William Davis (JNR)

William Davis Junior was born in Pambula in 1964. His father was William John Davis, born into the Eora clan, Sydney, and mother Mary ‘Helen’ Francis Andy, named after Granny Andy. Helen’s mother was Winifred Bloxham and father Ernest Andy. William John Davis’ mother was Angelina Frances Davis of Turlinjah. Angelina’s father was Thomas Henry Davis of Batemans Bay. William Davis Jnr has nine brothers and sisters and one half brother. Percy Davis was Thomas Henry Davis’s uncle.

William’s parents met at Wallaga Lake and spent many years travelling along the coast in search of seasonal work and to meet up with family. Travelling with his parents William attending Jila, Mogo and Moruya Public Schools. In Moruya William Davis senior worked at Rodger Croker’s Sawmill. During school holidays and on weekends, William remembers having family drop in and, if there were too many people, the overflow of people would camp at Ryans Creek, North Head, Moruya, Congo, and Bingie.

In the early 1980s William walked with his elders from Nerrigundah to Bingi and Congo. He often wondered why it took so long to travel from one place to the next, calling in to see relatives along the way; his family were messengers, passing on stories to other family members.

William lives in Batemans Bay today.

Excerpt from "Stories About the Eurobodalla by Aboriginal People", 2006. Story Contributed by Martin Ind from Moruya High School.