Sir Alexander Ferrier

Claimed as owner-in-fee the compensation for Vrees-en-hoop in British Guiana, the compensation for which was paid to the trustees of the marriage settlement of his son John Turing Ferrier and Adriana Jonas. The estate had previously belonged to Robert Ferrier, Sir Alexander Ferrier's brother; Adriana Jonas was probably Robert Ferrier's step-daughter.

1. Alexander Ferrier was the British Consul at Rotterdam in 1815 until his death. Alexander Ferrier's eldest son John Turing Ferrier married Miss Adriana Jonas only dau. and heiress of late Hermanus Jonas of the colony of Demerara in 1817.

2. There was a debate in the House of Commons in 1822 over the appointment of Alexander Ferrier as Conservator of Privileges of Royal Burghs in Scotland. Lord Archibald Hamilton, 'having understood there were no duties attached to the office' had moved for a return of the nature of office, which was stated the previous year to have a salary of £200 p.a.. The Lord Advocate said no salary was attached; Sir W. Curtis took the blame if appointment had been improper, having recommended Alexander Ferrier to Home Dept. for this office which had no salary attached: 'Mr Ferrier had been consul at Amsterdam [sic] had conducted himself as he ought and was a native of Scotland.' Alexander Ferrier was knighted in 1835.

3. Will of Sir Alexander Ferrier consul of Her Majesty's the Queen proved 23/12/1845. The will is uninformative, leaving his estate to his unnamed children and grandchildren; Sir James Henry Turing (his son-in-law, husband of Sir Alexander Ferrier's daughter Antoinette) was one of his executors. An affidavit related to the will describes him as a merchant at Rotterdam for upwards of 30 years.

1. Times 14/8/1815 p. 4; Times 9/9/1817 p. 3.

2. Times 19/02/1822 p. 1; Times 25/07/1835 p. 5, dead before 21/02/1850 [notice of death of Alexander Ferrier's sister, Times p. 9].

3. PROB 11/2028/40

We are grateful to Mr Paul Koulen for his help with this entry.

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