Biography

OBITUARY, Otago Witness, 9 April 1896

The news which was received by telegram on Tuesday of the sudden death in Christchurch of Mr William Elder, the well-known chemist, came as a great shock to his many friends. Mr Elder visited Christchurch as president of the Alhambra Football Club, and was staying at the White Hart Hotel. On Monday he appeared to be in excellent health and good spirits. About an hour after retiring to bed, Mr John McDonald, tailor, of George Street, who occupied the next room to Mr Elder, hearing a peculiar noise, visited the latter’s room and found him in a dying condition. Medical aid was sent for, but death ensued in a few minutes. Dr Jeffcoat, who is also visiting Christchurch, having certified that death was due to cerebral affection, an inquest was deemed unnecessary. The body will be brought to Dunedin today. Some 15 months ago Mr Elder had a somewhat similar seizure, when he was attended by Drs Coughtrey and Jeffcoat. Since then he has occasionally complained that he has suffered from pains in his head. Mr Elder, who was about 50 years of age, was born at John O’Groats, Scotland, his father being inspector of fisheries at Hellensdale. After serving his apprenticeship as a chemist at Thurso and passing the required examinations the deceased gentleman obtained a position as assistant in one of the largest shops in Edinburgh. Afterwards he removed to England, where he held high appointments until he decided to emigrate. He reached Otago in 1864 in the ship City of Dunedin. After serving as manager for Mr Dodds, Princes Street South, he entered into business on his own account at Port Chalmers. Taking an active interest in all public matters, he soon became one of the leading citizens of the Port. He was an active J.P., a member of the school committee, of the Otago Harbour Board, and Otago Education Board. He had a large interest in the Port Chalmers Gas Company, and was principal and managing owner of the Otago Whaling Company, which owned the barques Splendid and Othello, with the schooner Jessie Niccol. A few years back Mr Elder was selected to proceed to London with the view of floating a loan for the construction of a new graving dock. Shortly after his return he commenced business in Dunedin. Taking a keen interest in athletics, he held the position of president of the Alhambra Football Club and vice president of the North End Boating Club, and was also a member of the executive of the Cricket Association. He was also president of the Otago Chess Club. Though residing in Dunedin he always took a keen interest in the affairs of Port Chalmers, where his death will be deeply regretted. Kind-hearted and always ready to assist those appealing to him, he made troops of friends. On settling at Port Chalmers he was married to the only daughter of the late Captain Thomas Robertson, of the S.S. Pirate, and he leaves a family of three sons and seven daughters. He has two brothers and two sisters in Otago – Mr J. Elder of Maheno, Mr G. Elder of Chatton, Mrs G. Hercus of Dunedin, and Mrs Paton of Maheno. Pending arrangements by the trustees, the business will be carried on under the supervision of a skilled assistant.