Theophilus Harris Davies JP, FRGS

Theophilus Harris Davies was just 23 years old when he travelled to Hawaii in 1856 to begin a five-year contract as a Clerk for a Honolulu trading company called Janion, Green & Co. Little was he to know that this decision would pave the way for his future ownership of the firm, which he developed into one of Hawaii’s “Big Five” sugar firms, bringing him wealth, property, and influence.

He was born on 4 January 1834 in Stourbridge, Worcestershire, the son of a Welsh minister and his English wife. Theophilus was later described by his son as a person who looked upon life as gift from God, and extremely committed to the Church.

By 1868 Theophilus had risen up the ranks to take charge of the Honolulu trading company and its name was changed to Theo. H. Davies & Co. Ltd. He significantly expanded the business and became extremely successful. During this time, Hawaii was ruled by a monarchy, and next in line to the throne was Princess Kaʻiulani. She was half-English and had been educated in England. Theophilus became her close friend and mentor.

He married Mary Ellen Cocking in 1870 in England, and they had at least 5 sons and 2 daughters.

Toward the end of his career, Theophilus divided his time between Hawaii and England, where he had a luxurious home in Southport called Sunset in Hesketch Park. It was there that he served as guardian to Princess Kaʻiulani during her years in English schools.

Later, he and his family moved to his final and grandest home in Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, now called Willicombe House, in honour of William Willicombe who built it.

Theophilus died on 25 May 1898, at the age of 64, and is buried in the Cemetery. His wife died in 1907 and his youngest son was killed in WWI. They all share the same grave.