William Christie Buik (1824 - 1903)

Born 13 May 1824 in Dundee, Angus, Scotland

Husband of Jane Clark Spankie — married 22 Nov 1848 in Dundee, Angus, Scotland, United Kingdom

Descendants

Died 6 Feb 1903 at age 78 in Norwood, South Australia, Australia

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Biography

William Buik is Notable.

William Christie Buik was born on 13 May 1824 in Dundee, Scotland, a son of Andrew Buik and Elizabeth (Edwards) Buik.^[1]

He married Jane Clark Spankie on 22 November 1848 in Dundee,^[2] and they migrated to South Australia by the ship Coromandel in April 1849. Together they had seven children, all born in Adelaide:

He held a number of public offices in South Australia including:

• 1863-1865: Adelaide City Councillor
• 1866-1868: Mayor of Kensington and Norwood
• 1878-1879: Mayor of Adelaide
• 1881-1884: Alderman of Adelaide
• 1881-1888: Member of the Legislative Council of South Australia
• 1892-?: Alderman of Adelaide

Mr. William Christie Buik was formerly Mayor of Adelaide. He has also been a Councillor and an Alderman. He was a City Councillor in 1863-5, Mayor of Adelaide in 1879-80, and Alderman from 1881 to 1884. From 1866 to 1868 he was Mayor of Kensington and Norwood. Mr. Buik was a member of the Legislative Council of this colony from 1881 to 1888. The new Alderman has the credit of being one of, if not the chief moving spirit, in the introduction of the horse-tram system in Adelaide and suburbs. He is still prominently connected with the Adelaide and Suburban Tram Company, and is also practically associated with other public Companies. Mr. Buik was born at Dundee, in Scotland, on May 3, 1824, arrived in South Australia in 1849, began business in Hindley-street as a partner and representative of Robert Whyte, hardware merchant. of London, under the style of R. Whyte & Co., and afterwards embarked in business on his own account in Rundle-street.

--South Australian Register, 2 December 1892^[3]

The death of Mr. W. C. Buik, which occurred at his residence on Friday morning was not altogether unexpected by his friends. For some time past he had been in delicate health, and about three weeks ago his condition became so much worse that he was obliged to keep to his room. Mr. Buik, who was in his 79th year was an old and much respected colonist. He was a Scotchman; a native of Dundee. In 1849 he arrived in South Australia by the ship Coromandel, and began business in Hindley-street as a partner and representative of Messrs. Robert Whyte & Co., hardware merchants, of London. Subsequently he conducted business in the same line on his own account in Rundle-street. He interested himself in the public affairs of the State, and took an active part in the passing of the new Constitution Act and the elections which succeeded it. He served the City Corporation as councillor for Hindmarsh ward from 1863 to 1865, and was Mayor of Norwood from 1866 to 1868. He also acted as captain of the Scottish Volunteer Rifle Company from 1867 to 1870. Mr. Buik paid a visit to Europe in 1871, and while there made himself acquainted with the working of several tramway systems. On his return to this State he played a large part in the establishment of the Adelaide and Suburban Tramway Company, being practically the promoter of the scheme, and on the formation of the company he was elected to the position of chairman of directors. In 1879-80 he was Mayor of Adelaide, and was for three years afterwards alderman in the same corporation. He had been identified with many public companies and institutions. As chairman of the board of management of the Belair Inebriate Retreat, he did good work, and he was a capable member of the Adelaide District Licensing Bench. His first appearance in Parliament was in 1881 as a member of the Legislative Council, and in this capacity he rendered conscientious service to South Australia for several years. For some years prior to his death he had not taken a prominent part in public matters. General regret was expressed when the news of Mr.Buik's death was made known and the Town Hall bells were tolled as a mark of respect.

--The Advertiser, 7 February 1903^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ Scotland, Select Births and Baptisms, 1564-1950 Dundee, Angus, Scotland Birth Date 13 May 1824 Baptism Date 23 May 1824 FHL Film Number 993402
2. ↑ Scotland, Select Marriages, 1561-1910 Marriage Place Dundee, Angus, Scotland. Marriage Date 22 Nov 1848 FHL Film Number 993404
3. ↑ THE NEW MAYOR AND ALDERMEN. (1892, December 2). South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), p. 6. Retrieved June 3, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article48561851
4. ↑ PERSONAL. (1903, February 7). The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), p. 7. Retrieved June 3, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4923004
5. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157173599/william-christie-buik: accessed 03 June 2023), memorial page for William Christie Buik (unknown–8 Feb 1903), Find A Grave: Memorial #157173599, citing West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, Adelaide City, South Australia, Australia; Maintained by Dwight Baker (contributor 47306645).

• South Australia, Australia, Police Gazettes, 1862-1947 Year 1886 Place South Australia, Australia Reference Description AU5103-1886 SA Police Gazette 1886
• wikipedia:William_Buik
• Genealogy South Australia - Death Registration - Book/Page: 292/143