Alexander Houstoun (governor)
Scottish politician and colonial governor
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Alexander Houstoun Jr. (4 October 1752 – 22 March 1822) was a Scottish politician who served as the interim governor of Grenada from 1796 to 30 September 1797.[1][2] He was succeeded by Sir Charles Green.[1]
Alexander Houstoun | |
|---|---|
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| Born | 4 October 1752 |
| Died | 22 March 1822 (aged 69) Clerkington, Scotland |
| Occupations | Trader, Politician, and Governor |
| Title | Governor/Lieutenant-Governor |
| Term | 1796–1797 |
| Predecessor | Samuel Mitchell (governor) |
| Successor | Sir Charles Green, 1st Baronet |
Biography
There appears to be some confusion over when Alexander Houstoun was born, one source claims he was born in 1770 and was the son of Colonel Andrew Houstoun, whilst other sources state that Alexander Houstoun is to be equated with the brother of Andrew Houstoun and who was a merchant in the West Indies, the latter Alexander Houstoun being born in 1752 (which is the more likely scenario).[3][4]
Alexander Houstoun of Clerkington was born in Renfrew, Scotland on the 4th October 1752 to Alexander Houstoun (1709–1777) and Elizabeth Rae (1709–1804).[3]
Houston's father Alexander was the founder of a Glasgow merchant firm[5] called "Alexander Houston & Co." which traded in the West Indies starting in the 1750s, the firm owned multiple ships.[5] In 1777, the firm was inherited by Alexander Houstoun Jr.[6][4] The firm had shipping routes between Glasgow and various locations in the West Indies, even being recommended by Ninian Home. Alexander Houstoun & Co. went bankrupt in 1801, the firm owed a total of £343,945 to planters in the West Indies (which would equate to over £34 million in modern terms).[7][8]
Alexander Houstoun was the last interim governor during Fédon's rebellion, succeeding Samuel Mitchell. He oversaw the end of the conflict and the confiscation of properties and executions of rebels.[9][10]
He served as the MP for Glasgow (Clyde Burghs),[11] his first term was between 1802 and 1803, his second term was between 1809–1812 and his last term was 1818–1820.
He died on the 22 March 1822 in Clerkington.[3]