John Francis DAVIS [1795-1890]

Sir John Francis Davis, 1st Baronet Bt KCB FRS  was a British diplomat and sinologist who served as second Governor of Hong Kong from 1844 to 1848. Davis was the first President of Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong.

During his tenure, Davis was unpopular with Hong Kong residents and British merchants due to the imposition of various taxes, which increased the burden of all citizens, and his abrasive treatment of his subordinates. Davis organised the first Hong Kong Census in 1844, which recorded that there were 23,988 people living in Hong Kong.

Weekend horse racing began during his tenure, which gradually evolved into a Hong Kong institution.

Source and further reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Francis_Davis