/percy-alex-macmeikan

Vic births: 14924 / 1888 MACMEIKAN Roy Alison; Father-MACMEIKAN Percy Alexander; Mother-DAVIES Oceana Frances Flora; South Yarra
WA Death: 1964 #103223 Roy Alison Hughes; Female; 75; Percy Alexander MACMERKAN; Oceana Frances Flora DAVIES; Nedlands Perth
(Page 10 of 13 in this link) https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=MDQ-9Oe3GGUC&dat=19641013&printsec=frontpage&hl=en
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213512485/roy-alison-hughes
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213506093/edward-william-hughes

[cupoflife]

Jerusalem Smith’s accident… he fell down stairs, fractured his skull and died shortly afterwards. Article mentions he was a native of Canada, a well-known Government contractor and civil engineer… “Mr. Smith retired from business a few years ago, and is then known to have been possessed of considerable wealth. He spent his money with a lavish hand, however, and was latterly reduced to poverty.”
eg: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/228948405
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/112776001
Several others http://www.rootschat.com/links/01u0w/

Funeral notice: Church of England cemetery https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/14499334
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/237602151
Jerusalem SMITH
Date of Burial: 16 Aug 1902
Rookwood General Cemetery
Plot: T_Zone C/#/3291
https://rookwoodcemetery.discovereverafter.com/profile/26663333

[New Zealander]

Cup of Life

You are amazing.  Thank you very much.

New Zealander a.k.a. Alex
Invercargill
New Zealand