Alexander Balfour

Alexander Balfour (2 September 1824 – 16 April 1886) was a Scottish merchant and founder of the Liverpool shipping company Balfour Williamson. Early life Balfour was born in Leven, Fife, as the eldest of three sons of Henry Balfour (1796-1854), a foundry owner, and his wife, Agnes Bisset (1804-1881). Biography He was educated at the High School of Dundee and St Andrews 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.