Biography

Alexander Lean, an architect and surveyor, arrived in New Zealand in 1851 on the Fatima, with his wife, Clara. He became a sheep farmer, first in and around Christchurch, and later in South Canterbury. Bankrupt by 1865 he then worked for the Provincial Government in various capacities. In 1867 he became a land and house agent and auctioneer. He was also musical, playing solo violin, and conducting. In 1872 and 1873 he was listed as an architect, but he was not a very successful one. He was more successful as a military volunteer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

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