JEBSON, JOHN (1819-1900) was born at Flockton, near Wakefield, Yorkshire, and worked at the coalmines at the age of five. By attending night schools, he ultimately qualified as a mining engineer and worked in that capacity in Yorkshire and Lancashire before coming to New Zealand in the Zealandia in 1862. He supervised the construction of telegraph lines between Lyttelton and Christchurch and the West Coast, and was appointed manager of the Kowai Coalmining Co. When the company suspended operations he bought the lease and worked the mine for 20 years. He was the first chairman of the East Malvern road board and represented Rakaia in the Canterbury Provincial Council (1874-75). Jebson was 10 years chairman of the school committee, and was one of the founders of the Methodist Church, Malvern, of which he was a local preacher. He died on 22 Apr 1900.

Canterbury P.C. Proc.; Cycl. N.Z., iii (p); Lyttelton Times, 24 Apr 1900.

Reference: Volume 1, page 234

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