Campbell, Sir John Logan (1817-1912), was a Scottish-born New Zealand settler who became known as the father of Auckland. Campbell was one of the first Europeans to settle in Auckland, on the North Island of New Zealand. He established Auckland’s first retail shop and became a successful businessman.
John Logan Campbell was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Nov. 3, 1817. He studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He left Scotland in 1839 and arrived in New Zealand in 1840. That year, New Zealand’s colonial government moved its capital from Russell to what is now Auckland. Campbell moved to the Auckland area and opened a merchant’s shop there in December. Campbell expanded his business and became its sole owner in 1871.
Campbell served as superintendent of Auckland province from 1855 to 1856. In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York visited Auckland. Many Aucklanders thought Campbell, as one of the city’s most prominent citizens, should be the mayor to welcome them. Campbell agreed to serve as mayor only for the three months of the royal visit. During the visit, Campbell donated the land that is now Cornwall Park to the city of Auckland. Campbell was knighted in 1902. He died on June 22, 1912.
See also Auckland.
