Thomas John Cochrane

Sir Thomas John Cochrane (5 February 1789 – 1872) naval officer and colonial governor born in London, England and died in England.

Cochrane began his naval career at the age of seven and made lieutenant at the age of 16. His rise quickly in the ranks was considered by many to be blatant patronage because of his father's influence. Cochrane had commanded the "Surprise" and the "Forte". When Newfoundland became an official colony in 1825, Cochrane was appointed governor. Cochrane became the first governor of what was now officially the colony of Newfoundland.

Cochrane had caused the building of Government House located between Fort William and Fort Townshend. Although Cochrane had opposed the introduction of representative government, a new constitution was granted in 1832 and Cochrane became the first civil governor. Cochrane had many conflicts while governor especially with the Roman Catholic bishop, Michael Fleming. The colonial office had recalled Cochrane in 1834 and upon leaving both he and his daughter were pelted with filth on their way down Cochrane Street to the wharf.

Cochrane Street in St. John's is so named for Thomas John Cochrane.

He was Member of Parliament (MP) for Ipswich from 1839 to 1841. [http://www.angeltowns.com/town/peerage/icommons.htm]

He was Commander-in-Chief on the East Indies station in the 1840s in his flagship, "HMS Agincourt". He took part in anti-piracy operations around NW Borneo, including destroying the forts at Brunei, in 1845 and 1846.

See also

* Governors of Newfoundland
* List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador
*Cochrane

External links

* [http://www.heritage.nf.ca/govhouse/governors/g42.html Biography at Government House "The Governorship of Newfoundland and Labrador"]
* [http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=3jENAAAAIAAJ&dq=keppel+dido Keppel, H. Expedition to Borneo in HMS Dido (1846)]
* [http://books.google.com/books?id=Y6UOAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=mundy Mundy,R Narrative of Events in Borneo & the Celebes (1848)]