Tom Davies came to the Del Bonita district in 1913. He helped
build the canal from Babb, Montana to the drops. This canal
and system of drops was constructed to transport water from the
United States through to the north fork of the Milk River to be
carried back into the United States for irrigation purposes.

In 1914 he acquired N.E.-12-2-21-W4th as a homestead. Later
he bought another quarter adjoining it. He built a neat little
house and barn. He also constructed a series of dams to catch
the run off water. These dams were faced with rock. He also
built rock bases for his stack yards so there was never any
spoilage of hay. He hauled rock from farm fields and filled
low spots. Then he hauled soil to cover these in and make
them arable.

He called his place the Black Maria - after the jails in England.
His farm was the very opposite. He took pride in planting trees,
shrubs, and flowers. He always grew a good garden and crop.
He kept his trees and yard looking like a park and enjoyed the
beauty of nature. His place was so quiet and peaceful that the
wild geese walked into the barn one time. Tom's root cellar
was well constructed and kept vegetables and fruits fresh and
firm until the next crop came along.

In early days Tom Davies was the road foreman who supervised
building of many of the first roads and grades in the community,
with simple horse drawn equipment. He was a thorough workman
in whatever he undertook. He worked right along with his crew
of men.

For many years Tom batched, but in later years he hired a sister
of Mrs. Tom Carter, Mrs. Sarah Bowie and her daughter, Ivy, to
keep house and cook for him.

In 1956 Tom Davies sold his land to Dan Kolasko. He went to
Toronto for a while then went to Wales where he passed away
in 1961 at the age of seventy-seven years.

Tom Davies will always be remembered for his neatness,
efficiency, beautiful trees and surroundings and his genuine
hospitality. He took excellent care of his animals and equipment.
When his auction sale was held every piece of machinery had
been carefully repaired and greased to prevent rust.

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