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William O Weir Doctor? Trade Directories

Dublin

I am hoping that someone can help me find anything on WILLIM ORMSBY WEIR. Although he trained in the medical profession there are no records to suggest he actually qualified. Despite this, William always referred to himself as Doctor and was known to mix/dine with some very high status influential people of Dublin.

When he died in 1910, his death notice: Death of Dr W Ormsby WeirThe death has occurred at his residence, 10 Nelson St Dublin, of Dr William Ormsby Weir, who was one of the best known and most respected members of the medical profession in the city. He was the fourth son of the late Captain Robert L Weir, of the 27th Regiment (Inniskillings) Kilmorgan, Ballymote, Co Sligo, and enjoyed a considerable practice

"Best known, well respected, considerable practice" These would all suggest Doctor

Can someone look up Trade Dirctories to see if he is listed. If there are no qualifying records, so be it, but even to see his name and his profession listed would be something

Jacqui

jacqui63m

5 replies

Thom's 1906 has no listing under Medical Practitioners for a William Ormsby Weir, closest matches are a William J. Weir of Ballindroit, Strabane and a W. Ormsby of Ballina.

The Dublin street listing shows Nelson St. as 'Mrs. Weir' - no sign of William in the index.

Have you found your William on the 1901 census ?

shanew147IrelandXO Volunteer

Is this your William living at Rutland (now Mountjoy) Square with his wife and children in 1901 ?

Son John could be the informant mentioned on the death cert, and William's occupation is shown as 'Apothecary & Land Owner'. I've a case in my own family were a person was known to locals as Doctor, but was actually an Apothecary/Pharmacist - might be the case here ?

edit : The 1881 marriage to Sarah Charlton/Ruxton shows William's occupation as Commercial Clerk...

shanew147IrelandXO Volunteer

The death certificate for William gives his address as 10 Nelson St, Dublin. He was a doctor and a widower.

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1910/05437/4520543.pdf

Informant was John R. Weir, son.

The William in the 1901 census was an “apothecary”. Can’t comment on what qualifications an apothecary would have required in the early 1900s, nor whether same would entitle him to be regarded as a doctor.

http://www.census.nationalarchives.ie/pages/1901/Dublin/Rotunda/Rutland_Square/1282627/

William’s wife Sarah’s death in 1909:

https://civilrecords.irishgenealogy.ie/churchrecords/images/deaths_returns/deaths_1909/05461/4528398.pdf

Elwyn, IrelandXO Volunteer ☘IrelandXO Volunteer

To all the questions about William and his family, yes. His wife Sarah ran a boarding house in Rutland Sq in 1901

What has been so confusing about him is the death notice. Referrring to him as "Doctor ............. best known and most respected member of the medical profession ........................ and enjoyed a considerable practice"

Although at one time he was the resident Apothecary in the Coombe Lying-in Hospital, would an Apothecary receive such an acclamation on his death?

There is no doubting his "position" at the time when he attended the Mayoral Balls of 1868 and 1869 with guests of honour Prince Albert and the Prince Arthur, sons of Queen Victoria. Other than attending, I don't anything more.

He really is a mystery to me.

Jacqui

jacqui63m

Hi Jacqui,

 

In the Medical Directory of Ireland 1852, it mentions a William Weir M.D .He is on the board of Councillers for  Scothland.

Regards,

Kaye.

IrelandXO member

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