John Francis Davis
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| In office 8 May 1844 – 21 March 1848 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Henry Pottinger |
| Succeeded by | Sir George Bonham |
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| Born | July 16, 1795 London, England, Great Britain |
| Died | November 13, 1890 (aged 95) United Kingdom |
| Birth name | John Francis Davis |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Emily Hurnfravs |
| Relations | Samuel Davis (father), William Thomas Mercer (uncle) |
| Alma mater | Oxford University |
| Occupation | Politician |
Sir John Francis Davis, 1st Baronet KCB (Chinese Translated Name: 戴維斯 or the obsolete term 爹核士) (1795 - 1890) was a British diplomat, Sinologist, and the 2nd Governor of Hong Kong. He was the son of Samuel Davis and nephew to William Thomas Mercer (later Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong).
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[edit] Early career
John Davis was appointed writer in East India Company's factory at Canton in 1813. Because of his linguistic abilities, he was chosen to accompany Lord Amherst on his embassy to Peking in 1816.
On the return of the mission, Davis again took up his duties in the factory at Canton, and was promoted to be president in 1832. He was appointed the joint commissioner in China with Lord Napier in 1834.
[edit] Governor of Hong Kong
In 1844, Davis became British plenipotentiary and chief superintendent of British trade in China, and governor and commander-in-chief of the colony of Hong Kong, until 1848.
On 8 May 1844, he was appointed to be the governor of Hong Kong.
On 16 July 1844, his home was robbed.
During his tenure, Davis was very much hated amongst Hong Kong residents and British merchants during his administration because of the establishment of various taxes, which increased the burden of all citizens, and his abrasive treatment of his subordinates. On a much lighter note, weekend racing began during his tenure, which gradually evolved as a Hong Kong institution.
Also, during his tenure, Davis organized the first Hong Kong Census, and it indicated that at that time, there were 23,988 people living in Hong Kong.
On 21 March 1848, his row with the local British merchants increased, and Davis resigned his commission and left Hong Kong.
[edit] Death
He died on 13 November 1890 at the age of 95.
[edit] Legacy
Mount Davis, as well as Mount Davis Path, Mount Davis Road, and Davis Street in Hong Kong were all named after him.
[edit] Awards and Honours
- Baronet, 1845
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath, 1854
- Doctor of Civil Law, Oxford University, 1876
[edit] Works
- John Francis Davis, The Chinese: A General Description of the Empire of China and Its Inhabitants (London: Charles Knights, 1836). volume one; volume two
- China, during the war and since the peace
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
| Baronetage of the United Kingdom | ||
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| Preceded by New creation |
Baronet (of Hollywood) 1845–1890 |
Succeeded by Francis Boileau Davis |
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