John Moir (politician)

John Moir (29 July 1856  – 19 July 1939) was prominent businessman and politician who served as the mayor of Albany in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.^[1]

Born in Albany on 29 July 1856, he was the eldest son of Alexander Moir, who had arrived in Albany in 1852. Moir was sent to Perth as a child to study at Bishop's College. Arriving back in Albany at age 16 he joined his father in his business interests.^[2] By 1880 Moir's father retired and left him in charge of the family businesses.^[1] By 1882 Moir was the foundation president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry.^[3]

Moving to work briefly in South Australia Moir met and later married Edith Jane Lines in 1883. A year later they had a child, Clifford St John Moir, who died before his first birthday.^[1]

Later, returning to Albany, he contested the first mayoral election in 1885 but lost to William Finlay.^[4]

Moir built a new residence on Aberdeen Street in 1886; his wife died before the residence was completed. Moir, who was also a founding member of the Albany Club, let it be used as a club facility from 1895 until 1939 when the club acquired the building. The Albany Club building later became heritage listed.^[5]

Serving four terms as Mayor of Albany, from 1889 to 1890, and 1894 to 1897, Moir spent several years also serving on the Council.^[6]

In 1908 Moir sold off his other businesses only keeping his auctioneering branch under his name.^[1]

Moir died at Albany hospital on 19 July 1939 after a long illness,^[6] and was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery.^[7]