William Thomas Mercer (Chinese: 孖沙) (17 October 1821 - 23 May 1879) was a British colonial administrator who served as the Colonial Treasurer (1845-1854), Auditor General (1854-1858),[1] Colonial Secretary (1854-1868),[2] and Administrator, between 15 March 1865 to 11 March 1866. He was succeeded by Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell, who became the 6th Governor of Hong Kong.
Mercer married Mary Phillips Nind September 1862. Mary was born in Hargrave, Berkshire c 1836.
Mercer, arrived in Hong Kong in 1844 as Private Secretary to his uncle, Sir John Davis. Mercer is the nephew of John Francis Davis, the second Governor of Hong Kong (1844 - 1848).
Mercer became Colonial Secretary on 29 November 1854 and remained thereafter the chief executive officer of the Colony until retirement on pension in 1867.
In 1869 Mercer published the book "Under the Peak; or, Jottings in Verse".
lengthened residence in the Colony of Hong Kong
Mercer Street in Sheung Wan is named after him.
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William Caine |
Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong 1854 – 1868 |
Succeeded by John Cardiner Austin |
| Preceded by Lord Robinson, 1st Baron of Rosmead |
Administrator of Hong Kong March 1865 – March 1866 |
Succeeded by Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell |