John Alexander Dewar

John Alexander Dewar, afterwards Sir John Dewar and later Lord Forteviot, was more of a Scot and less of a cosmopolitan than his younger brother. His interests were mainly in his homeland. Both brothers went into politics, but on different sides, the elder retaining the traditional
Liberalism of Scotland and devoting himself largely to Scottish and Perthshire interests, whilst the younger brother had a very different outlook and after taking a very considerable part in the creative work of the first London County Council, entered Parliament as the Conservative member for a London constituency.

John Alexander Dewar was a superb organiser. The progress of the House was very largely due to this fact and to the cool, shrewd judgment he brought to bear on every business problem. He was not, however, merely content to make money and create a great business. He
early heard the call of public duty and even as a very
young man served on the Council of his native city of Perth. He was soon made Treasurer of the City and in a few years put its finances on right lines.

For six years he was Lord Provost of Perth and during
that time his energy and liberality transformed the City. He was called to a larger sphere of service and became member for Inverness-shire. The House of Commons soon recognised his wonderful business ability and it became almost automatic to choose him as Chairman of the
Committees dealing with Scottish local bills and purely Scottish questions. Although he was not an orator his shrewd, quiet wit soon made him a favourite in the House. He had the honour of being appointed Chairman of two Royal Commissions dealing with Scottish affairs and in 1917 he was made a Peer in recognition of his splendid
benefactions and great public services. Seldom has Scotland produced a man of such energy and force of character, a man, too, greatly loved and respected by all who knew him. His younger brother, Thomas Robert Dewar, was of quite a different type.

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