Carson, William National Historic Person
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Portrait of William Carson
(© Expired)
Address :
Corner of Duckworth and Cathedral Streets, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1954-06-07
Life Date:
1770 to 1843
Other Name(s):
-
Carson, William
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Advocate of social and political reform in 19th-century Newfoundland
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Advocate of social and political reform in 19th-century Newfoundland St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Born in Scotland, Carson came to Newfoundland as a physician in 1808, and became an ardent advocate of social and political reform. He was a leader in the campaign for an elected legislature established in 1832, and helped bring the reform of landholding laws and the judicial system. He was elected to the Assembly in 1833 and became Speaker in 1837. Keenly interested in the economic self-determination of the colony he encouraged the development of its fisheries, agriculture and roads. Dr. Carson was appointed to the Executive Council in 1841 and served there until his death.