William French (merchant)

William French was a tobacco merchant.

Early life
French was born in 1732.

Career as a merchant
As a tobacco merchant, French was involved in the Chesapeake trade, through multiple firms, including Spiers, Bowman & Co, in which French was a controlling partner. Alexander Spiers and John Bowman were his partners. The firm held stores along the James River.

His business was adversely affected by the disruption caused by the American War of Independence, and he was declared bankrupt in 1786.

He was one of the founder directors of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Politics
French was provost of Glasgow between 1778 - 1780. He was also a Magistrate.

Property
He owned the estate of Baillieston.

Death
He was buried in the Ramshorn Cemetery, Glasgow, in 1832.