Henry Rawlingson Carr facts for kids

Henry Carr (born August 15, 1863 – died 1945) was an important Nigerian educator and administrator. He was one of the most well-known West Africans in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He also served as a member of the legislative council in Lagos from 1918 to 1924.

Early Life and Schooling

Henry Carr was born in Colony of Lagos on August 15, 1863. His parents, Amuwo and Rebecca Carr, were Saro emigrants of Yoruba background. They had been freed from slavery.

When Henry was seven, his father Amuwo Carr passed away in Abeokuta. His mother, Rebecca Carr, then took charge of his education. Henry went to Wesleyan School, Olowogbowo, for his first years of school.

Reverend T.B. Thomas, a close friend of his mother, helped him attend Wesleyan High School in Freetown, British Sierra Leone. After that, he went to Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. He earned an honors degree there in 1880, being the first graduate to do so.

He then traveled to England for more studies. He took courses at Lincoln's Inn, St. Mark's College, Chelsea, and the Royal College of Science. In 1882, he graduated from Durham University with an honors degree in mathematics and physical science. Later, in 1906, he earned another degree from Lincoln's Inn. In the same year, he became the Chancellor of the Diocese of Western Equatorial Africa. Henry Carr was married to Henrietta Robbin.

Career in Public Service

Henry Carr returned to Nigeria in 1885. He taught at the CMS Grammar School, Lagos for a few years. In 1889, he joined the Colonial Civil Service. He started as a chief clerk and a sub-inspector of schools.

In 1892, he was made inspector of schools. He was the first black person to hold this position. By 1900, he became the assistant colonial secretary for native affairs. He continued to advance in Lagos, working hard on the Board of Education.

From 1906 to 1918, he served as the director of education. In 1918, he became the Resident of the Colony of Nigeria. He was likely the first black person under British colonial rule to reach such a high position. Henry Carr was one of the few West Africans in the early 1900s who broke barriers in colonial government.

At that time, it was very difficult for Africans to rise to high administrative roles. Many Europeans came to West Africa and easily got important jobs. This made it harder for West Africans to take on more leadership roles. Despite these challenges, Henry Carr achieved great success.

Disagreement with Herbert Macaulay

Henry Carr had a strong disagreement with Herbert Macaulay. It's not fully clear how their dislike started, but their disputes are well known. Carr believed that Macaulay was not honest and was using his influence for his own benefit.

In his personal writings, Carr described Macaulay as a "crooked mind and dangerous fool." Carr was unhappy that Macaulay, who was not allowed to be directly involved in politics, still controlled politics through his party, the NNDP.

Their conflict was so intense that in 1924, Macaulay published a harsh article called "Henry Carr Must Go." In this article, Macaulay made false claims about Carr's father. He wrongly said that Carr's father had left his wife to live in Abeokuta with multiple wives. This was untrue, as Amuwo Carr had died in Abeokuta due to poor health. Macaulay's attacks in the news made the public in Lagos see Carr as a shy and distant person.

Henry Carr's Library and Education Impact

Like his political rival, Herbert Macaulay, Henry Carr loved collecting books. He built a huge collection of 18,000 books at his home, called 'The Haven,' in Tinubu Square, Lagos Island. He allowed children living nearby to visit and use his amazing library.

According to Hope Rossiter, Carr's 18,000-book library showed his personal choices. Rossiter noted that Carr "represented simply the heights of achievement by an African of ability." He added that Carr used his wide education and culture as a background, not just a job. This made him stand out in Africa as a truly educated and cultured man.

The Nigerian government later bought Carr's library. The 18,000 books were sent to the University College, Ibadan (which later became University of Ibadan). This collection formed the very first library at that important institution.

Carr also played a key role in setting up King's College Lagos. As the Acting Director of Education for the British colonial government, Carr advised Governor Walter Egerton. He helped create the education plan for King's College Lagos. He also convinced the London Board of Education that this school was vital for Nigeria's growth.