Samuel Davies

• Birth date            1857
• Christening         15 November 1857
• Marriage              23 June 1887 to Margaret Anne Jones
• Death date          29 April 1929 at Kingsway, Frodsham
• Burial                  2 May 1929

Samuel Davies was born in Frodsham, Cheshire, the son of Thomas and Ellen Davies. His father was a joiner and builder who, in 1881 employed 17 men and six boys. He also farmed 125 acres employing a further ten men, four women and one boy.

Samuel Davies was articled to Peter Bradshaw Alley of Manchester. Educated at Manchester School of Art and won prizes awarded by the Manchester Society of Architects and the Manchester Architectural Association. Samuel Davies commenced independent practice at Frodsham about 1891 and on 1 July 1893 his partnership with C E Linaker was dissolved. In 1894 he was elected a member of the Society of Architects and the following year opened a branch office in Runcorn. In 1907 he suffered severe financial difficulties, forcing the auction of his household furniture and his move from Avanley Terrace. However, these actions were insufficient to clear his debt and in May 1907 he sued for bankruptcy. In March 1908 a first and final payment of 1s 5½d in the pound was made to creditors and Samuel Davies then set about re-establishing his practice, opening a new branch office at Victoria Buildings, Runcorn. His Frodsham practice continued until at least 1923. Works include detached residences at Frodsham, Runcorn, Helsby, Blackpool and other places and shops, factories, farms etc. restoration of tower and other works at Frodsham parish church. 

On 23 June 1887 Samuel Davies married Margaret Anne Jones the daughter of Robert Jones (deceased) gentleman, at Frodsham Parish Church. She died on 29 November 1900, aged 42. He died on 29 April 1929 at Kingsway, Frodsham, leaving effects of £50.

Address
1906        Alvanley House, Frodsham
1907        6 Alvanley Terrace
1910        Samuel Davies, architect, land and building surveyor, qs. Alvanley Terrace, Frodsham
1923        6 Alvanley Terrace, Frodsham [Who’s Who in Architecture 1923]
1929        6 Alvanley Terrace, Frodsham [probate]

1895        Devonshire Buildings, Devonshire Square. Runcorn
1906        Devonshire Buildings, Devonshire Square. Runcorn
1910        Samuel Davies, architect, land and building surveyor, qs Victoria Buildings, Runcorn

Residence
1861-1881    Main Street, Frodsham [census]
1902        Alvanley House, Frodsham
1907        5 Alvanley Terrace [London Gazette]
1907        Overton Cottage, Frodsham [London Gazette]
1910        6 Alvanley Terrace, Frodsham [Kelly Directory 1910]
1929        6 Alvanley Terrace, Frodsham [probate]

FRODSHAM. Mr. Samuel Davies, architect and surveyor, of Frodsham, has recently qualified for election to the Society of Architects, London, and after due examination has, by the unanimous vote of the Council of that body, been fully admitted a member. [Cheshire Observer 13 January 1894]

SAMUEL DAVIES MSA Architect and Surveyor, of Frodsham. begs to announce that he has opened offices in Devonshire Buildings, Devonshire Square. Runcorn, in addition to his office at Frodsham, for the greater convenience of clients and others wishing to consult him. The partnership previously existing between him and Mr. C. E. Linaker, of Frodsham, has been dissolved as and from 1 July 1893. [Manchester Guardian 5 February 1895 page 1]

Receiving Orders:  the Warrington Bankruptcy Court, on Friday, before Mr. Registrar Ridgway, Samuel Davies architect and surveyor, residing at Overton Cottage, Frodsham, and lately residing at 5, Alvanley terrace aforesaid and carrying on business at 6 Alvanley Terrace, Frodsham. [London Gazette 7 May 1907 page 3128]. On 27 March 1908 a first and final payment of 1s 5½d in the pound was announced

Reference    Cheshire Observer 13 January 1894 – Member of MSA
Reference    Manchester Guardian 5 February 1895 page 1 – opening Runcorn office
Reference    Cheshire Observer 9 February 1895 – opening Runcorn office.
Reference    Cheshire Observer 2 March 1907 page 6 – Sales by auction of household furniture
Reference    London Gazette 7 May 1907 page 3128 – bankruptcy
Reference    Additional information from Frank Kelsall