Alexander Archibald
(14 December 1889 - 19 February 1899)
Alexander Archibald was probably born at 'Glencairn', the family home at 85 South Head Road, Parkhurst, near Helensville on 14 December 1889. He was fifth of six children born to James Archibald (1851 - 21 July 1910) and his wife Catherine Reid (17 Feb 1851 - 13 Jun 1935):
- Betsy Helen (or Ellen) Archibald (29 Aug 1877 - 28 July 1944).
- Margaret (Maggie) Reid Archibald (3 June 1879 - 26 Aug 1970)
- James (Jim) Archibald (31 Aug 1882 - 3 Sep 1958)
- Adelaide (Adie) Archibald (27 June 1886 - 18 Sep 1971)
- Alexander Archibald (14 Dec 1889 - 19 Feb 1899)
- Chloris (Sissy) Mary Archibald (20 July 1891 - 23 Dec 1986)
Alexander was probably given his name in memory of his paternal uncle, Alexander Greig Reid (31 Dec 1861 - 20 May 1889), who had immigrated to New Zealand but had succumbed to pulmonary tuberculosis seven months prior to his birth. The name Alexander was also an important surname in his father's family, being the surname of his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth (Betsy) Alexander (1815 - 12 Nov 1886). Family records suggest that Alexander contracted spinal meningitis at or around birth.
On 20 July 1891, when Alexander was a year and a half, his youngest sister, Chloris (known as Sissy) was born. Around this time, his mother became interested in the Bible teachings taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sometime during 1891, she was baptised and became one of the earliest Seventh-day Adventist Church members in New Zealand. (Alexander's father was also baptised but it is unknown if it was on the same day.) Around 1894-96, the Archibald family met regularly with a small group of Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Parkhurst where they studied the Bible together. It is possible that some of their meetings were conducted at the Archibald's home.
On 20 July 1891, when Alexander was a year and a half, his youngest sister, Chloris (known as Sissy) was born. Around this time, his mother became interested in the Bible teachings taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sometime during 1891, she was baptised and became one of the earliest Seventh-day Adventist Church members in New Zealand. (Alexander's father was also baptised but it is unknown if it was on the same day.) Around 1894-96, the Archibald family met regularly with a small group of Seventh-day Adventist Church members in Parkhurst where they studied the Bible together. It is possible that some of their meetings were conducted at the Archibald's home.
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| The Archibald family at their home in Parkhurst, Helensville c1896 Back from left: Margaret (Maggie), James Snr, Catherine, Betsy Front from left: Alexander, Sissy & James Jnr Photographer unknown (Photo courtesy of K Toepfer) |
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| The Archibald family at their home in Parkhurst, Helensville c1896 From left: Margaret (Maggie), Adelaide, James Snr with Alexander, Catherine, Betsy, Sissy & James Jnr Photographer unknown (Photo courtesy of G J Bland)
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Alexander died on 19 February 1899, at Parkhurst, aged 9. His death certificate says that he had spinal meningitis from birth. He was buried at the Helensville Cemetery, Public Burial Area, Block 1, Row B2, Plot 8, Seq 1. Alexander's parents were later buried alongside him in a family plot.
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| The grave of Alexander Archibald and his parents, James and Catherine. Helensville Cemetery. (Photo by K Bland, 21 Dec 2009) |
Sources of Information
- Family records and photo, courtesy of G J Bland
- Photographs from K Toepfer and K Bland
- Auckland Council Burial Records for Alexander Archibald, accessed 28 Dec 2017
- Adventist Record Archives
- Photos: G J Bland, K Bland
Last updated 2 May 2022
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