Weir, William
1868-1926

Primitive Methodist and trade unionist, born June 1868 at Mickley Square, Northumberland, and educated at Prudhoe Colliery School. Aged twelve, he began work at Wylam Colliery and soon became active in the Northumberland Miners' Association, serving as a branch secretary from 1905 and Union President, 1914-26. Initially a Lib-Lab, he later became a Labour Party member. He was a member of both Prudhoe Parish Council/Urban District Council and Gosforth Urban District Council. He was an alderman of Durham County Council and contested the Hexham constituency unsuccessfully in the 1918 General Election. He died in December 1926.

Sources
  • Jack Davison, Northumberland Miners, 1919-39 (Newcastle upon Tyne, 1973), page 136.

Entry written by: DCD
Category: Person
Comment on this entry