Thomas Burns, 1796?–1871
Sacrificing a comfortable life as a clergyman in Scotland, Thomas Burns joined the Free Church in 1843 and helped plan its Otago settlement. He was in his 50s when he sailed to Otago in 1848, and became something of a patriarch to the settlement’s people.
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William Cargill, 1784–1860
Careers in the military and business preceded William Cargill’s involvement in planning the Otago settlement. His energy and tenacity ensured the scheme’s success. He came, in his 60s, as one of Otago’s original settlers.
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John Ewing, 1844–1922
Arriving in Otago in 1863, not yet 20 and seeking gold, ‘Big John’ Ewing enjoyed a long career as a mining entrepreneur who applied modern techniques to secure rich returns at St Bathans.
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James Macandrew, 1819?–1887
James Macandrew’s interest in the Free Church settlement in Otago led to his emigrating in 1851. He came with his family and the goods needed to set up in business. Though embroiled in political scandal and bankruptcy, he also enjoyed successes in shipping and politics.
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John McGlashan, 1802–1864
John McGlashan became secretary of the Otago Association in 1847 and worked on in Scotland to ensure the Otago settlement scheme would succeed. In 1853 he emigrated himself, to take part in Otago’s religious, educational and political affairs.
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