DAVIS, George Edward
| Birth Name | DAVIS, George Edward |
| Gender | male |
| Age at Death | 79 years, 10 months, 28 days |
Narrative
George was 10 years and 7 months old when he started school in Irvinebank on Monday, 6 February 1888
George and Alice are on the Electoral Roll in 1930 at Constance Street in Mareeba and he is listed as an engine driver.
George and Alice are on the Electoral Roll in 1930 at Constance Street in Mareeba and he is listed as an engine driver.
Narrative
Newspaper Notice
A meeting was held at Irvinebank on Thursday night to arrange for the holding of sports on St Patrick's Day (or rather Monday, 18th March (says the "Walsh and Tinaroo Miner"). A good working committee was appointed, and Mr. W. Eales was elected President of the committee. On Sunday afternoon the committee met for the purpose of drawing up a programme and transacting other necessary business. Messrs. C. Speed, J. Mitchell, T. Broodie, G. E. Davis and W. McDougal were appointed judges ;
ATHLETICS . (1907, January 26). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1 954), p. 11.
A meeting was held at Irvinebank on Thursday night to arrange for the holding of sports on St Patrick's Day (or rather Monday, 18th March (says the "Walsh and Tinaroo Miner"). A good working committee was appointed, and Mr. W. Eales was elected President of the committee. On Sunday afternoon the committee met for the purpose of drawing up a programme and transacting other necessary business. Messrs. C. Speed, J. Mitchell, T. Broodie, G. E. Davis and W. McDougal were appointed judges ;
ATHLETICS . (1907, January 26). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1 954), p. 11.
Narrative
This is the text of a newspaper clipping from Kathleen Veronica DAVIS (nee BOURKE), daughter-in-law of the gentleman who is the subject of the article.
E.P.H. gives an old timer in the person of George E. DAVIS a send-off: George was born in Townsville in July 1877 and went to Irvinebank as an infant. His first school lessons were taught him by Mrs. McTavish. The first school in Irvinebank was held in the School of Arts. He finished his education at the Irvinebank State School No. 519, the present building on the hill. It had additions added to it after his day. George's teacher was Mr. Louis Lewis.
After leaving school he started work as a whip boy at the Vulcan mine, where afterwards he was taught engine driving by the late Jack McBride. While studying for driving, he was working down the Vulcan as a miner, under the late Jim Maher as shift boss. After leaving the Vulcan, George was engine driving at the Tornado for Mr. Charles B. Alexander. Later he managed the following mines for the Irvinebank Mining Co.: The Stella, at Herberton; United North Australian, at Watsonville; the Pompeii, at the New Era; the Tommy Burns at Sunnymount, and the Governor Norman at Irvinebank. George had to make progressive reports to Mr. Moffat on the mines he was managing, and at times he was a bit impetuous. Mr. Moffat would say, "Go steady young man, take things easy. Rome was not built in a day" -- or some such remark. When visiting the different mines, George was always mounted on a good horse. He was a director of the Vulcan mine for a while.
Here it is interesting to recall that in the days of long ago, the miners were camped alongside a spring at the New Era. This spring was a phenomenon, as for part of the day it was bone dry, and at other periods it was brimming over with the water running into the creek below, where stock could get a drink.
After Mr. John Reid sold the Irvinebank Mining Co. to the Government which formed the State Treatment Works, George E. Davis shifted to Tolga, carrying on a blacksmithing business with the late R. E. Moss. He resided there for only a short while, and returned to mining again at Herberton. Then he moved to Cairns, where he was employed by the C.R.E.B. until he retired at the age of 65. At the time of his passing he was 80 years of age. God blessed him with a long and useful life. George's father was a teamster, having a dray and seven horses. He and his family lived at the foot of the hill on which the great Vulcan tin mine was afterwards found. The site of their home was across the creek, the bottom end of this flat was afterwards known as "Paddy's Flat." His brother Alf was the first person to own a bicycle in Irvinebank. Alf used his saddle hack for long distance rides, but he used to round up the horses by bicycle. The young folk of the town used to sing about "The Bicycle Built for Two" when he and his girlfriend went out. His brother Jack, who was a foot runner, won a handicap at Watsonville against all comers. All three brothers have now passed on.
E.P.H. gives an old timer in the person of George E. DAVIS a send-off: George was born in Townsville in July 1877 and went to Irvinebank as an infant. His first school lessons were taught him by Mrs. McTavish. The first school in Irvinebank was held in the School of Arts. He finished his education at the Irvinebank State School No. 519, the present building on the hill. It had additions added to it after his day. George's teacher was Mr. Louis Lewis.
