Colonial Despatches

Thomas Harris moved from England to California in 1853, and then to Victoria for the Cariboo Gold Rush in 1858.1 Harris was a businessman, known for his private charities and interest in public affairs.2 He opened a slaughterhouse in Victoria, the Queen's Meat Market, which later became Vancouver Island's first butcher shop.3

Harris was elected as Victoria's first mayor in 1862 and served three consecutive terms.4 He was also a member of British Columbia's first Masonic lodge: Victoria Lodge No. 1085, G.R.E.5

Harris died at 67 years of age in Victoria, leaving behind his wife and two daughters.6 He was buried in Ross Bay Cemetery.7

• 1. The Daily Colonist (1884-11-30) page (3), The British Colonist Online Edition 1858-1951; Dr. John Lutz Thomas Harris, The Freemasons of Victoria.
• 2. The Daily Colonist (1884-11-30) page (3).
• 3. Lutz Thomas Harris, The Freemasons of Victoria.
• 4. The Daily Colonist (1884-11-30) page (3).
• 5. Ibid.
• 6. Ibid.
• 7. The Daily Colonist (1884-12-04) page (3).