W. O. Raymond

William Odber Raymond (February 3, 1853 – November 24, 1923) was a Canadian clergyman and historian from New Brunswick. While serving as a rector in Saint John, he contributed towards writing and editing historical works of Loyalist settlement in New Brunswick, having spent several years contributing for and serving as the president of the New Brunswick Historical Society. His 1905 writing Glimpses of the Past: History of the River St. John contains a record of what is likely to be the first known Black individual in what is now New Brunswick.

Life and career

Raymond was born on February 3, 1853, in Lower Woodstock, New Brunswick, to parents Charles William Raymond and Elizabeth Mary Carman. He attended the University of New Brunswick after receiving the Carleton County scholarship, and received a BA degree in mathematics and natural science in 1876. Afterwards, he studied theology under Bishop John Medley, was ordained as a deacon in 1877 and as a priest the following year. He ministered in Stanley Parish, York County for the next six years, where he married Julia Nelson, later having two children together.

In 1884, Raymond became rector of St. Mary's Church in Saint John, during which he became the archdeacon of Saint John in 1908. Alongside his clerical work, Raymond contributed heavily towards historical writings. Over nearly 20 years, he contributed towards the New Brunswick Historical Society, additionally serving as its president for multiple years. Raymond also made heavy contributions towards editing the Winslow Papers, a significant record of Loyalist settlement in New Brunswick.