William French (merchant)
William French | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1732 |
| Died | 1802 |
| Known for | Tobacco Merchant |
William French was a tobacco merchant.
Early life[edit]
French was born in 1732.
Career as a merchant[edit]
As a tobacco merchant,[1] French was involved in the Chesapeake trade, through multiple firms, including Spiers, Bowman & Co, in which French was a controlling partner.[2] Alexander Spiers and John Bowman were his partners.[3] The firm held stores along the James River.
His business was adversely affected by the disruption caused by the American War of Independence, and he was declared bankrupt in 1786.[1]
He was one of the founder directors of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.[1]
Politics[edit]
French was provost of Glasgow between 1778 - 1780. He was also a Magistrate.[1]
Property[edit]
He owned the estate of Baillieston.[1]
Death[edit]
He was buried in the Ramshorn Cemetery, Glasgow, in 1832.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e "TheGlasgowStory: Tait's Directory p31". www.theglasgowstory.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ "Founders Online: To Benjamin Franklin from Hope & Co., 16 October 1783". founders.archives.gov. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
- ^ harmonyrowbc, Author (14 May 2020). "Alexander Speirs – Tobacco Lord (1714 – 1782) Part 2". Glasgow's Benefactors. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
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