Alexander family.

Alexander John Alexander, son of William Alexander, Lord Provost and member of Parliament, was born into a wealthy Scottish family that made its fortune in shipping, trading, mining, and investments. A.J. Alexander was a keen businessman, a wise and judicious financial counselor, a political scientist, and a talented inventor. His younger brother William married Christine Aitcheson, heiress to a profitable coal and iron producing estate in Scotland. In 1784, William obtained an exclusive contract to supply all tobacco imported by France. He moved to Norfolk, Virginia, and began exporting tobacco to Europe. Christine Alexander, one of William's daughters, was raised in Airdrie, Scotland, but spent much of her time in France. Christine never married and was actively involved in the management of her assets and properties.