Alexander Cameron 'Alex' Scrimgeour (1840-1912) was born Methven, Perthshire, Scotland on 13 Jan 1840, a son of Peter Scrimzeur (1806-1876) & Isabella Rue (1813-1896). Although his parents died in Scotland, some of his siblings also emigrated.
Note If you go back to the 1760s, their name was Scrim, later Scrimzeur, later Scrimgeour and probably other variants.
Alexander's known siblings
* 1834 - 1883 James Scrimgeour
. emigrated into Nelson on the Gertrude, married Ann Valentine Greig in 1865, drowned in the Waiwhakaiho River aged 48. Inquest at link
* 1838 - Margaret Scrimgeour
. married Mathew Young
* 1840 - 1912 Alexander Cameron Scrimgeour
. emigrated into Napier with his sister Mary, on the Rangoon 23 July 1864 (names spelt Scrymgeour), Publican, married Isabella Gow 1876, (Alex & Mary married Gow siblings), Peter Gow was also his partner in the Tavistock Hotel, Waipukurau, died Masterton.
* 1842 - 1910 Thomas Scrimgeour
. emigrated into Auckland on the Winterthur 23 May 1865, miner at Waikaka, died Waiaka.
* 1844 - 1935 Mary Scrimgeour
. emigrated on the Rangoon with her brother Alex (names spelt Scrymgeour), into Napier 23 July 1864, married Peter Gow (Alex & Mary married Gow siblings) died Waipukurau (read Alex's bios below).
* 1847 - Elizabeth Scrimgeour
. married James Wilson, died Perthshire.
* 1849 - Janet 'Jessie 'Scrimgeour
. possibly arrived into Nelson on the 'Gertrude 3 June 1868 (spelt Scrimgour on list), possibly with brother James (OR this was a misspelling and the passenger was James). Janet married Henry James Baker.
* 1852 - 1929 Peter Scrimgeour
. emigrated into Dunedin 1879, also a Publican, married Catherine Alderson in Napier 1883, 9 children, died in Hastings.
* 1855 - 1877 Francis Scrimgeour
* 1857 - 1928 John Young Scrimgeour

Alexander arrived in Napier on 23 July 1864 (with sister Mary as above) under engagement to the Hon Henry Robert Russell (1817-1891) of Mt Herbert, Waipukurau. In 1875 he took over the running of the Tavistock Hotel with his brother-in-law, Peter Gow, (Peter was his wife's brother & his sister Mary's husband).
Alexander married ISABELLA GOW (1847-1914) on 28 Nov 1876. Isabella was born in Watten, Highland, Scotland, the 8th of 11 known children of George Gow (1803-1874) & Jane Mackadam (1812-1896)
Alex & Isabella had 6 children
• 1877 - 1972 Jane Macadam Scrimgeour (spinster)
• 1878 - 1922 Peter 'Gow' Scrimgeour (+Johnson)
• 1880 - Mary Scrimgeour
• 1881 - 1964 Jessie Scrimgeour (+Vallance)
• 1883 - 1959 Amelia Rue Scrimgeour (spinster)
• 1889 - 1962 George Henry Scrimgeour (+Gawne)

NOTE A number of family trees online have THIS Alexander Cameron Scrimgeour (same dates, photo etc) as marrying Helen MacLeod. This is incorrect and shows the dangers of copying everyone elses mistakes from the net without doing your own research. There WAS an Alexander (no Cameron) Scrimgeour who married Helen Macleod (1841-1914) in 1866 but their 8 children, from 1866 - 1883, were born in Christchurch, Canterbury.
"Our' Alexander Cameron Scrimgeour arrived in Napier in 1864 & spent over 25 years in Hawkes Bay (1864-1890), married Isabella Gow in 1876 and their 6 children were born in Hawkes Bay, Waipawa, Waipukurau etc, from 1877 - 1889. He spent 11 years in Masterton running the Club Hotel, returned to Waipawa and back again to Masterton where he died in his last hotel, the Prince of Wales, in 1912. Read the bios.

Waipawa Mail, 10 March 1887
Impounded at Waipawa - By Geo. Downey, on February 11th, 1887, 1 Black Gelding, branded PH on near shoulder, white blaze on face, white on all fore feet. If not claimed and all expenses paid, will be sold on the 15th march at noon. A. C. SCRIMGEOUR - Poundkeeper.

