Sir Matthew Nathan

Sir Matthew Nathan had a background in the Royal Engineers.
In 1898 with the rank of major Nathan was sent by the Colonial Office as interim administrator to Sierra Leone, following a ‘hut tax’ rebellion. He upheld direct taxation in the colony and protectorate, put down a riot in Freetown, and pushed through building and health regulations. At the end of 1899 he was back in the War Office with a sound reputation. Accordingly, Joseph Chamberlain offered him the governorship of the Gold Coast in July 1900 with orders to re-establish control over Asante.
Image Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery

Sierra Leone | Sierra Leone Administrators