Mersha Nahusenay ( 1850 – 1937) was an Ethiopian reformist and pioneer of change who made important contributions to the modernization and independence of Ethiopia. One of the closest advisors to Emperor Menelik II, he went on to become the first governor of Dire Dawa, and surrounding areas (1902–1905). Prior to that he was governor of the strategic and frontier district of Jaldessa (Gildessa) and its environ where he also held the position of head of customs. His public career lasted over three decades from the era of Menelik II (referred to in historical records as Menilek) until the reign of Haile Selassie. He was one of the most recognized Ethiopians of his time. He understood French and was open to European ideas and way of life earning him admiration abroad. His most enduring legacy was the construction, maintenance and security of the first railway which he oversaw at the request of the emperor. Mersha belongs to a generation who took advantage of the relative stability of the late 19th – early 20th century to implement a series of wide-ranging political, economic and social reforms which put the country on the path to modernization ushering in a new era. Early life Childhood and Formative Years Ato (Mr.) Mersha Nahusenay (አቶ መርሻ ናሁሠናይ) was born about 1850 near the town of Ankober, the former capital of Shewa. According to oral history, Mersha came from a family of priests. His parents were strict followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox faith and religion played a central role in their life. Mersha's childhood was hence heavily influenced by events involving the Church where he was also baptized. Family lore further indicates that his father owned a land given to him in return for the service he rendered to the church. In addition to holding lands, churches at the time received considerable assistance from the royal palace which they then used to provide key services to their members and communities, including the education of children. Thus Mersha was taught reading and writing at an early age and received traditional church education. Whether or not he had any siblings remains unknown although the name Mersha in the Amharic language often implies a parental wish or mechanism to cope with a traumatic experience such as the loss of a previous child. Growing up, Mersha spent a great deal of time on the farm with his parents. He traveled