John Weir

Who was Colonel John Weir?

Colonel John Weir was a Scottish-born mining engineer and businessman who perished aboard the RMS Titanic in 1912 at the age of 62 (sixty-two). He led a colorful and peripatetic life, making his fortune in mining ventures across the United States and Mexico. Though his title of “Colonel” was likely unofficial, Weir was a respected figure in business circles and moved in elite social circles in both America and Britain.

Early Life and Family

John Weir was born in Scotland in 1850 to John Weir Sr., a wool weaver, and Jane Gillies. He was one of eight children in the family. The Weirs moved frequently in John’s early years, living in various parts of Scotland and England.

Young John’s wanderlust manifested early - by 1871, at the age of 21 (twenty-one), he had already left home, likely for America. This began a pattern of globetrotting that would define much of his adult life.

A Man of Many Trades

From Coachman to Veterinarian

Weir’s early career was marked by frequent changes and reinventions. In 1873, he married Catherine Plant in Scotland, listing his occupation as “coachman.” The newlyweds soon emigrated to America, where Weir tried his hand at various professions.

By 1875, we find Dr. John Weir operating a veterinary practice in Bloomington, Illinois. An advertisement from the time boasts of his expertise in treating horses. However, no evidence of formal veterinary training has been found - it seems Weir may have simply styled himself as “Dr. Weir” to lend credibility to his practice.

Family Strife and New Beginnings

While in Bloomington, John and Catherine had a son, Robert Duncan Weir. However, their marriage was tumultuous. Catherine spent long periods away from John, either in Scotland or Indiana, while he attempted to build his business.

In 1880, Catherine filed for divorce, alleging shocking abuse:

Catharine Weir [sic], the wife of John G. Weir [sic], the well known veterinary surgeon, formerly of this city, alleges that she was married to the defendant in Moffet, Scotland, in 1873, and afterwards emigrated with him to the glorious climate of America, where she lived as a dutiful and faithful wife until the year 1878, when she could no longer stand the barbarous treatment which she received from his hands. He used to throw dinner plates at her head and try to carom upon her shoulders with a heavy whip.

Rise to Fortune in Mining

A New Chapter in the West

Around 1879, Weir moved west to California, reportedly for health reasons. However, given the state of his marriage, one suspects he may have been seeking a fresh start in more ways than one.

It was in the American West that Weir’s fortunes truly began to change. He transitioned from veterinary work to trading in horses, cattle, and sheep. By 1880, he had made his way to Honolulu, where he became involved in importing trotting horses to Australia.

Mining Magnate

In the 1880s and 1890s, Weir increasingly focused his business acumen on railway construction, investments, and mining. He made his fortune in mining ventures across the United States and Mexico, eventually becoming president of the Nevada-Utah Mines & Smelters corporation.

A Complicated Personal Life

Weir’s marital history is as convoluted as his business dealings. While still married to Catherine, he began a relationship with Harriet “Hattie” Elizabeth Mallinson. They had three children together, though it’s unclear if they ever legally married.

Adding to the confusion, in 1893, Weir contracted a marriage with Pauline Graham Kelly in Milwaukee. This marriage appears to have been short-lived and may have been bigamous if Weir was still legally married to either Catherine or Hattie.

Later Years and Titanic Voyage

For the last six years of his life, Weir made his home in Britain, dividing his time between Scotland and London. He maintained business interests in the United States, particularly in Utah, and was a member of the Alta Club in Salt Lake City.

In April 1912, Weir boarded the RMS Titanic in Southampton, traveling first class. Eerily, he had expressed premonitions of danger before the voyage. The night before departure, he reportedly told the manager of the Waldorf Hotel:

“I’m hanged if I’ll go tomorrow… Well, I know it sounds absurd, but I have got a funny feeling about going. I may receive a business message this evening, and if I do, I will not go, although I have booked a first-class passage.”

Despite his misgivings, Weir did board the ship. He perished when the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912. His body, if recovered, was never identified.

Legacy and Family Disputes

Weir left a substantial estate of £26,876, including stocks and bonds he had with him on the Titanic. The settlement of his estate was complicated by competing claims from his various children and romantic partners.

His son Robert made a life in Australia, while his son Harold became an eminent civil engineer. His daughter Mary became a nun, and his daughter Beatrice had a colorful life marked by multiple marriages.

Colonel John Weir’s life was one of constant reinvention and adventure. From humble beginnings in Scotland to his tragic end aboard the most famous shipwreck in history, his story embodies the spirit of an age when fortunes could be made and lost with breathtaking speed, and when the boundaries between Old World and New were becoming increasingly blurred.