Alexander Balfour Biography

Alexander Balfour (2 September 1824 - 16 April 1886) was a Scottish merchant and founder of the Liverpool shipping company Balfour Williamson.

Balfour was born in Leven, Fife, the son of Henry Balfour, a foundry owner. He was educated at St Andrew's University, and in 1844 moved to Liverpool, where in 1851 he founded Balfour Williamson with Stephen Williamson and David Duncan.

He was a committed philanthropist, and founded the Duke Street Home, to provide better conditions for sailors, and orphanages for seamen's children.

He bought a country estate at Mount Alyn, at Rossett, south of Chester. He died there in 1886.

There is a monument to him in St John's Gardens, Liverpool.