Waipawa Mail, 26 Sep 1895
A very pleasing ceremony took place in the Empire Hotel last night, when the Waipawa Brass band met for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr and Mrs Scrimgeour prior to their departure from Waipawa. After playing in the billiard room, the members of the band assembled in one of the parlors when Bandmaster B. Cosgrove, in a few well chosen words, stated the object of the gathering. He said that before Mr and Mrs Scrimgeour left Waipawa the band thought it only right to present them with some token to mark the many services they had rendered to that body. The fore of the presentation was a frame containing the photographs of the band, which he felt sure their guests would value, not for its intrinsic worth, but for the fact that it would recall to their memory some of the many friends they left behind them in Waipawa. The members of the band deeply regretted Mr and Mrs Scrimgeour's departure from the town, for they had always been most generous in assisting them and on behalf of the band, he wished them every success and happiness in their new home.
Mr Scrimgeour thanked Mr Cosgrove for his kind remarks and said that it had always been a pleasure to himself and Mrs Scrimgeour to render what aid they could to the band. He greatly appreciated the present they had made him. It was not necessary to have their photographs to remember then by, for it would take him a long while to forget the many friends he saw around him that night. He was, however, sensible of the kindly feeling which prompted them in making the present, which would be hung in a place of honor in his new home. He was sorry to part from them and he could assure them that he would always be happy to meet them in the future.
Mr Whittington briefly returned thanks on behalf of Mrs Scrimgeour and at her request invited the band to supper. The invitation was accepted with alacrity,
After justice had been done to the good things provided, the proceedings resolved themselves into a smoke concert, A number of songs and recitations were given in good style and a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close about 11 o'clock.

Waipawa Mail, 1 Oct 1895
We understand Mr A. C. Scrimgeour, who has for some years filled the officers of County Councillor and member of the Town Board will tender his resignations of those positions at the next meeting of the respective bodies.

Hawkes Bay Herald, 26 April 1900
Dannevirke All who have ever put up at Mr Scrimgeour's popular and excellent hostelry, The Masonic Hotel, here will be glad to hear that he is going to remain in possession. Mr Scrimgeour and his family would have been very much missed in Dannevirke. He has added several improvements to his popular hostelry, notably to the bar, which has been re-arranged, freshly painted, papered and varnished throughout. Mr Scrimgeour is determined to keep abreast of the times and has other improvements in contemplation.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 17 Jan 1901
Dannevirke Mr Alexander Scrimgeour has sold his interest in the Masonic Hotel to Mr Mitchell, late of Hunterville, who will take possession of the hostelry this week.

Bush Advocate, 9 July 1901
Mr A. C. Scrimgeour was a passenger to Masterton by the mid-day express to take over the Club Hotel in that town, There was quite a gathering of his old friends to meet him at the station.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 3 July 1902
A meeting of the General Committee of the Wairarapa Poultry, Pigeon and Dog Association, held in the Club Hotel last evening, was attended by Mr F. Hill (chairman) and Messrs T. Barnes, A. C. Scrimgeour, E. Welch and L. J. Hooper. Mr A. H. Gardner tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret.
* Alex was appointed Poultry Steward

Wairarapa Daily Times, 14 Jan 1902
Opening Of The New Club Hotel The new Club Hotel, which can be counted as amongst the finest houses in New Zealand, was opened yesterday by the proprietor, Mr A. C. Scrimgeour, for the reception of the public. The hotel has been most elaborately furnished with new materials and in matter of comfort and convenience cannot be excelled. The dining-room is indeed a spacious room and two immense mirrors have been hung at either end, which give a splendid effect. A second dining-room, quite as well appointed, but of smaller dimensions, has been provided, where the labourer can get a good meal and receive every attention and suites of bedrooms are also reserved for them. This is a want which has long been felt in Masterton and one which will be appreciated.
In the matter of wines and spirits the best brands are on the shelves and 'Staples' beer only is always on tap.
The proprietor will be pleased to conduct callers over the hotel and, as showing the appreciation of the travelling public for a good house, over twenty telegrams have been received from other parts bespeaking rooms in the Club Hotel.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 24 March 1904
Masterton Cadet Football Club. The annual meeting of the above club was held in the Drill Hall, last evening, Captain Hunn presiding. The election of officers resulted as follows:- Patron: Mr L. J. Hooper; President: Mr A. C. Scrimgeour; Vice Presidents: Captain Charters, Lieutenant Morton, Dr W. H. Hoskings and Messrs W. H. Beetham, A. Henderson and E. L. Leeks

Waipawa Mail, 22 May 1907
About twenty of the leading citizens of Masterton assembled in the Borough Council Chambers on Thursday afternoon, to make a presentation to Mr A. C. Scrimgeour, who had been licensee of the Club Hotel, Masterton, for a number of years and who is leaving Masterton to take over the Empire Hotel at Waipawa. The Mayor (Mr J. M. Cordine) occupied the chair.

