The Journal of the Friends’ Historical Society (1927)
In 1801, Ann Barber of Eckington married William Alexander, and they began their life in London. Ann was a milliner when she met her husband, a Quaker and bank clerk. The couple would go on to have nine children, with William rising to partner at the firm of John Rickman and Co. as a bill broker. In 1810, he set up his own business at 33 Lombard Street as Alexander and Co.
In 1819, after a fall from a coach William developed a ten week illness that would result in his untimely death. Ann became the principal of the business, changing the name to A.M. Alexander and working with the assistance of Richard Payne until her son George William Alexander came of age to join the firm. It was then called A. and G.W Alexander around 1824.
Like a boss, Anne took two thirds the profit from 1823-1828. Following some changes in the market, and her son making partner in 1828, Anne nonetheless was able to retire in 1838 with £1000 a year.
She would die in 1861, with the company making millions by the time of her death.
Phillpott, M. The Alexander Family’s Discount Company. Journal of School of Advanced Studies. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjYgp6o9aL-AhWNIjQIHUEMB_YQFnoECC4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.sas.ac.uk%2Ffhs%2Farticle%2FviewFile%2F4588%2F4540&usg=AOvVaw3q5QwRdvZuLU3vp-vnobpd
