George Christian

George William Christian (1872 -1924) was a Black British merchant who founded and grew his business operations in West Africa during the region's colonial era. He co-managed the firm, G. W. Christian and Co with his brother, Alexander Christian before it was sold to the Royal Niger Company in 1918. The firm retained its trading name until 1930.

Life

Early life Christian was born in Toxteth, Liverpool to the family of Jacob and Octavia Christian. His father was born in Antigua migrated to Liverpool when he was fifteen years old. Jacob married Octavia Caulfield, a Liverpool native and they had three boys and two girls. Jacob worked was a seaman when George was born in 1872 and later switched careers to trade in timber. and was later expelled. In 1911, the operations was incorporated in Liverpool as G. W. Christian and Co. and operations in the city was managed by his brother, Alexander. As the business grew the firm was able to hire both Africans and Europeans as assistants and clerks. The firm was acquired by The Royal Niger Company in 1918.

In Nigeria, Christian and his wife primarily resided in Onitsha.