Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Frank Davies (1850–1928)

Friends of Mr. Frank Davies, of Prospect Hill road, Camberwell, will regret to learn of his death, which occurred at his home yesterday morning. Mr. Davies was a member of one of the oldest families connected with Australian journalism. His father was the late Mr. John Davies, founder of the Mercury and Tasmanian Mail Hobart, and formerly a member of the House of Assembly of Tasmania. Two of his brothers, both of whom are now dead, were Sir George Davies and Mr. C. E. Davies, who succeeded their father in the proprietorship of his newspapers, and who also were members of the Tasmanian Parliament. Another brother is Mr. H. M. Davies, who until recently lived at Kalimna, Gippsland Lakes. 

Mr. Frank Davies, who was educated at the Hobart High School, became a master mariner. He served in the clipper ships Omar Pasha and Star of Peace, of the Aberdeen White Star Line; in the True Briton, the Hampshire, and the steamer Northumberland, of the Money, Wigram Line; and in several vessels of the New Zealand Steamship Company. When Mr. Davies retired from the sea he settled in Melbourne, and entered business life as advertising representative of several newspapers. This connection led to his joining the firm of Gordon and Gotch (Australasia) Ltd. as a director. Subsequently he became chairman of directors, and general manager of the company, and the development of the business was due largely to Mr. Davies's energy and foresight. 

Civic affairs claimed much of Mr. Davies's interest. For some years he was a councillor of Brighton, and hold the office of mayor. Later he was elected to represent the Lonsdale Ward in the City Council, and he was a member of several committees of that body. Mr. Davies was a Past Deputy Grand Master of the Order of Freemasons; past Grand Principal of the Supreme Royal Arch Chapter, and a life governor of the Freemasons' Homes. 

Mr. Davies was married twice, and he is survived by his second wife, a daughter, two sons, and a stepson. He will be buried this afternoon in the Boroondara Cemetery. The funeral will leave his late home at half past 3 o'clock, and will arrive at the cemetery a quarter of an hour later.

Original publication

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Davies, Frank (1850–1928)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/davies-frank-15260/text26478, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

22 December, 1850

Death

17 August, 1928 (aged 77)
Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Education
Occupation
Workplaces