Weir, Walter Henry

Walter Henry Weir (1876 - 1935)

The son of Henry Weir, brother of the Reverend Weir. He married Annie Weir.

His obituary stated:

"The death occurred recently of Mr Walter Henry Weir, an old and highly respected resident of the Halswell district.

In 1863 his father settled in Halswell and Mr Weir farmed in the district for many years. He was educated at the Spreydon Public School and at Cook's Private School and always took a keen interest in the affairs of the Cashmere-Halswell district.

Mr Weir served on the Halswell School Committee and held office in the Halswell Methodist Church for some years.

He was a successful breeder of Jersey stock and exhibited frequently at the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's annual shows. He also acted as judge in the dairy sections at many country shows.

Mr Weir, who was 58 years of age, is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mrs B. Woode and Miss Doris Weir and one son, Mr Harvey Weir."

He lived at "Dalkeith", 99 Hoon Hay Road, Spreydon.

Weir, Henry

Henry Weir (1835 - 1883)

Henry was a brother of the Reverend John Weir and came to New Zealand on the ship Conference on November 27 1856, travelling with his older brother Alexander. 

He married Mary Jane and they had a son, Walter Henry and a daughter, Florence Mary. Mary Jane died in 1877 aged 25 years and Henry died at his residence on Hoon Hay Road, Spreydon aged 48 in 1883. 

He settled in Halswell and farmed in the district for many years. He had had a farm in the Spreydon district, containing 56 acres of excellent land, well watered, within three miles of Christchurch (announced after his death in the newspaper). 

He was a member of the Spreydon Road District Board. 

His son, Walter Henry, was "an old and highly respected resident of the Halswell district" when he died aged 58. 

Weir, Alexander

Alexander Weir (1832 - 1910) 

Reverend John Weir had many siblings. Two of his brothers, Alexander and Henry immigrated to New Zealand. 

Alexander was 24 when he arrived on the ship "Conference", November 27 1856 and his brother Henry was 21. They were both First Class passengers, recorded in the newspaper. 

It was reported in the paper, January 1884, that Florence Mary Weir and W. H. Weir appointed Alexander, the uncle of their children, as guardian. 

His death was reported in the newspaper, as was his Estate under Estates of Deceased Persons (3,447 pounds). 

In the Evening Post, 6 August 1910, it was stated "Christchurch papers announce the death of Mr Alexander Weir, one of the very early settlers of Canterbury, and for nearly forty years a resident of the Kaiapoi district. A few weeks ago Mr Weir tripped in coming down stairs, fracturing his thigh and the resulting shock was the immediate cause of his death." 

It went on to say: 

"Alexander Weir was born in Fermanagh County, Ireland on July 10 1832 and he followed agricultural pursuits in his native country during his youth and early manhood, but before he attained his majority, considering that the Home Land did not offer opportunities equal to those within the reach of all in the new colonies in the Southern Hemisphere, he decided to seek his fortune in New Zealand. Travelling was then much slower than it is now and after a lengthy voyage Mr Weir landed in Lyttleton on December 16 1851, just a year after the arrival of the historic "first four ships." On his arrival he quickly found employment, his wide knowledge of stock and agriculture standing him in good stead in the land of his adoption. His first employer was the late Mr J. S. White, of Cheka, with whom he remained for several years. Later he acquired property of his own at Kaiapoi, which he farmed successfully for many years, retiring some twenty-two years ago, since which time he lived in Christchurch. Of a retiring disposition, Mr Weir never took an active part in public affairs, but was a well-read man, possessing a wide fund of knowledge, and always taking a deep interest in current events. His knowledge of the northern part of the province and Christchurch was unique and there were few people, houses or farms of which he was unable to give a full and precise history from the earliest times. Mr Weir, who was unmarried, is survived by two sisters, who are in the Old Country, in addition to a number of other relatives in the dominion." 

Bignell Arthur Photos

Bignell Arthur

Arthur was educated at Richmond, Surrey and emigrated to NZ with his brother Fred in 1876 at 15. 

Arthur Gorbell Bignell. Born 1861, married 1888. 3 sons, 2 daughters. Came to NZ when 15. Established in business as a builder and contractor; director of several leading local companies; connected with Masonic activities; takes great interest in education; has occupied office of Mayor; now chairman of Wanganui Harbour Board, Wanganui College Board of Governors, Gonville and Castlecliff Tramway Board, member of Wanganui-Rangitikei Power Board, executive of Harbours Association of NZ (Who’s Who)

In 1892, Oamaru Mail, “To let, five roomed house, near Waireka Junction, with capital fruit garden and small paddock attached. For particulars apply to A. Bignell, Waiareka Junction”.

In 1904 Arthur Bignell on the premises at Waiareka Junction has a notice to sell: “His Household Furniture, consisting of tables, chairs, iron bedsteads, dairy utensils, garden tools, one Alderney Cow, Two Store Pigs (nearly fat) about 3 tons of clover hay etc.

Arthur Bignell had a daughter, Florence Irene. Oldest daughter. She married Erid Wyndham Merewether, Khandallah, in 1915 (marriage notice Wanganui Herald).

Also, Arthur Noland Foye Bignell, eldest son of Arhur, married Patricia Mary, daughter of Mr & Mrs Fred Bayly, New Plymouth (marriage notice Wannganui Herald)

GEORGE BIGNELL AND EMILY ELIZA FOY BIGNELL

George Bignell, 1814 – 1892, wheelwright, died Otago, age 78 at Brooklet, Waiareka Junction. (death notice Oamaru Mail) NZ Cemetery Records: died at 78 28 Feb 1892 in Otago. Came from Isleworth, Middlesex. Had 1 brother , Thomas. George married Emily E Bignell in 1849, 22 April at age 34 (Marriage certificate)  Emily was born in 1823 in London. Died 1904 at age 81 in Wanganui (NZ cemetery records). They had 7 children

“Be ye also Ready” on tombstone. Also George and Henry John, grandchildren of the above. In Oamaru (Headstones, Oamaru)

Born in Hitchen, Hampshire, England. Listed as Coachmaker on marriage certificate.

and

Emily Eliza Foy Died in Wanganui.  in She was over 80 years old and until a “few months ago, enjoyed good health”. “The infirmities of old age, however, had lately crept on rapidly and the end was not unexpected. She had been staying with her son – Mayor of Wanganui – for some years past, at whose residence she passed away.” Married 22 April 1849

?? An obituary in Wanganui Herald  – Emily Margaret, beloved mother of Arthur G and Charles W aged 82 in 1904

had 7 children:

Stephen Frederick

Charles William

1871 Census:

George Bignell aged 56 (listed as builder in census at 45

Emily Bignell aged 47

George Bignell (scholar census when father was 45)

Henry J Bignell aged 15, born  1859 arrived 1875 on The Tweed

Walter Bignell

Emily M Bignell aged 12, born 1856

Arthur C Bignell aged 10, born 1861

Stephen F Bignell BORN 1865 aged 6, born 18 baptised Sept 5^th 1869

            gasfitter apprentice in Census when he is 16 years old

Charles W Bignell born 1867aged 3 baptised Sept 5 1869, scholar in census when he is 14