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. In 1865 he was made bankrupt, and 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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