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."