John Woodburn (civil servant)


Sir John Woodburn was an Indian Civil Servant, who later served as Lieutenant Governor of Bengal from 1898 to 1902.

Early life and education

He was born at Barrackpore in British India to David Woodburn.
After early education at Arya Academy in Bengal, he went to Scotland to study at Glasgow University and Edinburgh University.

Career

He joined the Indian Civil Service in 1863 and arrived in India.
He served on various positions in North West Frontier Province, Oudh, Central Province and other posts in Central Government. He served as Chief Commissioner of the Central Provinces from 1893 to 1895. In 1892, he was appointed a CSI and was knighted with the KCSI in 1897. He was member of Governor-General's Legislative Council for years 1891 and 1893 and was a member of Supreme Council - 1895-97. In April 1898, he was selected the successor of Sir Charles Stevens to the post of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, which position he retained till his death on 21 November 1902. He served as President of The Asiatic Society for years 1900-01.
. Image of 1905

Death

He died after a short illness at Calcutta. He died on 21 November 1902 and was buried at Circular Road Cemetery of Calcutta.
He was succeeded by Sir Andrew Fraser as next Governor of Bengal.

Works

Woodbrun's published works include his memoirs Sir John Woodburn, K.C.S.I., Lieut.-Governor of Bengal from 1898 to 1902: a Biographical Retrospect by Sir John Woodburn, Jessy J. Matheson. published in 1926.

Memorials