.. written about 1908 ..
Mr ALEXANDER CAMERON SCRIMGEOUR, proprietor of the Empire Hotel, was born in the parish of Methven, Perthshire, Scotland, in the year 1840, his father, Mr Peter Scrimgeour, being engaged on the Balgowan Estate. He was educated in Perthshire, afterwards learned farming and in 1863 came to New Zealand under engagement to the Hon. H. R. Russell, of Mount Herbert, Waipukurau. The vessel in which he sailed, the "Rangoon," became almost a complete wreck on the Ramsgate Downs a day or two after her departure. Putting into Ramsgate, a delay of two months occurred for repairs and a second start was made on the 24th of January 1864. After a protracted time at sea the "Rangoon" was almost destitute of provisions when she made Sydney harbour, where another month was occupied in refitting. On the 24th of July, Napier was reached and an eventful voyage of eight months brought to a happy termination, though the ill-fated "Rangoon" had almost every vestige of her bulwarks washed away in a final storm in the Bay of Plenty. Mr. Scrimgeour landed in Napier and after four years with the Hon H. R. Russell was transferred to the estate of Mr P. Russell, where he remained for seven years. He then, in conjunction with Mr Peter Gow, took over the Tavistock Hotel, Waipukurau and two years later (1877) became proprietor of the Tahoraite Hotel (Hawkes Bay) in the Seventy Mile Bush. After being there three years Mr Scrimgeour purchased a farm of 600 acres at Waipawa, but relinquished agriculture twelve months later, though still retaining the property.
Mr Scrimgeour afterwards purchased the Empire Hotel at Waipawa, which he conducted for twelve years. On his departure for Dannevirke in 1895, his fellow townspeople gave a ball in honour of himself and family and presented Mrs Scrimgeour with a beautifully jewelled gold bracelet and Mr Scrimgeour with a numerously-signed address, splendidly illuminated and framed.
Mr Scrimgeour afterwards removed to Masterton and took over the Club Hotel, but subsequently returned to Waipawa and again took over the Empire Hotel. He was for several years a member of the Waipawa County Council, Road Board, Town Board, School Committee, and various other bodies. He married Miss Gow, a sister of his old partner, in 1876 and has four daughters and two sons.

Waipawa Mail, 30 Nov 1909
A very pleasing ceremony was performed at the Empire Hotel last evening, when a few of the intimate friends of Mrs Scrimgeour met to present her with a souvenir in remembrance of her stay in Waipawa. The memento took the shape of a solid gold cross, suitably inscribed. Mr D. O'Reilly, in making the presentation, referred to the kindly disposition of Mrs Scrimgeour and hoped she would not be very far away from Waipawa. He was sure he was voicing the feelings of all present when he said that Mrs Scrimgeour would be very much missed. He hoped she would live long to wear the token given her by her friends. Mr H. Collett responded on behalf of Mrs Scrimgeour. He was sure, should she ever return to Waipawa, that she would always receive a hearty welcome. However, he hope she would not be very far away from here, so that all could see her often.
Mr Rathbone also spoke feelingly of Mrs Scrimgeour and proposed her health, which was drunk in champagne.

Wairarapa Age, 4 Dec 1909
Mr and Mrs A. Scrimgeour, formerly of Masterton, have severed their connection with the Empire Hotel, Waipawa. Mrs Scrimgeour was the recipient on Wednesday of several valuable presents as mementos of her residence in Waipawa. The Sisters of St Joseph gave Mrs Scrimgeour an autograph album, bound in Morocco leather. The lady members of St John's Church gave her a pair of handsome salt cellars, also a bread board, set in a solid silver stand. Several townspeople also presented her with a solid gold chain and pendant, the latter taking the form of a Latin cross bearing the inscription I.S., 1-12-09. During their residence in Waipawa Mr and Mrs Scrimgeour have, by their kind-heartedness and liberality and also by their willingness to assist in any local charity, gained the esteem of the townspeople and their departure will be regretted.

Wairarapa Age, 4 Aug 1910
Prince Of Wales Hotel, Queen Street, Masterton.
Mr A. C. Scrimgeour begs to inform the Residents of Masterton and district that he has taken over the above well known house. The Hotel will be conducted on the most approved lines, with the best accommodation at moderate rates. Temperance drinks at bar.

Masterton, 19 Jan 1912
James Hall was find £10 and costs in default one month, for keeping liquor for sale in a no-license district. The magistrate reserved his decision in a case in which a similar charge was preferred against Alex. C. Scrimgeour

Pahiatua Herald, 28 Feb 1912
Mr A. C. Scrimgeour, proprietor of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Masterton and well-known in this district, is dangerously ill.

