This Is Our Lives

Origin of the name "Davey"

Surname: Davey

This unusual name is of early medieval English origin, and is one of the diminutive forms of the surname developed from the personal name "David". This was adopted from the Hebrew male given name meaning "beloved", and was popular on a limited scale among European Christians during the Middle Ages, due largely to the fame of the biblical King David. In Britain the popularity of the personal name was increased by virtue of its being the name of the patron saint of Wales, a 6th Century monk and bishop, and by the fact that the name was borne by two kings of Scotland, David 1 (reigned 1124 - 1153), and David 11, (1329 - 1371). In Scotland the diminutive form of the name most often used is Davie or Davy, while in England Davey is more usual, showing the influence of the French popular form introduced with the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. Among the recordings of the name in London is that of the marriage of Thomas Davey and Rose Evans at St. Gregory by St. Paul, on May 24th 1582. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Walter Davey, which was dated 1198, in the "Records of St. Bartholomew's Hospital", London, during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "Richard the Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Jacob Davey 1849-1920

Photo shows Jacob Davey with his wife, children & grandchildren

Jacob Davey was Eric's Great-grandfather. He was born in Ottery St Mary Devon in 1849, the son of William Davey and Susan Rosewarn. He was the eldest of 9 children having 5 brothers and 3 sisters. He was christened on 19th April 1850 in Ottery St Mary. Census returns show that shortly after Jacob's birth, the family was living in Woodbury with his father working as a tailor.

The 1861 census shows Jacob working as a Servant in Woodbury.But, on 27th November 1868 he joined the Royal Navy. He was described as being 5'2" in height with dark, hair, brown eyes and a ruddy complexion. He was also said to have a scar each side of his left leg. The 1871 census lists him as an Ordinary seaman on board the Defence in Malta Harbour.

In 1876 Jacob married Elizabeth Jane Towill and over the following years they had 7 children. Jacob remained in the Navy and his service record shows that he served on board numerous ships. The 1881 census lists him as Second Captain Main Top on HMS Lily.

Captain and 2nd Captain of the maintop were senior ratings in the Royal Navy who were put in charge of specific areas of the ship -in a fifth rate sailing ship four 'captains' would be appointed to the top (two to the main top and two to the mizzen mast). 2nd Captain of the Maintop would have been a Petty Officer 2nd class. The maintop is the platform at the head of the mainmast -it serves both to spread the topmast sails and in battle was a useful point from which to discharge weapons.

His records show that he left the Navy in December 1889 and by 1891 he was living at 120 Union Terrace, St Sidwell, Exeter and working as a Railway Labourer. The 1901 census shows him working as a railway plate layer and living in Egloskerry.

He died in Exeter on 8th April 1920 of Arterio Sclerosis. His death certificate shows that at some stage he worked as a labourer at a Gas Engineering Works.