James Galloway Weir

Who was James Galloway Weir?

James Galloway Weir was a Scottish businessman and Liberal Party politician.

Born in Scotland, he was the son of a builder, James Ross Weir. He was a pupil at Dollar Academy before moving with his family to London as a young man. He worked as a travelling salesman for a haberdashery company before he went into business on his own account in 1863 importing sewing machines. He retired from business in about 1879/80 to pursue politics full time.

He unsuccessfully contested the Falkirk Burghs constituency in 1885, when he got a derisory vote. He was elected MP for Ross and Cromarty in 1892,

holding the seat until his death.

He was also elected to the London County Council in 1892 to represent Islington East as a member of the majority Liberal-backed Progressive Party.

He died at his home in Frognal, Hampstead in 1911 aged 71, and was buried at Marylebone Cemetery.