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William French (merchant)

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William French
Born1732
Died1802
Known forTobacco Merchant

William French was a tobacco merchant.

Early life

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French was born in 1732.

Career as a merchant

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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

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French was provost of Glasgow between 1778 - 1780. He was also a Magistrate.[1]

Property

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He owned the estate of Baillieston.[1]

Death

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He was buried in the Ramshorn Cemetery, Glasgow, in 1832.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "TheGlasgowStory: Tait's Directory p31". www.theglasgowstory.com. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  2. ^ "Founders Online: To Benjamin Franklin from Hope & Co., 16 October 1783". founders.archives.gov. Retrieved 24 August 2020.
  3. ^ harmonyrowbc, Author (14 May 2020). "Alexander Speirs – Tobacco Lord (1714 – 1782) Part 2". Glasgow's Benefactors. Retrieved 24 August 2020. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)