Colin Campbell Ferrie
Colin Campbell Ferrie | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Glasgow, Scotland |
| Died | November 9, 1856 (aged 48) Hamilton, Canada West |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, banker, politician |
| Known for | First mayor of Hamilton, second president of Gore Bank, member of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada |
Colin Campbell Ferrie (May 1, 1808 – November 9, 1856) was a prominent Canadian businessman, banker, and political figure.
Originally from Glasgow, he was the son of Adam Ferrie and Rachel Campbell. In 1824, he relocated to Montreal to become involved in his father’s wholesale and forwarding enterprise. By 1829, Colin, alongside his brother Adam and their father, extended their business activities to Hamilton, Upper Canada, operating under the name Colin Ferrie and Company. He entered into marriage with Catherine Beasley in 1836, with whom he had two sons.
From 1829 through 1833, the firm established additional outlets in Brantford, Preston, Nelson, Dundas, and Waterloo. As a founding member and the second president of the Gore Bank (serving from 1839 to 1856), Ferrie significantly influenced financial affairs in the region. He became Hamilton’s inaugural mayor in 1847 and held a seat representing the city in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada between 1836 and 1841.
Ferrie passed away in Hamilton, Canada West in 1856 and was laid to rest at Hamilton Cemetery.
Hamilton Spectator Article
Highlighted in The Hamilton Spectator’s 170th anniversary issue, Ferrie was acknowledged as Hamilton’s first mayor following its incorporation in 1847. He was also remembered for his expansive residence known as West Lawn, located at Queen and York streets. Built in 1836 and demolished in 1957 by Tuckett Tobacco Co. Ltd., this estate ranked among Hamilton’s most distinguished homes alongside Dundurn Castle.
Significance
As a pivotal figure in the city’s commercial development, Ferrie helped establish the Hamilton Board of Trade in 1845. During his mayoral tenure, he concentrated on bolstering the local economy by securing municipal funding through the Gore Bank and preparing the community for an influx of Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine.
Timeline
1808: Birth in Glasgow; moved to Montreal in 1824 to engage with his father’s wholesale trade.
1829: Launched Colin Ferrie and Company with brother Adam in Hamilton; expanded retail presence across neighboring towns.
1836–1841: Co-founded Gore Bank; served as Hamilton’s representative in Upper Canada’s Legislative Assembly.
January 16, 1847: Became Hamilton’s first mayor after city incorporation; emphasized economic growth initiatives.
1850s: Experienced financial setbacks due to loss of two company vessels on Lake Ontario affecting business stability.
1856: Collapsed following a meeting with Gore Bank officials; died from heart enlargement at age 48 amid stress related to business difficulties.
Ferrie Street
Named in honor of Colin Campbell Ferrie, Ferrie Street extends between Cheever and Bay streets within Hamilton.