After leaving school he started work as a whip boy at the Vulcan mine, where afterwards he was taught engine driving by the late Jack McBride. While studying for driving, he was working down the Vulcan as a miner, under the late Jim Maher as shift boss. After leaving the Vulcan, George was engine driving at the Tornado for Mr. Charles B. Alexander. Later he managed the following mines for the Irvinebank Mining Co.: The Stella, at Herberton; United North Australian, at Watsonville; the Pompeii, at the New Era; the Tommy Burns at Sunnymount, and the Governor Norman at Irvinebank. George had to make progressive reports to Mr. Moffat on the mines he was managing, and at times he was a bit impetuous. Mr. Moffat would say, "Go steady young man, take things easy. Rome was not built in a day" -- or some such remark. When visiting the different mines, George was always mounted on a good horse. He was a director of the Vulcan mine for a while.
Here it is interesting to recall that in the days of long ago, the miners were camped alongside a spring at the New Era. This spring was a phenomenon, as for part of the day it was bone dry, and at other periods it was brimming over with the water running into the creek below, where stock could get a drink.
After Mr. John Reid sold the Irvinebank Mining Co. to the Government which formed the State Treatment Works, George E. Davis shifted to Tolga, carrying on a blacksmithing business with the late R. E. Moss. He resided there for only a short while, and returned to mining again at Herberton. Then he moved to Cairns, where he was employed by the C.R.E.B. until he retired at the age of 65. At the time of his passing he was 80 years of age. God blessed him with a long and useful life. George's father was a teamster, having a dray and seven horses. He and his family lived at the foot of the hill on which the great Vulcan tin mine was afterwards found. The site of their home was across the creek, the bottom end of this flat was afterwards known as "Paddy's Flat." His brother Alf was the first person to own a bicycle in Irvinebank. Alf used his saddle hack for long distance rides, but he used to round up the horses by bicycle. The young folk of the town used to sing about "The Bicycle Built for Two" when he and his girlfriend went out. His brother Jack, who was a foot runner, won a handicap at Watsonville against all comers. All three brothers have now passed on.
Narrative
The West Montalblon Mine was found by the Farr Bros. They were men of means from the old country and did prospecting as a hobby. Having located specimens of heavy mineral, they took them to the Irvinebank Co. for assay, and not being Interested in working it themselves, they took Tony Linedale out and he pegged the ground. The first mine manager was a man named Williams (he was a Cousin Jack). Tony Linedale's prospectors found the Old Camp and Paddy Dale was the manager. The smelter and concentrating plant and dam at Montalbion was constructed by C. B. Alexander. When the smelters were finished, William Waddell took over the general managership of mines and smelters. Montalbion was a boom town with big deposits of exceedingly rich ore, plenty of people and plenty of pubs. It was said a million and a quarter of money was produced out of the Montalbion mines during their life, but the company never paid a dividend. Montalbion has long since been a ghost town, but I well remember the two last families leaving that centre. They were the William Peters family who took up residence at Irvinebank, and the Armstrong family who did likewise. Orient Camp was really an isolated camp which had several good shows that sent their ore to Montabion for smelting. Some of these mines were Weinerts, which took its name from the prospectors who found it, the Naman and the Bluebell. I don't know who found them.
At Orient Camp in the early days there were two hotels, one of which was conducted by Bill Blackmore, who, by the way, came from Northcote, where he managed the Just-in-Time mine. But Blackmore's brother Frank was blown up in the Publican's Purse mine at Northcote, and received shocking Injuries, including an arm blown off. Fourteen of his workmates set out to carry him to Herberton hospital, and were met by about 40 miners from Watsonville at the Planted Tree Crossing on the Walsh River and conveyed to Borghero's Hotel at Watsonville, then to Herberton, where he died after admission. The distance from Northcote to Herberton would be about 80 miles, all very rough country, but distance was no object when a mate was In distress. This occurred during the wet season of 1887. AROUND THE CAMP FIRE (1954, May 29). Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954), p. 3.
At Orient Camp in the early days there were two hotels, one of which was conducted by Bill Blackmore, who, by the way, came from Northcote, where he managed the Just-in-Time mine. But Blackmore's brother Frank was blown up in the Publican's Purse mine at Northcote, and received shocking Injuries, including an arm blown off. Fourteen of his workmates set out to carry him to Herberton hospital, and were met by about 40 miners from Watsonville at the Planted Tree Crossing on the Walsh River and conveyed to Borghero's Hotel at Watsonville, then to Herberton, where he died after admission. The distance from Northcote to Herberton would be about 80 miles, all very rough country, but distance was no object when a mate was In distress. This occurred during the wet season of 1887. AROUND THE CAMP FIRE (1954, May 29). Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954), p. 3.
