Constituency : Dundee 1889-1906
John took over at Dundee following the death of Joseph Firth. He was unopposed.
John was originally from Hull. He was educated at Hull Grammar School then became a teacher. His letters to the Hull Advertiser attracted the editor's attention and got him a job as a sub-editor. In 1851 he got the job of editor of the bi-weekly Dundee Advertiser. The proprietors soon made him a partner. In 1861 it became a daily paper. John kept up with technological innovations, bought his own paper mills to ensure supply and introduced new titles.
John was an advanced radical who supported Home Rule, reduced hours and employers' liability. He was knighted in 1893. He chaired the first Parliamentary Press Committee in 1895.
John enjoyed big majorities in 1892, 1895 and 1900.
John was a keen yachtsman.
John retired before the 1906 election.
John was widely travelled in America, Europe and India. He died while on a third visit to the US in December 1906. He was 78.
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