SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT DAVIS: A Seventh-day Adventist pastor and missionary, Davis travelled over land and water to visit the isolated Mazaruni and Roraima districts of British Guiana in April of 1911. When he arrived, he found that the Arecuna and Akawaio Indians received him and his teachings happily. It was discovered that they had been expecting a white man with a "Black Book" as one of their earlier chiefs had seen in a dream. In addition, the dream had taught them about certain basic beliefs about God and the 7th-day Sabbath. Thus, when Pastor Davis introduced them to the Biblical foundation of creation and the Bible Sabbath, they cheerfully accepted this truth. To this day, and in his honor, Amerindians in this district are still known among Adventist circles as the "Davis Indians".

These, his last diary entries, written just before he died, were published in the November 9, 1911 issue of "The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald" under the section "The World-Wide Field".

NOTE ABOUT PICTURES BELOW: Pictures of native indians were taken by Henry Edward Crampton, Ph.D. during a scientific expedition in 1911. He reports arriving at the same village visited by Davis and speaking with Chief Jeremiah, days after the death of Davis. The report of Crampton's expedition was published by National Georgraphic in September of 1920.

Villagers extend friendly welcome

"SUNDAY, MAY 21.We camped below Arawi two days' pulling. I was feeling very poorly, but as the day drew on, I began to feel better, and rested quite well; also did much reading.

"MONDAY, 22D.-- We did not start till 7:10 A.M., and reached Murinari Creek at 4 P.M. Just before coming to the creek, we met two boats going down. I improved in health as the day passed on. We camped on the Spanish shores. Great trouble with the men [in rowing].

"TUESDAY, 23D.-- We camped very late the previous evening, so we did not get off until late. We reached Arawi Landing at 6 P.M.

"WEDNESDAY, 24TH.-- I made arrangements to go back to Brother Dinklage's, but as I could not find a drogher, I had to carry my own things in the prospecting-bag. I reached the camp on the mountains at about 6 P.M., and camped for the night.

"THURSDAY, 25TH.-- At an early hour I had a cup of warm drink, and resumed my journey, reaching Brother Dinklage's camp at 1 P.M.

"FRIDAY, 26TH.-- I was rather sore and lame from my walk, and my feet were very sore. I rested during the day, feeling some better as the day passed on.

"SABBATH, 27TH.-- As my feet were very sore, also my lips, I did not hold any services, but had a Bible study with Brother Dinklage, and some other talks.

Friends and carriers accompany visitors

"SUNDAY, 28TH.-- My feet were still sore, my mouth was improved a little. Brother Dinklage went to the waterside, and I attended to matters for him. I had a Bible study with an Indian by the name of Matthew, also a talk with another Indian, Theophilis [who acted as interpreter and helper from this place into the interior. We have a Sabbath-keeping company at this place].

"MONDAY, 29TH.-- I studied most of the day, and prepared my boots for further use, etc.

"TUESDAY, 30TH.-- I was still suffering with sore feet and sore mouth, therefore I spent most of the time in study. Brother Dinklage returned from the landing at 9 A.M. One Bible reading.

"WEDNESDAY 31ST.-- I had a long Bible reading with Brother Dinklage on tithing and on Sabbath-keeping. Most of the forenoon was spent in study. Some advice was given respecting the work, etc. Captain Jacobs came in. Brother Dinklage and I conversed about his business, etc.

"THURSDAY, JUNE 1.-- Brother Dinklage went to Arawi, and I looked after matters for him, and did some studying. My feet were now much better.

"FRIDAY 2D.-- Brother Dinklage returned, bringing me a letter from Carrie {Brother Davis's wife].

"SABBATH, 3D.-- I went over to an Indian town and held meeting. After returning, I studied the Sabbath-school lesson with Brother and Sister Dinklage.

"SUNDAY, 4TH.-- Many Indians came to Brother Dinklage's place, and I had meeting with them, after which we considered the mission question. All expressed an earnest desire to have a mission, and declared their belief in the true Sabbath.

"MONDAY, 5TH-- I had some fever.

"TUESDAY, 6TH.-- Some fever.

"WEDNESDAY, 7TH.-- Brother Dinklage and I went to Carabobo-head, and I made ready for the Kamarang.

Hiking across the great savannahs

"THURSDAY, 8TH.-- I left Brother Dinklage's camp at 7:30 A.M. for the Kamarang, with a company of Indians. We stopped near the foot of the high mountains. A young Indian who met us had shot a bush-cow.

"FRIDAY. 9TH.-- We journeyed on, and camped for the Sabbath just across the savannah (prairie).

"SABBATH, 10TH.-- Camped for the day on the bank of a branch of the Shria Creek. It rained much of the day.

"SUNDAY, 11TH.-- We pursued our journey, though it rained much of the time. We camped again at 3:30 P.M.

