The Dundee Courier & Argus/1899/John Ferguson Nisbet

Death of a Well-known Journalist

The death took place in London or Mr John Ferguson Nisbet, the well-known dramatic critic of the Times. Mr Nisbet was a son of Mr John Nisbet, Westerhill, Cadder, near Glasgow, and it was there that he received his early education at the hands of Mr. James Noble, a "dominie" of the old Scottish school. After being some time at Glasgow University, he decided to adopt a journalistic career, and began professional life as a reporter on the staff of the Glasgow Citizen. He then went to Greenock, and, after serving on the staff of the Western Morning News in Plymouth, proceeded to London, where he eventually received an appointment on the Times, with which journal he remained connected till the last. He first represented the Times in the Press Gallery of the House of Commons, and subsequently was appointed dramatic critic. In the latter capacity Mr Nisbet soon made a name for himself, and he was always looked upon as authority on all matters affecting the drama, bringing, as he did much literary skill and very wide knowledge of things theatrical to bear in his criticisms. At one time he acted as editor of the London Morning, and he contributed also to the Referee. Deceased, who was only in his 43d year, and leaves a widow and two of a family to mourn his loss, was a stepson of Alexander Cleland, Dundee.