John McGlashan (politician) facts for kids

John McGlashan (born 7 November 1802, died 2 November 1864) was an important person in early New Zealand. He was a lawyer, a politician, a public servant, and someone who cared a lot about education.

Early Life and Moving to New Zealand

John McGlashan was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on 7 November 1802. He worked very hard for a group called the Otago Association. This group helped people move from Scotland to a new place in New Zealand called Otago.

In 1853, John McGlashan decided to move to New Zealand himself. He settled in Dunedin, where he joined his younger brother, Edward McGlashan.

Working in Government

John McGlashan's brother, Edward, was elected to the first Otago Provincial Council in 1853. This council was like a local government for the Otago region.

John McGlashan also became a politician. He was elected to the second provincial council, representing the Western area. He served on this council from 1855 to 1859, and again from 1860 to 1863.

During his time in government, John McGlashan held several important jobs. He was part of the Executive Council four times between 1855 and 1863. He worked as the provincial secretary and the provincial solicitor (a type of lawyer for the government). In 1858, he was even the deputy superintendent under William Cargill. The superintendent was like the leader of the province.

His Legacy in Education

Sadly, John McGlashan died in 1864 after a riding accident.

He had a strong interest in education. To honor this, his daughter later gave his house and land to be used for a school. In 1918, John McGlashan College was started on this very land.

His house was named Balmacewen. This name came from his wife's maiden name, MacEwen, and the word "bal," which means "dwelling" or "home" in Gaelic. Today, John McGlashan College is a school for boys, from intermediate to high school, and it is linked to the Presbyterian church. It continues his legacy of caring about education in Otago.