"MONDAY, 12TH.-- We came to the Paruima River, and had much difficulty in crossing, having to fell a tree without an ax. We reached the Indian village at about 4:30 P.M., and were saluted in the following manner: When we were coming down the mountain, while a great way from the village, the Indians with me gave their usual salute, by firing several guns, which were quickly answered by the report of guns from the Indian village, welcoming us. On arriving, we were saluted by nearly a dozen naked Indians coming out of the enclosed hut, in quick succession, and firing their guns one after the other, and all coming around to shake hands, from the oldest to the small children. One sad feature was, we found, that many Indians had gathered here, and were having their usual cascerie dance, which continued all night, accompanied by a gun-shot every little while.

"TUESDAY, 13TH.-- The Indians were not very active after debauching till about noon. At 2 P. M. I gathered them, and talked about the creation of the earth, and our future home. Had another talk at 7 P.M.

"WEDNESDAY, 14TH.-- The morning was bright and clear. I was feeling quite rested. One Indian, Henry (Peiman) started off early to call other Indians. He returned at evening with the news that more Indians were coming on the morrow.

"THURSDAY, 15TH.-- Several Indians came from a neighboring village, and I held two services with them. They arranged to take me through to Mt. Roraima.

"FRIDAY, 16TH.-- At an early hour we were off for the next Indian town, which we reached at about 1:30 P.M. Here I found about forty people of fine physique, all dressed in the Indian costume, – bead aprons and waist cloth. I spoke to them at evening.

"SABBATH, 17TH.-- About forty Indians came together for services, which were held at 10 A.M. and at 4 P.M. All were pleased to hear more about Jesus.

"SUNDAY, 18TH.-- Services at 10 A.M.; also at 3 P.M. a meeting was called, and the time was spent till evening in naming the people, of which a record was made. [This naming of the people means that on their accepting the gospel, so far as understood by them, a new name was given each Indian, –a vow or covenant of obedience to God.]

Droghers (carriers) lay down huarishi backpacks to rest along the trail

"MONDAY, 19TH.-- I started for Mt. Roraima, but on reaching the Kamarang River, after three hours of very moderate walking, the Indians refused to go any farther, and I was obliged to camp. I spent the rest of the day in study.

"TUESDAY, 20TH.-- We continued our journey, and came to an old camp, where we took breakfast, just after crossing a large branch of the Kamarang, only a short distance from the top of the mountain opening on the savannah. Soon the Indians sighted a deer, which they spent much time in getting, and we camped just across the Kamarang for the night. The company had increased to forty souls. Several Indians had come and overtaken us on the savannahs.

"WEDNESDAY, 21ST.-- We pursued our journey across a very open and fertile savannah, and reached another Indian village just at the edge of a small belt of timber. Here there was the usual salute, etc. I decided to stay here over the Sabbath, as I was having fever. The Indians got another deer.

"THURSDAY, 22D.-- As a messenger had gone out on Wednesday to call the Indians from other towns, and I was not well, the day was spent in study. Here at the edge of a very large savannah one can see for miles around over a very fertile country, hemmed in by high mountains on every side.

"FRIDAY, 23RD.-- I was expecting the Indians to come in; but only a few arrived till late in the day. About sixty assembled by night. I had some fever.

"SABBATH, 24TH.-- I held meeting at 9 A. M., and after a short intermission, called them together again and continued my talk on the subject of salvation. At the close of the service at 11 A. M., I was greatly surprised as I looked up over the hill and saw a large company of Indians in single file, as is their custom, coming to the missionary, about fifty-seven in all. I decided, after consulting with them, to remain over Sunday. We now had over 120 souls present.

"SUNDAY, 25TH.-- I held meeting at 8:30 A. M., after which we went to look at a spot for a mission building. A mission was established and named the Mountain View Mission of Seventh-day Adventists. The latter part of the day was spent in naming the people.

"MONDAY, 26TH.-- With a fresh set of Indians I made ready to continue my journey to Mt. Roraima. After a farewell meeting, we set out on our way. We made a good distance, and put up at a vacated Indian hut for the night. We had come in sight of mountain just in front of Roraima.

"TUESDAY, 27TH.-- At an early hour we were on our way again, which continued across the savannah along a high range of mountains, which form a boundary between British Guiana and Venezuela. We reached an Indian village, Jeremiah's place, at 4 P. M. A royal treat was given us.

"WEDNESDAY, 28TH.-- I sent out a messenger to meet Jeremiah, with the understanding that if he should meet Jeremiah coming, he should set fire to the grass, but should we not see smoke in that direction, we were to go on to the mission.

"THURSDAY, 29TH.-- Not having see any smoke as a signal that my messenger had met Jeremiah, after much difficulty I got the Indians started for the mission. We camped at Gold Creek at the foot of Mt. Roraima.

"FRIDAY, 30TH.-- I reached Mt. Roraima on this day at 1 P. M. Came through the borders of Venezuela, and found a large mission of Indians of the Accawai nation situated at the foot of the mountain on the south. I had expected the chief, Jeremiah, but he had not yet arrived, though my messenger had found him, and he had returned word that he would come on the morrow. I sent out more messengers to call other Indians, and spent the rest of the day resting and studying. I was disappointed because the Indian chief did not come. The weather is very heavy, raining most of the time. The full size of the mountains is not visible at one time, owing to the clouds.

