Alexander Edmund Batson “A.E.B.” Davie (1847-1889)

8th Premier of British Columbia. HE served in this position from April 1887 until his death. Born in St. Cuthbert, Somerset, England, he received his education from Silcoate's School in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. In 1862 he emigrated to Vancouver Island, Canada with his father and three brothers, settling in the Cowichan River valley, and began studying law. In 1873 he was called to the bar and established a law practice in Victoria, Vancouver Island. In September 1875 he entered politics when he was elected to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for the Cariboo district, serving until May 1878. In 1882 he returned to the Legislature, representing the Lillooet district. Following Premier William Smithe's death in March 1887, he replaced him but ill health forced him to travel to California to recuperate and provincial Secretary John Robson functioned as Premier on his behalf and they corresponded by letters. In May 1888 he returned home to resume his duties as Premier but his health continued to fail and he died in office from phthisis (or pulmonary tuberculosis) in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada at the age of 41 and was succeeded by John Robson. He was the older brother of Theodore Davie who became Premier in July 1892.

Bio by: William Bjornstad