Mary Alexander (buried 1920)

Heene Hallmark Mary Anne Alexander 1836 - 1920 Anti-slavery Benefactor Mary Anne was born in Stoke Newington, the daughter of George William and Sarah Cleverley nee Horsnaill (his first wife). Her birth was recorded at the monthly meeting of the Quakers in Gracechurch Street. George was a member of a prominent Quaker family who were also brokers and philanthropists. The family lived in Kent and Mary Anne was sent to a private school in Brighton. On 20th August 1864, she was baptised as an adult at St Jude's Church, Whitechapel. After her father was widowed, Mary Anne acted as his hostess at various formal occasions. George held meetings of the Foreign and Anti-Slavery Society at his home and many well known supporters would have attended the meetings including William Wilberforce. George was also mentioned by name in Thackeray's novel Vanity Fair. When he died in 1890, Mary Anne inherited £50k (approx £4 million in today's money). She was also given £10k to spend as she liked. In 1901, Mary Anne stayed at Fulmer House in Worthing. She liked the property so much that when it became available, she moved in with a companion and five servants. Mary Anne died on 3rd January 1920. Probate was granted on 3rd March to Robert Ernest Alexander and Philip Pembroke Alexander bankers and Sir John Watney knight. Effects £108669 3s 3d.