Raphael David “Ralph” Davis

Birth: June 4, 1832 in London, England

Death: January 13, 1909 (age 76) in Victoria, B.C.

Gravesite Details: Row F – Plot 25

Inscription:
In Loving Memory
of
Raphael Davis
Born
June 4, 1832
Died
Jan. 13, 1909
Rest

Biography:
Raphael David “Ralph” Davis was a merchant, Freemason and father. He worked in his brother-in-law’s business before working in a shop with his daughter.

Ralph immigrated to New York from London with his parents when he was about nine years old. His father, David, became successful first as a furniture merchant and then selling glass and hardware. Ralph became part of the family business.

In March, 1852 Ralph married Esther Hart. According to the 1880 US census, the family resided in New York City. Their granddaughter, Victoria Josephine “Josie” Davis Lancaster, submitted an application for a Pioneer Medallion on August 24, 1970 on which she wrote:
“My grandparents and mother came to Victoria in 1887. My grandmother’s brother came here in the 1850’s (John J. Hart) – (not the liberal MLA)”

The 1870 US census listed Ralph as being 38 years old, working as a dealer in crockery and living in New York City with his wife, five children, his father-in-law and a lodger.
Ralph first appeared in Victoria’s City Directories in 1890. He was listed as a clerk in his brother-in-law’s well respected curio shop called The Indian Bazaar at 43 Johnson Street. His wife Esther died in 1896. There is no listing in the City Directory for Ralph in 1897, but in 1898 the directory indicated that Ralph was living with his daughter Kate and working with her in an Indian Curio shop at 49 Government Street.

From 1900- 1905 Ralph was listed as a curio merchant at 81 Johnson Street. In 1907 Ralph and his daughter Kate were listed as residing at 623 Johnson Street and working in a variety store at the same address. By 1909 the shop was listed as dealing in crockery and glassware with Ralph as a clerk.

Parents:
Susan Solomon Davis (1797–1874)
David Davis (1794–1870)

Spouse:
Esther Hart Davis (1832–1896)

Children:
David Davis 1852–1853
Susan Davis 1855–
Isaac Davis 1856–1857
Maurice “Moss” R. Davis 1858–1920
Raphael David Davis Jr. 1859–1935
Kate Davis 1862–1926
Esther Davis 1864–1865
Rebecca Davis 1866–
Charles Davis 1870–1943

Siblings:
Charles E. DAVIS 1815–1883
Sarah DAVIS 1817–1888
Catherine “Kate” DAVIS 1819–1899
Henry DAVIS 1821–1896
Amelia “Leah” DAVIS 1823–1883
Maurice “Moss” R. DAVIS 1825–1895
Joseph DAVIS 1828–1894
Elizabeth “Betsy” DAVIS 1838–1888