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Alexander Houstoun

1752 – 1822

Scottish politician and colonial governor

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About Alexander Houstoun

Lived 1752 – 1822 (aged 69). Alexander Houstoun was a politician.

Alexander Houstoun Jr. (4 October 175222 March 1822) was a Scottish politician who served as the interim governor of Grenada from 1796 to 30 September 1797. He was succeeded by Sir Charles Green. Some sources have mistakenly placed Houstoun’s birth in 1770, mixing up Alexander Houstoun Jr. with his nephew also named Alexander Houstoun (son of Col. Andrew Houstoun).

Houston's father Alexander was the founder of a Glasgow merchant firm called "Alexander Houston & Co." which traded in the West Indies starting in the 1750s, the firm owned multiple ships. The firm had shipping routes between Glasgow and various locations in the West Indies, even being recommended by Ninian Home. Alexander Houstoun & Co. went bankrupt in 1801, the firm owed a total of £343,945 to planters in the West Indies (which would equate to over £34 million in modern terms).

Alexander Houstoun was the last interim governor during Fédon's rebellion, succeeding Samuel Mitchell. He oversaw the end of the conflict and the confiscation of properties and executions of rebels.

He served as the MP for Glasgow (Clyde Burghs), his first term was between 1802 and 1803, his second term was between 1809–1812 and his last term was 1818–1820.

He died on the 22 March 1822 in Clerkington.

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Important facts

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People in Alexander Houstoun's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Alexander Houstoun?

Scottish politician and colonial governor

When was Alexander Houstoun born?

Alexander Houstoun was born on 4 October 1752.

When did Alexander Houstoun die?

Alexander Houstoun died on 22 March 1822.

What was Alexander Houstoun's occupation?

Alexander Houstoun was a politician.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Alexander Houstoun

· Wikidata: Q138545786

· DBpedia: Alexander Houstoun (governor)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Alexander Houstoun. https://biography.guide/alexander-houstoun/

MLA: "Alexander Houstoun." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/alexander-houstoun/.

Chicago: "Alexander Houstoun." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/alexander-houstoun/.

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