Background
CARR, William Saint John was born on February 21, 1848. Son of Captain John Carr of The Lodge, Clonmel, Ireland.
CARR, William Saint John was born on February 21, 1848. Son of Captain John Carr of The Lodge, Clonmel, Ireland.
Privately; French College, Blaekrock.
Matriculated at Catholic University of Dublin. Commenced life as midshipman in mercantile service, visiting New Zealand, Australia, China, Cochin China, Japan, Siam, et cetera Subsequently in 18G9 went to India, and was on the Great Indian Peninsula Railway till 1874.
Then went to South Africa and entered the service of the Cape Government Railways.
In 1887 went to Johannesburg, where he was after some experience of the early days of the goldfields eventually a director of some mining and other companies, and was first Chairman of the Hospital Board. Was a prominent member of the National Union, a political organisation started in the Transvaal about 1891.
Later was a member of the Reform Committee, and was imprisoned at Pretoria at the time of the Jameson Raid, being one of those sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. At the commencement of the Boer War joined the Imperial Light Horse, was in the siege of Ladysmith, and served with his regiment till appointed deputyChairman of the Town Council of Johannesburg in May 1901.
Was thereafter acting Chairman till his election as lirst Mayor of Johannesburg in 1903.
Appointed Chairman of the Rand Water Board, 1904-1907. Created Knight of Saint Gregory by Pius X., 1907. Justice of the Peace.
Club: Rand, Johannesburg.
Spouse 1878, Sarah,daughter of East. Slater of Portuguese Elizabeth.