Wairarapa Age, 1 March 1912
At a late hour last night the condition of Mr A. C. Scrimgeour, of Masterton, was regarded as exceedingly critical.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 5 March 1912
DEATH of Alexander Cameron Scrimgeour
Mr A. C. SCRIMGEOUR There passed away, at 10.45 o;clock this morning, one of Masterton's best known and most highly esteemed residents in the person of Mr Alexander Cameron Scrimgeour, proprietor of the Prince of Wales Private Hotel, at the age of 72 years.
Deceased took to his bed a little more than a week ago and since then he had gradually weakened, the end coming peacefully this morning.
The late Mr Scrimgeour was born in Perthshire, Scotland and came to New Zealand in the Rangoon in 1864, landing in Napier in June, after a stormy passage lasting eight months. He came under engagement to Mr Henry Russell, for whom he worked for a number of years. He resided in Hawkes Bay district for over twenty-five years and came to Masterton eleven years ago to take over the Club Hotel. As host of this famous establishment, he became well-known and greatly respected throughout the district and when he left here a few years ago to reside in Waipawa, he was presented with a token of esteem from the business people of Masterton.
He returned to Masterton about two years ago and took over the Prince of Wales Private Hotel, where he resided up to the time of his death.
The late Mr Scrimgeour was one of those citizens whose place in the community will be hard to fill. His kindly disposition and sterling qualities endeared him to all with whom he came in contact and to-day Masterton will mourn for the loss of one who was a friend of everybody and look up to by all.
Deceased leaves six of a family, including one married daughter, Mrs Con. Vallance, three single daughters and two sons; two sisters (Mrs Peter Gow and Mrs baker) and one brother Mr Peter Scrimgeour. All of the last-mentioned reside in the Hawkes Bay district.
The funeral will leave the Prince of Wales Hotel on Thursday at 2.30 p.m.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 8 March 1912
The funeral of the late Mr A. C. Scrimgeour took place yesterday afternoon, when a very long cortege of friends from all over the Wellington, Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay provinces were present to pay their last respects to one who was widely known and respected. The members of the Masterton Lodge, I.O.O.F.M.U., followed the procession to the cemetery in respect to their late brother, who for a great many years was a prominent member of the Waipawa Lodge. The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev A. T. Thompson, B.A., B.D., of Knox Church, Masterton.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 22 April 1912
While Mrs A. Scrimgeour, of the Prince of Wales Hotel, was coming down the stairs on Saturday evening, she tripped and fell to the bottom, sustaining a broken wrist and a number of bruises. Medical Scrimgeour is now progressing satisfactorily.

After his death Isabella moved to Wanganui.
Wairarapa Daily Times, 23 Dec 1912
Mrs A. C. Scrimgeour has disposed of her interest in the Prince of Wales Hotel and will leave next week for Wellington (sic, Wanganui) where she intends to reside.

Wanganui Chronicle, 19 May 1913
Mrs A. C. Scrimgeour, wife of the late popular A. C. Scrimgeour, Esq., of Hawke's Bay, is prepared to take a limited number of gentlemen boarders at very moderate terms. The well-known Stirling House is only about three minutes from the heart of the town. The rooms are beautiful, airy ones and are furnished with every home comfort; gas in every room; fine baths and the dining room is a large and comfortably furnished one. The cuisine is of the best, combined with every courtesy. Anyone requiring a really comfortable home cannot do better than pay Mrs Scrimgeour a call before going elsewhere.

Wanganui Chronicle, 17 June 1913
Mrs A. C. Scrimgeour, Stirling House, 26 St Hill Street, has vacancies for six gentlemen boarders. Single rooms if preferred, Superior Board. Terms on application.

Pahiatua Herald, 2 July 1914
DEATH of Isabella Scrimgeour
The death occurred at Wanganui yesterday of Mrs Isabella Scrimgeour, relict of the late Mr Alexander C. Scrimgeour, of Masterton. The deceased lady, who was sixty-seven years of age, was favourably known in the Masterton, Waipawa and Dannevirke districts. Mrs Scrimgeour left Masterton some eighteen months ago for Wanganui.

ALEXANDER & ISABELL are buried at Archer Street cemetery, Masterton
. THEIR HEADSTONE .
ALEXANDER C. SCRIMGEOUR
Died March 5, 1912
Aged 72 Years
Nothing In My Hands I Bring
Simply To Thy Cross I Cling
~ Also ~
ISABELLA
Beloved Wife Of The Above
Died July 1, 1914
Aged 67 Years
Sorrow vanquished . Labour ended . Jordan passed.

PHOTO
Alexander Cameron Scrimgeour