Archief - Gosling family fonds

William Gilbert Gosling (1863-1939), businessman, politician, historian, and social activist, was born at Bermuda 8 September 1983, son of Elizabeth (Gilbert) and Charles Gosling. In 1888, he married Armine Nutting, headmistress of the Bishop Spencer College; the Goslings had four children; Ambrose (b. 25 Nov., 1888), Armine, Frances and Arthur. Gosling died in Bermuda on 5 November 1930.

Gosling was educated at Bermuda University. In 1881, he moved to St. John's to work at Harvey & Company. Gosling earned several promotions, and became a director in 1913.

In addition to his duties at Harvey & Company, Gosling was active in the Newfoundland Historical Society and wrote several Newfoundland histories (History of Labrador, 1907; The Life of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, 1909), [founded and served as president of the Newfoundland Board of Trade (1913)], was appointed municipal councilor (1914) and elected mayor (1916-1921). Gosling also enjoyed painting. Gosling was active in the Child Welfare Association (founded 1921). In 1928, Gosling retired to Bermuda.

Armine Nutting Gosling (1862-1942) teacher, suffragette, author and community activist, was born in Waterloo, Quebec, in 1862, daughter of J. Nutting. In 1888, she married William Gilbert Gosling. The Goslings had four children; Ambrose (b. 25 Nov., 1888), Armine, Frances and Arthur. Gosling died in Bermuda on 15 December 1942.

Gosling arrived in St. John's in 1882 to assume the duties of headmistress of the Church of England School (later Bishop Spencer College). During her residency in Newfoundland, Gosling was involved in a number of community organizations. She was a founding member of the Society for the Protection of Animals, the Child Welfare Association, Woman's Suffrage League, and the Ladies' Reading Room. Gosling was the first woman to serve on the Council of Higher Education, and was an active suffragette in the local women's movement.

In 1928, William and Armine Nutting relocated to Bermuda. Following the death of her husband, Gosling donated his book collection to the citizens of St. John's (the Gosling Memorial Library opened in 1936) and also wrote "Labrador and North Newfoundland, an Outline History of the Work of the International Grenfell Association," and published "William Gilbert Gosling: A Tribute."