George Shea

Who was George Shea?

George Edward Shea was a Canadian politician who served as the first mayor of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Born in St. John's, son of Gertrude and Edward D. Shea. Educated St. John's; Ampleforth College, England. Married Louisa Pinsent; Margaret Rendell.

In 1870 Shea joined the family business as a clerk. Shea and Company were shipping agents for Royal Mail Steamships, the Allan Line and the Ross Steamship Line. In 1887, when his uncle Ambrose Shea was appointed governor of the Bahamas, George succeeded him as managing partner in the firm. He was later an agent for the North British Mercantile Insurance Company and a member of the Newfoundland Board of Revenue.

Shea's political career began in 1885 when he ran as a Liberal in Ferryland, a district his father had also represented. He was elected by acclamation as a supporter of Ambrose Shea, who led the Catholic-Liberal party in a highly sectarian contest. Shea was re-elected as an independent in 1889, but was defeated by Liberal candidates Michael Cashin and Daniel J. Greene in 1893.