Immigrated to Toronto, Canada. Served in American Civil War in 3rd Regiment of New York Cavalry, Company R from May 20, 1863 to Sep 21, 1865. John and Mary moved to Castlewood, South Dakota sometime before 1885 and bought a farm. John served as a state representative for SD. He bacame a naturalized citizen on Dec 24, 1890. In 1896, John was a South Dakota State Representative.

It was a sudden and severe shock to the people of this place when they learned that John Jardine had departed from this life on Monday morning at 2 o’clock after an illness of two weeks duration. The people were kept well informed regarding his illness, on Sunday morning it was reported that he was better and it was thought that the danger point was passed, but there was a sudden change for the worse, he was unable to rally and death finally summoned the old soldier, he obeyed the bugle call promptly with fortitude and courage and departed this world for his Heavenly Home. The cause of his death was appendicitis and an aggravated form of pneumonia; he had been sick about two weeks with appendicitis and while in town attending court he was taken with a chill and pneumonia set in and death resulted.
The deceased was born in Scotland, Feb 2, 1843; he came to Canada when ten years of age, he removed to New York in 1861 so as to serve as a soldier in the civil war; he joined the 16th New York cavalry and serve his coutry creditibly until the close of hostilities when he returned to Canada. In June 1875 he united in marriage with Mary Livingstone. He and his family removed to Hamlin County in 1884 where he has ever since resided.
The deceased was a member of the G.A.R Post at Watertown. A wife and eight children, six daughters, Mrs CW Goddard of Palmer, Mrs CW Franklin of Troy, Wilhelmina, Annie, Susie and Jessie and two sons, James and John are left to mourn the loss of a loving father and a devoted husband. The departed one was one of the early pioneers of Hamlin County and one of our most respected and honored citizens. He took an active part in the development of this county and was one of the foremost citizens in helping to make this country what it is today. He took and active part in all township, school, county and state affairs and filled many positions of trust and responsibility with credit to himself and honor to his many friends. In 1896 he was elected a member of the lower house of the state legislature. a position he filled with signal ability and in a most creditable manner to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
He was loved as a father and a husband, he was honored by his fellow citizens, and he was respected by his friends and neighbors. He was a broadminded Christian gentleman who lived an upright life. Our peo;le realize that we have lost one of our most honored, valued and useful citizens, but we know that his life was not spent in vain and we are confident that he has been called to assume greater responsibilities and happiness in the home of his Heavenly Father. He will be missed by all who knew him and his memory will ever live in the hearts of those who survive him.
The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon, a short sermon was held at the home in Hamlin township and the regular services were in the Presbyterian church of this place. The sermon was delivered by Rev JV Hughes in a beautiful and impressive manner. The useful and well spent life of the deceased was reviewed in a pleasing manner, cheerful words of consolation were spoken to the relatives and friends and the duty of living an upright christianlife was pointed out to all. The interrement took place in the cemetery at this place. The day was devoted to the occasion most of the places of business being closed, it was one of the largest attended funerals ever held in theis place, the friends of the deceased from all parts of the country being present to pay their respects to the memory of a dear departed friend aned neighbor.