Constituency : Aberdeen 1880-85
John replaced the by-election victor John Leith at Aberdeen. Leith had been edged out by the radical-leaning Aberdeen Liberal Association ( the first in Scotland to affiliate to the NLF ) and John was a compromise candidate from thirteen hopefuls. He was elected with a big majority.
John was a lawyer's son educated at Marischal College ( he was later criticised for supporting its merger with King's College ) and Aberdeen University. He became a Scottish Advocate. He was Lord Provost of Aberdeen from 1856 to 1859. He was also chairman of the Scottish Provincial Assurance Company and on the University Court. John was a keen supporter of Gladstone and organised an anti-war demonstration in the city in 1878.
John opposed giving more representation to the Scottish universities as they were as party-dominated as any other seat. He supported disestablishment of the Church.
John stood down in 1885 when the seat was split. The Liberal Unionists tried to persuade him to stand against James Bryce in Aberdeen South in 1886 but he declined the offer. He did accept the chairmanship of the Liberal Unionist Association.
John was a tall willowy man.
He died in 1891 aged 80.
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