Narrative
The Theresa mine was found and worked by George Bavington. The Dalcouth was found and worked by George Davis and Joe Hales. The Forlorn Hope was found by Donovan, and later worked by Ted Rouse and Oscar Bell. It was later called the Vulcan Hope. A local syndicate worked it and the manager was Ike Kennedy. It was never what one would call a good show. The Pompeii was an old show, original prospector unknown, but it was opened up by Frank Byrne and Weir. The Irvinebank Mining Co. took an option on it and purchased it for £1500. George Davis was the company's manager. The Stella, found by Morris and Dan Rowlands, was also sold to the Irvinebank Co. for £1500. Hughie Reid of Watsonville, was the first manager, but was replaced by George Davis who managed both the Stella and Pompeii. The Gilmore was named after the original prospector Gilmore, floated into a syndicate and first managed by Alf Shepherd. The Tommy Burns was found by the Roos Bros, about the same time (1908) and was floated into a syndicate, first manager being George Davis. Both the last named shows were big producers over a number of years. The Tornado Extended was found by tributora Sid and Alf Shepherd. After the expiration of the tribute It was worked by the owners, C. B. Alexander and John Moffat. C. T. Alexander gave up the management of the Right Bower to take the management of this mine A really good show, with big tonnages of ore of good percentage. The White King was also worked at the same time and managed by C. T. Alexander. The Colombia was found and worked by the prospectors Bridges and sons. O'Keefe's Tornado another tributing party located this show on Alexander and Moffat's lease; they were Jack O'Keefe, Alex Lane, Kerin Mulhall and Jack Mulhall. At the expiration of their tribute the Mulhall Bros, and Alex Lane went to Kangaroo Hills and were the prospectors who found the well known Sardine Mine. Jack O'Keefe bought into a local hotel in Irvinebank, later entering into politics. There were of course dozens of other mines opened up in and around Irvinebank, mostly prospectors' shows, but I'm afraid space won't permit giving details of them all. Of course there was the Vulcan and its neighbor, the Tornado, but I will return to them in a moment. Meantime, let's take a look around Montablion and Orient Camp.
AROUND THE CAMP FIRE (1954, May 29). Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954), p. 3.
AROUND THE CAMP FIRE (1954, May 29). Townsville Daily Bulletin (Qld. : 1907 - 1954), p. 3.
Narrative
The manager of the Vulcan Hope, Mr. G. Davis, reports under date February Work was recommenced on January 11, with three men, who have been engaged sinking a prospecting shaft on the point of the spur, 60 feet South East of the main shaft. The shaft has been sunk 19 feet, and timbered 10ft., and is all the way in ore averaging 2 per cent. The lode appears to be as wide as in the stopes, as there is lode all round the shaft, and is still going in the bottom. Would recommend that a tunnel be driven 60 feet lower down the spur than at present shaft, and 120 feet South East of the present workings, as there is lode matter showing, carrying a little tin with indications as good as on the surface of the present shaft. The horse team is engaged carting to the Star battery. Everything about the mine is in good order.
AMONG THE MINERAL FIELDS (1907, February 8). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 7.
AMONG THE MINERAL FIELDS (1907, February 8). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 7.
Narrative
Mr. George Davis, of Irvinebank, arrived from the mines on Tuesday, after having spent a day in thoroughly sampling the lode. He states that in his opinion the reports of the property very much undervalue it. Mr. Davis has been manager of several tin properties at Irvinebank, among them being the Vulcan Hope. Altogether he worked 17 years amongst tin. His statement that it is the best surface show he has seen will carry great weight with the miners of the district.
Tommy Burns Tin Mine (1908, September 23). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 7. TROVE
Having worked for 17 years in mining, means that he was fourteen years old when he started
Tommy Burns Tin Mine (1908, September 23). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 7. TROVE
Having worked for 17 years in mining, means that he was fourteen years old when he started
Narrative
Mr. George Davis, of Irvinebank, arrived from the mines on Tuesday, after having spent a day in thoroughly sampling the lode. He states that in his opinion the reports of the property very much under-value it. Mr. Davis has been manager of several tin properties at Irvinebank, among them being the Vulcan Hope. Altogether he worked 17 years amongst tin. His statement, that it is the best surface show he has seen, will carry great weight with the miners of the district. While he was on the ground, several visitors arrived, among them being Mr. W. T. White, chairman of the Gilmore Coy., Alf. Sheppard, manager of the Gilmore; Thos. Brodie, director of the Vulcan Hope and other companies, and the unanimous opinion was expressed that the mines were very rich, and likely to open up well. Mr. Thos. Parr, late manager of Mr. J. Moffat's Reid's Creek mines, is in town to-day from Sunnymount, and is even more enthusiastic than Mr. Davis in speaking of the show.
TOMMY BURNS TIN MINE. (1908, September 22). The Evening Telegraph (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1901 - 1921), p. 4. TROVE
TOMMY BURNS TIN MINE. (1908, September 22). The Evening Telegraph (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1901 - 1921), p. 4. TROVE
Narrative
The Pompeii tin mine, owned by Mr. A Weir and party, is looking well and improves with depth as the lode is sunk upon. In the bottom the lode measures three feet, with the same width in each end, and assays in bulk to 20 per cent.
