Born c1814 at Warminster, Wiltshire, England, and baptised on 3 February 1815 at the Common Close Independent Church, Warminster, the son of John Stair, schoolmaster and gentleman, and his wife Sarah. He married on 21 February 1838 at the Independent Chapel, Newbury, Berkshire, England, to Emily Maria Rolls, daughter of William Rolls, currier, and his wife Susan, nee Butters. Missionary to the South Seas with the London Missionary Society. Sailed to Samoa in the "Camden" and arrived at Falelatai, Upolu, Samoa at the end of 1838. Originally a printer, he set up his press and taught printing and binding to the natives. Ordained in August 1842. At Leulumoenga, Upolu, Samoa, in 1843. Left for health reasons in 1845. Returned to England. Oversaw the printing of the Samoan New Testament. Arrived at Melbourne on 12 December 1849 per "Hamlet" from London with his wife and family. Entered the Church of England and was ordained deacon in 1857 and priest in 1861. Appointed to Christ Church, St. Arnaud, in 1866, after having been at Broadmeadows (1858-66). Retired c1893. Died on 20 July 1898 at Butcher Street, St. Arnaud, Victoria, and was buried on 22 July 1898 at the St. Arnaud Cemetery, Vic.

[baptism record; marriage certificate; death certificate; Dr. Williams's Library; Lovett History of the London Missionary Society 1795-1895; Crockford's Clerical Directories; G. Lindsay Lockley]

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