James Pinson Labulo Davies
(1828-1906), MerchantSitter in 4 portraits
African merchant-sailor, naval officer, businessman, pioneer industrialist, statesman and philanthropist. Davies was of Yoruba descent, born in Sierra Leone to parents liberated by the British West Africa Squadron from the Atlantic Slave Trade. He attended the Church Missionary Society Grammar School, becoming a teacher with the CMS in Freetown after completing his secondary education. Following this he enlisted with the British Navy's West Africa Squadron, serving on HMS Volcano, working his way up the ranks from cadet to lieutenant. Retiring from the navy in 1852 he settled in Lagos in 1856. In August 1862 he married Sarah Forbes Bonetta, godchild to Queen Victoria. Davies established a cocoa farm in Western Lagos and is credited with introducing cocoa farming to West Africa.
James Pinson Labulo Davies; Aina (Sarah Forbes Bonetta (later Davies))
by Camille Silvy
albumen print, 15 September 1862
On display in Room 23 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG Ax61382
James Pinson Labulo Davies; Aina (Sarah Forbes Bonetta (later Davies))
by Camille Silvy
albumen print, 15 September 1862
On display in Room 23 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG Ax61385
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