Mr. S. J. Day has secured on behalf of the Irvinebank Company, a two month's working option on this property, the figure being £1,500. Mr. G. Davis, of Irvinebank, has been appointed manager, and intends erecting a whip and will continue_sinking the shaft which is at present down to 70ft.
Watsonville Notes (1910, September 19). Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 - 1954), p. 4. TROVE
Mr. S. J. Day has secured on behalf of the Irvinebank Company, a two month's working option on this property, the figure being £1,500. Mr. G. Davis, of Irvinebank, has been appointed manager, and intends erecting a whip and will continue_sinking the shaft which is at present down to 70ft.
Watsonville Notes (1910, September 19). Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 - 1954), p. 4. TROVE
Narrative
Mr. Geo. Davis has gone to Bakerville to take charge of the Pompeii mine, over which the Irvinebank Tin Mining Company have an option. This mine is owned by Mr. A. Weir and party, and is situated near the Bakerville battery. It was a big producer in times past, and the present outlook is very promising.
IRVINEBANK NOTES. (1910, October 8). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 4. TROVE
IRVINEBANK NOTES. (1910, October 8). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 4. TROVE
Narrative
Newspaper Notice
The Pompeii another of the company's gems situated seven miles from Irvinebank, on the Watsonville-Irvinebank Road, has a splendid face of ore, and all round is looking excellent, keeping twelve men employed under the management of Geo. Davis.
IRVINEBANK. (1912, October 8). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 7.
The Pompeii another of the company's gems situated seven miles from Irvinebank, on the Watsonville-Irvinebank Road, has a splendid face of ore, and all round is looking excellent, keeping twelve men employed under the management of Geo. Davis.
IRVINEBANK. (1912, October 8). The Northern Miner (Charters Towers, Qld. : 1874 - 1954), p. 7.
Events
| Event | Date | Place | Description | Sources |
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| Birth | 12 July 1877 | Strand, Townsville, Queensland, Australia | 1 | |
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| Death | 9 June 1957 | Cairns, Queensland, Australia | ||
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| Burial | 10 June 1957 | Martyn Street Cemetery, Cairns, Queensland, Australia | ||
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The friends and relatives of Mrs. Alice Davis, 223 McLeod Street, Cairns, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Wilesmith and family, 268 McLeod Street, Cairns, Mr. and Mrs. E. Davis and family, Byrneside, via Nambour, Mr. G. I. Davis 223 McLeod Street, Cairns, Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Davis and family, Grange Road, Grange, Brisbane, are respectively requested to attend the funeral of her dearly beloved husband and their beloved father grandfather and great-grandfather, GEORGE EDWARD DAVIS, which is appointed to leave St. John's Church of England, Lake Street, after a service commencing at 3 o'clock THIS MONDAY AFTERNOON en route for the Martyn Street Cemetery.
The members of the Masonic fraternity are especially invited to attend. Cairns Post 10/6/1957 |
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| Occupation | miner | |||
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| Occupation | storeman | |||
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| Occupation | engine driver | |||
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| Occupation | mine manager | |||
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Relation to the centre person (DAVIS, Gregory John) : granduncle
Parents
| Relation to main person | Name | Birth date | Death date | Relation within this family (if not by birth) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Father | DAVIS, Edward Alfred | 2 October 1846 | 30 November 1894 | |
| Mother | CHAPPEL, Emily | 29 October 1857 | 20 September 1880 | |
| Brother | DAVIS, Alfred Joseph Spelling | 26 September 1875 | 23 November 1942 | |
| DAVIS, George Edward | 12 July 1877 | 9 June 1957 | ||
| Brother | DAVIS, John Edwin William | 19 August 1879 | 31 May 1927 | |
| Father | DAVIS, Edward Alfred | 2 October 1846 | 30 November 1894 | |
| Stepmother | STEDMAN, Minnie | 1858 | 19 July 1930 | |
Families
Family of DAVIS, George Edward and McLEAN, Alice |
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| Married | Wife | McLEAN, Alice ( * 22 July 1878 + 17 June 1967 ) | |||||||||||||||
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| Children | |||||||||||||||||
| Name | Birth Date | Death Date |
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| DAVIS, Olive Margaret | 5 July 1898 | 17 December 1958 |
| DAVIS, Edward (Ned) | 26 May 1907 | 26 August 1989 |
| DAVIS, George Irvine | 23 September 1911 | 7 September 1978 |
| DAVIS, Bert Huntley | 28 August 1924 | 29 October 1992 |
Attributes
| Type | Value | Notes | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| REFN | 15 |
Pedigree
Ancestors
CHAPPEL, John
EASTMOND, Francis Mary
WEDLAKE, John
WITTON, Ann