Biography

John Jago (1830-1904)

John Wesley Jago was born in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, England, on 15th March 1830.

After living for many years in Glasgow, where he first went with his parents at the age of eight years, John took an active part in the work of the Glasgow Abstainers’ Union. He was director for some years, as well as holding a good position in an important Glasgow mercantile house. In 1862 he emigrated to New Zealand aboard the Cheviot, arriving at Port Chalmers in October, to take up work in temperance reform for the Dunedin Total Abstinence Society.

The arrangement with the Total Abstinence Society did not last, so John Jago returned to business and tried various avenues before finally taking the position of manager of the Evening Star, which he held for a period of 34 years.

John Jago took a great interest in politics, particularly those of the Otago province, supporting Mr Donald Reid in contesting the position of superintendent against the late Mr James Macandrew. He took an active interest in education, serving as a member, and three times as chairman, of the George Street School Committee. He also served on the Otago Education Board.

Mr Jago did much work for the temperance cause, being chosen as Chief Templar of the first Good Templars Lodge in Dunedin, which opened in October 1872. He remained closely connected with the Good Templar movement for the rest of his life.

Always very interested in all musical matters, Mr Jago was a prominent and active member of the Choral Society and also the Moray Place Congregational Church choir.

John Jago and his wife celebrated their golden wedding on 4th June 1902 at a social held in the Agricultural Hall, Dunedin, which was well supported by family and friends. This was also the fortieth anniversary of Mr Jago’s arrival in the province and the thirtieth anniversary of his becoming manager of the Evening Star.

Mr John Jago died suddenly and unexpectedly in the evening of Friday 19th November 1904, with members of his family present, after feeling unwell during the day. He left a widow and a family of eight; Mrs J.F. Peake, Mrs G.C. Israel, Mrs Justice Williams, Mrs P. Kahlenberg, Mrs J.W. Smith, Mr J. Jago, Mr A. Jago and Mr F. Jago. Mr Jago’s funeral drew a large number of representative citizens as he had been highly regarded in life and his loss was much felt. He is buried in the Northern Cemetery with his wife and other family members.

(Details from the Otago Witness, 23rd November 1904)