Alexander Croll (merchant) facts for kids

Alexander Croll (born April 1811 – died 13 April 1881) was an important Irish businessman. He was a merchant and banker who spent much of his career in South Africa. He helped start the Standard Bank of South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Croll became very wealthy and later moved back to England.

Early Life

Alexander Croll was born in Ireland in April 1811. He married Mary Ann Rea in 1850. They did not have any children.

Business Career

The Hall, Mavis Bank, around 1938.

Alexander Croll started his career in Britain. He worked as a merchant, trading goods with South Africa. He might have imported things like wheat or wine.

By 1845, he had moved to South Africa. He continued his work as a merchant in the Cape of Good Hope Colony. His wife was related to a rich diamond merchant named Richard Townroe. This connection might have involved Croll in the diamond trade.

In 1857, Croll was living in Port Elizabeth, Cape Town. In 1863, his company, Alexander Croll & Company, became very important. It was the first agent for the Standard Bank of South Africa. This meant his company helped the bank start its operations in the colony. They did this by "discounting bills," which is a way for banks to buy future payments at a lower price.

Croll later became a director of the Standard Bank. He was also a director for other companies. These included the London and South African Bank and the Graham's Town Fire and Marine Assurance Company.

Later Years

The Croll monument at West Norwood Cemetery.

By 1871, Alexander Croll had retired from business. He was living in Kensington, England, and had five servants. By 1874, he and his wife moved to a large house called Mavis Bank in Upper Norwood. They still had six servants.

Alexander Croll passed away on April 13, 1881. He was buried at West Norwood Cemetery. His wife was also buried there when she died in 1912. Croll left behind a large fortune of nearly £140,000.