John Campbell White | |
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| Born | 21 November 1843 Rutherglen, Scotland |
| Died | 15 February 1908 (aged 64) Overtoun House, Scotland |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Occupation(s) | chemical manufacturer philanthropist politician |
| Spouse | Grace Eliza McClure |
| Father | James White |
John Campbell White, 1st Baron Overtoun, DL, JP (21 November 1843 – 15 February 1908) was a Scottish chemical manufacturer, supporter of religious causes, philanthropist and Liberal politician. He was raised to the peerage by Gladstone in 1893, and in 1905 was granted the Freedom of the City of Rutherglen (where his chemical works was based), following being honoured in the same fashion by Dumbarton two years earlier, in recognition of his philanthropic endeavours.
White's persona as a generous and committed Scottish Presbyterian was at odds with his exploitation of the workers at his Shawfield Chemical Works, the source of his great wealth. Politician and leader of the nascent Labour Party, Keir Hardie, exposed the scandalous working conditions there in a series of pamphlets published in 1899 entitled White Slaves.