William Carson

Who was William Carson?

Sir William Carson,often called "The Great Reformer", was an important doctor and businessman in Newfoundland. Carson's primary contribution to Newfoundland was the application of modern agricultural principles.

Upon immigrating to Newfoundland in 1806 from Scotland, Carson set to work clearing a large patch of land near St. John's. He also began calling for increased economic support from England, a more organized fishery in the area and better treatment of the local natives.

Between 1820 and 1832, he led the movement in Newfoundland's struggle for representative government along with people such as Patrick Doyle.This culminated in Carson's election to office in 1832. While in office, he was noted for helping quarantine an outbreak of cholera in the area.

From 1838 to 1841, Carson was Speaker of the Newfoundland House of Assembly.

The ferry M/V William Carson was named in his honour. It was the Newfoundland ferry and was so big that for the first three years it could not sail into Port-aux-Basques harbour so it sailed out of Argentia.