William Somerville (priest)

William Somerville (fl. 1820s) was an Anglican priest serving in the Diocese of Nova Scotia. He is best known for his work as a missionary and school teacher among the Black Refugees who settled in Trinidad after the War of 1812. Somerville was sent to Trinidad by the Nova Scotia Church Missionary Society to provide religious instruction and education to these displaced African Americans, who had been promised freedom and land in British territories in exchange for military service against the United States. His efforts focused on establishing schools and churches in communities such as the Manzanilla district. Somerville's work provides valuable insights into the lives of the Black Refugees and the challenges they faced in establishing new lives in Trinidad. He is also noted for his efforts in promoting literacy and religious education within these communities.