THE DAVIS FAMILY
The Albion Falls are located in the southernmost tip of the King's Forest Park property. This area, also known as Albion Mills or the village of Mount Albion, was once the site of a settlement founded by William Davis (1741 - 1834), a United Empire Loyalist. Born in Maryland, Davis brought his family to Canada in 1792, after the American Revolutionary War, so that they could remain British subjects. Lieutenant John Graves Simcoe, who had befriended Mr. Davis and who was now the governor of Upper Canada, offered him land near Albion Mills. In the end, Mr. Davis received 2300 acres in Barton and Saltfleet Townships.
Davis chose the site of Albion Falls to establish his family's residence, which he named Harmony Hall. The estate included a tannery, orchard, distillery, general store, saw mill, and grist mill (which operated for around 100 years). When it was constructed, workmen accidentally discovered natural gas, which is believed to be the first found in Ontario.
Davis had profound influence on the Niagara region, as he was responsible for introducing peach and apple trees to the area. He had brought the seeds with him from his plantation in North Carolina.
Davis's daughter, Mary, married James Gage (1774 - 1854), a member of one of Hamilton's pioneer families. Their home, Battlefield House, was used by American troops during the pivotal Battle of Stoney Creek in 1813. This site has been preserved as a museum (Battlefield House).
References:
1. Corporation of the City of Hamilton, Department of Public Works and Traffic, Parks Division, Park Development Section. Parks Master Plan database, 1996.
2. Saltfleet, then and now: 1792 - 1973. p. 105. Special Collections, HPL.
