Constituency : Kincardineshire 1892-1908
John took over from George Balfour at Kincardineshire easily seeing off a Liberal Unionist opponent by 1.068 votes.
John was from Aberdeenshire, the son of a woolen manufacturer. He was educated at the Gymnasium School and Aberdeen University. He was the son-in-law of the Mp for South Ayrshire , Eugene Wason. He went into the family business and became a director but retired to go into politics.
John held on by 583 votes against a Tory in 1895. He nearly trebled this in 1900.
John served as private secretary to James Bryce both as Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster ( 1892-4 ) and President of the Board of Trade ( 1894-5 ). He sat on committees relating to dog licensing and the economic effects of the eight hour day.
John was a fairly orthodox Liberal supporting Home Rule and Free Trade. He was a member of the Parliamentary Temperance Group. In 1901 he sponsored a bill to prevent the sale of alcohol to under 16s but it was later amended to under 14s.
John wrote on poetry and folklore as well as politics.
John fell ill in 1908 and was confined to bed. He died after three weeks aged 50.
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