Joshua Mauger

Joshua Mauger (April 1725 – 18 October 1788) was a prominent merchant and slave trader in Halifax, Nova Scotia (1749–60) and then went to England and became Nova Scotia's colonial agent. He has been referred to as "the first great merchant and shipowner" in Halifax. He was a member of St. Matthew's United Church (Halifax). Along with prominent merchant Captain Ephraim Cook (mariner), Mauger pushed Governor Lawrence for an elected assembly (1757).

Life Joshua Mauger, born in the early 18th century in Jersey, had his baptism on 25 April 1725. He was the son of José Mauger and Sarah Le Couteur. He went to sea with his uncle, Matthew Mauger, whose daughter he'd marry and have a daughter with.

He eventually became master of his own ship. Initially, Joshua Mauger conducted business in Louisburg, Nova Scotia, but after the French regained control in 1749, he shifted his operations to Halifax. On 15 May 1752, an advertisement appeared in the Halifax Gazette stating, "Just imported, and to be sold by Joshua Mauger, at Major Lockman's store in Halifax, several Negro slaves, as follows: A women aged thirty-five, two boys aged twelve and thirteen respectively, two of eighteen and a man aged thirty." In Halifax, he ran a distillery that manufactured rum, which was then distributed to the army and navy. Mauger encountered some difficulties with Governor Edward Cornwallis regarding illicit dealing. Mauger, the agent victualler, was accused by the government of secretly turning Halifax into a storage point for Louisburg goods while illicitly trading. The Governor ordered a search of Mauger's stores for contraband from Louisburg. Through the efforts of Joshua Mauger, who had influence and great interest in the new county formed on the banks of the Saint John River, the area was secured for the earlier settlers. He was the first name listed among the land grantees.

Mauger served as a Member of parliament and was twice elected for Poole in 1768 and 1774. In 1769, he was appointed as a Director of the French Hospital.

Death Joshua Mauger died on 18 October 1788. The beach on McNab's Island was initially owned by Mauger, as he owned large amounts of land.