John Ramage

John was 11 years old when he came to Dunedin. After completing his education he was apprenticed to Messrs Parke and Curle Plumbers and Tinsmiths. In 1867 John started his own business in Great King Street Dunedin The 1867 Electoral Roll confirms this address. John continued his business until 1874 earning the reputation of being the first journeyman in the province of Dunedin.. In 1874 he moved his business to Balclutha where for many years he carried out one of the largest plumbing and tinsmith establishments south of Dunedin. John met Julia Brodie Bower and when she was 18 declared his intention to marry her. They were married at Aberturf on the 30th Dec 1875 by the Rev Dewsbury. John and Julia went on to have 10 children. In 1881 John was declared bankrupt John obviously did not let this set back stop him providing for his family the business continued to operate and became known as Ramage Bros. Thomas, Hugh, Ian and Jim entered the business as apprentices under the guidance of their father and Frank went into the business as their accountant. John was a great inventor and patented many devices.

What the Local Paper says Clutha Leader 1 April 1910 Among the few industries Balclutha possesses of one the fame which reaches some distance as evidenced by the number of Ramage's patent Champion Acetylene Gas generators sent out one day last week. One went to Invercargill, two to Palmerston, one to Timaru, two Roxburgh, one Otautau. one Blenheim, one Waimate while a big 60 light machine is amongst the number being got ready for local use. Mr Ramage's patent possesses the great advantage of being extremely simple and easily worked.

Apparently John had plans for a flying machine but Julia could not stand the strain of all the talk and planning, so she put the plans in a top hat with a brick and threw them into the Clutha River. This was about the same time as the Wright brothers and Richard Pearce became known for their flying machines.

John took a keen interest in local politics and was elected to the Borough Council in 1880 and with many intervals of retirement held office over many years, He also occupied the mayors seat for a term.

Otago Witness Issue1899 26th June 1890 p19 LIGHTS On Wednesday night last week the whole of the lamps erected (by the Borough Council) were lit for the first time and the streets had a much better appearance in consequence. Mr Ramage made a first class job and was complemented by the Council.

Source Ramage Plumbers and Tinsmiths Glenys Kirby