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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Gilchrist, John
Gilchrist, John , Farmer, Ardgowan. Mr. Gilchrist is a native of Cumbernauld, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, and was born on the 13th of June, 1838. For over thirty years he was a coalminer in Scotland. He arrived in Port Chalmers by the ship “Marlborough,” in 1879, and settled at Purakanui, where he farmed for two years. He was for a year afterwards mining at Shag Point, and afterwards had six months' experience on the West Coast, whence he returned to Purakanui for a year. He subsequently removed to Dunedin, where he engaged in road-contracting for three years. Mr. Gilchrist was afterwards placed in charge of the Co-operative Labourers engaged in the construction of the Otago Central railway, and held that position for two years. His farm at Ardgowan is eighty acres in extent, and is held in the name of his son William, with whom he resides. Mr. Gilchrist was married, in 1861, to a daughter of Mr. John Brough, of Dumbarton. This lady died in 1871, leaving three sons, and in 1873 Mr. Gilchrist married a daughter of Mr. William Marshall, of Dumbarton. His second wife died on the 10th of February, 1903, leaving five sons and two daughters.