John Hawley Glover

Sir John Hawley Glover (24 February 1829 – 30 September 1885) was a Royal Navy officer who served as Governor of Lagos Colony, Governor of Newfoundland, and Governor of British Leeward Islands.

Naval career He entered the service in 1841 and passed his examination as lieutenant in 1849, but did not receive a commission until May 1851.

He served on various stations, and was wounded severely in an action with the Burmese at Donabew (4 February 1853). During his years of service as lieutenant in the navy he gained considerable experience off the coast of Africa, and took part in the expedition of Dr WB Baikie up the Niger. Glover also commanded a gunboat that patrolled the Lagos Lagoon in 1861.

Governor of Lagos Colony On 21 April 1863, he was appointed administrator of the government of Lagos Colony, and in that capacity, or as colonial secretary, he remained there until 1872. His style of governing Lagos was controversial to officials in the British Colonial office who complained about his "disregard for all rules and orders". The group was known as Glover's Hausas or 'Glover's Forty Thieves'. Glover went to great lengths to develop bonds of personal loyalty with the Armed Hausas. He personally trained, commanded, and chose his successors, ensuring their loyalty. In return for their loyalty, Glover rewarded his troops with land and dwellings.

In January 1874, Captain Glover was able to render some assistance in the taking of Kumasi, but it was at the head of a Hausa force. His services were acknowledged by Parliament and by his appointment to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 1874 Birthday Honours.

Governor of Newfoundland, and Leeward Islands In 1875, he was appointed governor of Newfoundland and held the post until 1881, when he was transferred to the Leeward Islands. He returned to Newfoundland in 1883 as governor again.

Death and legacy Glover died in London on 30 September 1885. Lady Glover's Life of her husband appeared in 1897. Lagosians raised money in 1885 to build a public hall in his memory - Glover Memorial Hall, situated on land donated by Madam Tinubu, a sometimes adversary and collaborator of Glover. There is also a memorial to him in St Paul's Cathedral in London. The beautiful, scenic community of Glovertown, Newfoundland, birthplace of author Stanley Sparkes, is named after him. The unincorporated community of Glovers Harbour in Newfoundland is named after him.