[taken from Chapter 3 Manx Worthies, A.W.Moore, 1901]

 JOHN SENHOUSE GOLDIE-TAUBMAN, Knight (b.1838,d. 1898),

the eldest son of John Taubman Goldie-Taubman, of the Nunnery, and Ellen, daughter of Humphrey Senhouse, of Netherhall Cumberland, was educated at Eton, and, on leaving that school in 1856, he travelled extensively. In 1859, he was selected as a member of the self-elected House of Keys, and, in 1867, on being elected as one of the representatives of Douglas in the new popularly elected House, he was chosen as speaker. He continued both to represent Douglas and to hold the office of speaker till his death. It may be mentioned as remarkable that his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were also speakers of the House of Keys. As a member of the House, he was thoroughly conscientious and straightforward, so that his constituents were fully justified in the confidence they continued to place in him. As speaker, it is difficult to write highly enough of him. Dignified in appearance and bearing, calm, impressive, and imperturbable in manner, always tactful, genial, and good-tempered, he was regarded with affection as well as respect. Well versed in the constitutional history of the island, and in the powers, prerogatives, and privileges of the House, as well as in parliamentary precedent and rules, he was thoroughly judicial, fair, and impartial. No wonder, then, that his decisions on points of order and procedure were never disputed. The qualities already referred to, combined with a remarkable capacity for rapidly and completely grasping details, rendered his services as administrator on several boards of the Tynwald Court, especially on the Asylums Board, of which he was chairman, most valuable. He was an admirable magistrate and, as director of public companies, he also did much for his native island. The success of the Isle of Man Railway Company in particular, of which he was for many years chairman, is largely due to him. Manx Freemasonry, too, found a good friend in him, so that when, in 1886, he became the first Right Worshipful Grand Master of the newly-formed Provincial Grand Lodge of Freemasons, his appointment gave general satisfaction.

Though, as we have seen, he devoted a large portion of his life's work – and most valuable work it was – to this island, it was not till towards its close that this feat received any public recognition. In 1890, his fellow-legislators presented him with a carved oak chair as a mark of their respect for him, and, in 1897, he received the honour of knighthood.

From 1898 Examiner Annual