William Carson

Sir William Carson (1770-1843) was a Scottish-born medical doctor and businessman who immigrated to Newfoundland in 1806. Known as 'The Great Reformer', Carson made significant contributions to the development of Newfoundland. He applied modern agricultural principles to his land near St. John's and advocated for increased economic support from England, a more organized fishery, and better treatment of the local natives. Carson played a prominent role in Newfoundland's struggle for representative government between 1820 and 1832, eventually being elected to office in 1832. During his time in office, he successfully helped quarantine a cholera outbreak. From 1838 to 1841, Carson served as the Speaker of the Newfoundland House of Assembly, and he was honored with the naming of the CN Marine ferry M/V William Carson.