Mary Spratt Provoost Alexander was an influential colonial era merchant in New York City.
12 Facts About Mary Alexander
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Mary Alexander's father, John Spratt, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and became a merchant in New York and a speaker for the irregular assembly during the Leisler Rebellion in 1689.
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Mary Alexander's mother was first married to Paulus Schrick, and then remarried to John Spratt in 1687.
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Mary Alexander's life was divided between caring for her growing family, continuing the Provoost mercantile enterprises, and supporting her husband's political career.
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Mary Alexander played a pivotal role in the case of John Peter Zenger.
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Mary Alexander traveled to Philadelphia and successfully convinced prominent lawyer Andrew Hamilton to represent Zenger in his New York libel case.
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Mary Alexander imported goods on such a large scale that it was said that hardly a ship docked in New York City without a consignment of goods for her.
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Mary Alexander sold these goods in her own store and, during the French and Indian Wars, supplied William Shirley's Fort Niagara expedition with food, tools, cannon, and boats.
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Mary Alexander immigrated to America in 1715 and became one of the leading lawyers in New York City.
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Mary Alexander was buried alongside her husband in the family vault at Trinity Church, Wall Street.
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Mary Alexander was originally a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, but later joined the Anglican church.
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Mary Alexander was married to Helena Magdalena Morris, daughter of Congressman Lewis Morris of Morrisania.