© Eddie Budgen

James Davis of Scotland was transported to Sydney in 1824 aged 12 years to serve seven years, convicted for stealing half a crown from a church collection.

He escaped into Bush north of Brisbane and for the next 14 years lived with the natives and was known by his native name as Duramboi.Returning to Brisbane iheopened a blacksmith shop.

He made large donations to the Royal Brisbane Hospital (ex convict hospital.)
His picture and clock hang alongside the donor’s board on the lower ground floor

The lift will wait, for you me mate.
You owe this bloke a look!
A lowly crim. I’d rather him
than many a famous gentleman

He copped it sweet and saw the light
Jim Davis,alias “Duramboi”
In iron chains and Logan’s might
His spirit never died.

Logan’s yoke, Jim Davis broke
And bloody good he’d rate.
A better man the convict
as Peter at the gate.

For on the wall, he’s ten years tall…
Tyson, Dame Nell and what’s ‘s name?
All the rest, with claim to fame,
He done ‘emall; at the donors’ game!