Native guide hunting with his bow and arrow

"SABBATH, JULY 1.-- It rained hard nearly all day, and only a few Indians came till the close of the day. About fifteen arrived, and said others were expecting to come. I studied the Sabbath-school lesson, and taught several Indian women the first line of "No, Not One," "Sweet By and By."

"SUNDAY, 2D.-- It rained nearly all the previous night, and late in the afternoon, and no more people came; so I deferred meeting till Jeremiah should come.

"MONDAY, 3RD.-- I was still waiting for the people. My Indians from Mt. View returned – no, they did not get away.

"TUESDAY, 4TH.-- The Indians returned to-day. In the afternoon a messenger came with the report that many people were coming and would arrive to-morrow. Theophilis went to get some parrots.

"WEDNESDAY, 5TH.-- The morning was clear and bright. I was looking for many people to-day, but they did not come, as the day turned out very rainy. I spent the time in Bible study.

"THURSDAY, 6TH.-- I again sent out messengers for the people to come. At about 10 A. M. two Indians came from a town a distance of three days' walking, to inquire if I was here, as their town did not believe the Roman priests on the other side of them. On finding me, they at once returned for their people. Later in the day about twelve more came from another town, saying that they did not believe the priests.

"FRIDAY, 7TH.-- It rained much of the time. A few people came and brought a message that others were on the way, but prevented by the rise of the river.

"SABBATH, 8TH.-- I held the first meeting at Roraima, with about seventy-five present.

"SUNDAY, 9TH.-- I held another service at 2 P. M., and shortly after it about fifty more Indians came, bringing much fruit and vegetables as a present. Some of these had walked two days. There were now about 140 assembled.

"MONDAY, 10TH.-- Fair morning. I took the picture of Mt. Enkenana. I fully expected Jeremiah to come, but he did not, so I sent other messengers for him.

"TUESDAY, 11TH.-- Other messengers went for Jeremiah, while others went to gather the people there. Son service at 9 A. M., preaching at 2 P. M.

"WEDNESDAY, 12TH.-- A very fair morning. Song service at 9 A. M. At an early hour Theophilis went out and did not return till 4 P. M., notwithstanding I reminded him of the meeting. Some strange Indians came, but I was prevented from having any meeting. Theophilis not attending to his duty. I had another song service in the evening.

"THURSDAY, 13TH.-- Fair morning. I took a picture of two monkeys. I held this service at the usual hour, with about 100 present.

"FRIDAY, 14TH.-- I fully expected the messenger to return to-day, but he did not come. I held two services.

"SABBATH, 15TH.-- I held two meetings, with 120 Indians present. I had light fever. The messenger returned with Jeremiah.

"SUNDAY, 16TH.-- Jeremiah gave me a piece of dried venison. Jeremiah present. Two meetings. All declared their faith in the teachings, and promised to keep the Sabbath, and asked me to establish a mission for them, as no minister had ever called on them before. I agreed to do so.

Camping in the jungle along the trail

"MONDAY, 17TH.-- The day was spent in further instruction and naming the people. [This is Elder Davis's last writing. From now on it is written by his interpreter, Theophilis Bagot.] I expected to leave Roraima to-day, but I was taken worse, and in the afternoon I was attacked with fever and chills, which lasted all night.

"TUESDAY, 18TH.-- Fever and chills still continuing. After a little time the chills quite, and fever continued all the time.

"WEDNESDAY, 19TH.-- No better, rather worse. Skin color of lime or banana; urine like blood, and turns black when dropped on the ground; passage from bowels heavily laden with bile...like water, which all became black after passing.

"THURSDAY, 20TH.-- Conditions are worse. Stomach not retaining the lightest nourishment. Urine still high bloody color. Am so weak that I can not walk without assistance.

"FRIDAY, 21ST.-- Fever no higher, but I am much weaker. In the afternoon I went to take a hot sponge bath, and as two men were carrying me a few feet in the same building to the place they had prepared, I fainted.

"SABBATH, 22D.-- I was taken worse and could not move from my hammock. Had to call three men to assist me down. Theophilis held the meeting in the morning and afternoon.

"SUNDAY, 23RD.-- Chills and fever seem to leave me. This makes me weaker than ever. I can scarcely raise my hand over my head or hammock. My temperature and pulse much below normal. I believe my whole trouble a serious attack of jaundice and biliousness. I can say this, that there has been no trace or shadow of any Kanaima or peijman work in my whole trip. God has especially blessed in the trip. I had a complete mission at Paruima River, and another near Mt. Tulameng, -- it is called the Mt. View Mission, -- and then we came to Mt. Roraima. Just finished establishing a mission, and was expecting to leave the next day, but I was taken sick that evening, and I had Theophilis keep the record for the last few days. [Elder Davis tries to write, but Brother Boger could not make it out.]"

According to the guide, he died on the thirty-first of July, 1911, and was buried by the Indians. His casket was a wood-skin (a canoe, made from a single tree bark), and Chief Jeremiah read the funeral service. They erected a building over his grave.

You may write to David at: gates@andrews.edu

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