George William Alexander

George William Alexander
Born	1802 London, England
Died	1890
Occupation(s)	Financier, humanitarian
Known for	First treasurer of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society

George William Alexander (1802–1890) was a distinguished English financier and humanitarian, recognized primarily for his role as the inaugural treasurer of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, founded in 1839. The American statesman Frederick Douglass remarked that Alexander "has devoted more than an American fortune to advancing the anti-slavery cause ..."

Biography

Alexander was born in London as the firstborn among nine siblings within a prominent Quaker family. After his father passed away, he took on considerable duties at a young age. His mother, Ann Alexander, managed the bill-broking enterprise Alexander and Co, which was later renamed A. M. Alexander. In 1823, George joined as a partner, prompting the firm to be rebranded as A. and G. W. Alexander. By 1828, he shared profits on equal terms with his mother until additional partners were incorporated in 1831.

Despite the abolition of the British slave trade in 1807 and slavery itself in 1833, persistent international efforts were necessary to continue combating slavery worldwide. The British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society was created in 1839 with this mission in mind, subsequently organizing the notable World Anti-Slavery Convention held in 1840 at Freemasons' Hall in London. A significant commemorative artwork displayed at the National Portrait Gallery portrays Alexander serving as treasurer. The society’s objective was "the universal extinction of slavery and the slave trade" alongside safeguarding liberated individuals within British territories.

Alexander played an active role in promoting abolition on a global scale. In 1839, he journeyed through Sweden and the Netherlands alongside James Whitehorn to inspect conditions affecting enslaved people in Dutch colonies such as Suriname, where he documented a population exceeding 100,000 slaves experiencing high mortality rates. His advocacy also extended to countries including Spain, France, and Denmark.

Residing within Stoke Newington’s Quaker enclave at Paradise Row, Alexander welcomed notable figures like Alphonse de Lamartine in 1850 and Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1853. By this period, his philanthropic reach had expanded internationally. Frederick Douglass lauded his substantial financial contributions toward the global abolitionist movement. Financial documents from 1854 reveal Alexander’s position as treasurer with society revenues totaling £766 against expenses amounting to £856, resulting in a personal debt owed to him of £321.

Beyond abolitionism, Alexander was involved with other reform initiatives; notably, he participated in the 1846 World Temperance Convention held in London.

His commercial achievements enabled him to reconstruct his home by 1870—later identified as Kennaway House. The firm he helped develop remains historically significant: Alexanders Discount plc, recognized as the longest-standing discount house in the UK, continued operations as recently as 1995.

Sources

• Letters on the Slave-Trade, Slavery and Emancipation, initially published in 1842 and reissued in 1969.
• Sixty Years Against Slavery, released by the Anti-Slavery Society in 1900 and attributed to Alexander.
• Referenced by name within Thackeray's novel Vanity Fair.