John Davey (c1815-1876)

John Davey (c1815-1876) founder of Davey, Sleep and Co

Born the son of Henry Davey, a Blacksmith, and his wife Frances

1863 Patent. 1368. To John Davey, of Crafthole, in the county of Cornwall. Agricultural Implement Manufacturer, for the invention of "improvements in horse rakes."

1871 Residing at Lynher Villa, Crafthole: John Davey (age 56 born Sheviock), Ag. Implement Maker employing 12 men. With his wife Elizabeth.

1876 Died. 'The Late Mr. John Davey. — Death, has deprived Cornwall of one of her most ingenious sons, Mr. John Davey, of Crafthole, who died on the 3rd inst., at the age of 61. Mr. Davey several years ago turned his attention to the improvement of agricultural implements, and attained such excellence that he made the names of Davey and of Crafthole (his residence) known all over the kingdom, whilst the demand for his implements extended also to different parts of Europe and America. One of his best known inventions was the "Excelsior" plough, which was adopted by some of the leading English implement makers, and manufactured by them under licence. When public opinion began to turn in the direction of double ploughs, Mr. Davey took that form of implement in hand, and eventually produced in the "Climax" what in unquestionably the best double-furrow for general purposes in existence. Horse hoes and harrows, cultivators and whippletrees — in short, almost all the implements of general husbandry which can be manufactured of iron were made and improved by him; and the value of his improvements is attested by the fact that they carried off the highest prizes at shows of all kinds up to that of the Royal Agricultural Society. Emphatically a self-made man, Mr. Davey's career was marked, not only by genius and industry, but by a thorough conscientiousness and a manly integrity that won the respect of all who knew him. Under the greatest suffering he was patient and kindly; and his death will be deplored by a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances.'

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