Alexander Croll (merchant)
Alexander Croll | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Ireland |
| Died | 13 April 1881 (aged 70) |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, banker |
| Years active | 1845–1870s |
| Known for | Inaugural agent for Standard Bank of South Africa in Port Elizabeth; director at London and South African Bank and Graham's Town Fire and Marine Assurance Company |
Alexander Croll (April 1811 – 13 April 1881) was an Irish-born merchant and banker who operated in the Cape Colony. After beginning his trading activities in England, he moved to the Cape Colony and became the inaugural agent for the Standard Bank of South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Additionally, he held positions as a director at the London and South African Bank and the Graham's Town Fire and Marine Assurance Company. Croll accumulated considerable wealth before retiring back to England.
Early life and family
Born in Ireland in April 1811, Alexander Croll later married Mary Ann Rea in Dundee in 1850. The couple did not have any children.
Career
Croll started his professional life in Britain as a merchant engaged in trade with South Africa, operating out of Hastings, Sussex, with possible involvement in commodities such as wheat or wine.
By at least 1845, he was established as a merchant within the Cape Colony. His familial ties to diamond trader Richard Townroe (1831–1889) suggest potential participation in the diamond industry.
From 1857 to 1859, he lived in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town. In 1863, under the name Alexander Croll & Company, he became the first agent representing the Standard Bank of South Africa. Through his office in Port Elizabeth, he facilitated bill discounting services and played a key role in introducing the bank to the colony. Subsequently, he held directorships at the Standard Bank, London and South African Bank, and Graham's Town Fire and Marine Assurance Company.
Later life
By 1871, Croll had retired to 16 The Boltons in Kensington, where he employed five domestic staff. A few years later, by 1874, he and his wife relocated to Mavis Bank, a Victorian villa located at 353 Grange Road, Upper Norwood. There they maintained a household with six servants, including two nurses.
Alexander Croll passed away on 13 April 1881 due to jaundice and was interred at West Norwood Cemetery alongside his wife, who died in 1912. His estate was valued at less than £140,000.