James Garraway
Hon. James Garraway was a merchant and politician of colonial Dominica. He served as onetime president of Dominica’s legislative body in the 1840s, being the first person of colour to do so.[1]
Early life
He was the son of Scottish planter and businessman Dr. Robert Garraway who settled there in the 19th century and his mulatto enslaved person Sally. In the 1840s Garraway served as Dominica's first 'man of colour' to serve as president of Dominica.
Career
He was one of The judges who presided at the Court of Special Sessions.
In 1834, Hon. James Garraway was elected to the House of Assembly. Four other free men of colour were elected at the same time: Hon. Joseph Fadelle Esq. and his half-brother Hon. William T. Rainy, Hon. Leone and Hon. Boland.[2][3]
On 12th June 1838 James Garraway was appointed by the House of Assembly, together with Hon Joseph Fadelle Esq, Lewis Frederick Bellot, William Blanc and D.S. Laidlaw to a committee “to prepare the laws that may be deemed necessary to meet a state of entire freedom in this colony” ( Sessional Papers printed by order of the House of Lords or presented by Royal Command in the Session 1837-38 Vol. XIV).
In the 1840s he served as president.
Family
Through his eldest son James Alexander Garraway, he is the ancestor of the current owners of Garraway Hotel, American oncologist Levi Garraway. Agnes Garraway (alias Blake) was also a member of this family via her grandfather Frederick son of Frederick Hervey “Henry” Garraway, who may have been James’ brother.
References
- ↑ "James Alexander Garraway,". The Colonies and India. 1896-09-19. p. 20. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
- ↑ The Dominican 17 September 1896).
- ↑ "Honoring Heritage: The Legacy of Joseph Fadelle (1810-1896) on Constit". Rose St Gardens. 2024-08-25. Retrieved 2026-05-09.
This article "James Garraway" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:James Garraway. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
