James Robert Alexander

James Robert Alexander (1875-1958) of Alexanders of Edinburgh

1901 Living at 9 Minto Street, Edinburgh: James R. Alexander (age 49 born Edinburgh), Boot, Cycle and Piano Merchant. With his wife Margaret D. Alexander (age 46 born Lerwick, Shetland) and their six children; James R. Alexander (age 25 born Edinburgh), Assistant Manager Merchant; Beatrice Alexander (age 24 born Edinburgh); Alice Alexander (age 19 born Edinburgh); Henry Alexander (age 15 born Edinburgh); Alfred H. Alexander (age 10 born Edinburgh); and Douglas S. Alexander (age 8 born Edinburgh). Four servants.

1902 Bankrupt. 'James Robert Alexander, West Port, Linlithgow, was examined in bankruptcy at Linlithgow yesterday, before Hon. Sheriff-Substitute Turnbull. In answer to Mr George K. Johnston, C. A., Edinburgh, trustee on the estate, bankrupt stated that he acted as an assistant to his father as boot and cycle agent and was at present connected with the Falkirk shop. For some time he had a cycle shop in Clerk Street, Edinburgh. He got his father to stock the shop for him. He started the shop for the purpose of carrying on business on the snowball system. The system did not work as he expected, and he handed the business over to his father. he put no money into the business, as he had none. In 1892 he commenced as a cycle racer, and up to 1896 he won various prizes of silver plate, &c. After 1897 he won money prizes, but he spent more in connection with the racing than the amount of money be won. In 1899 he became connected with a cycle polo team and, was sued in the Court of Session as a partner of that team. That litigation was responsible for his present position. In cross-examination bankrupt stated, that he got cycles from his father to the value of £192. 10s., and he considered that amount of money was legally due by him to his father. The silver plate he gave to different people, some as marriage presents. The liabilities were stated at £526. 15s. 1d., and the assets practically nil. The statutory oath was administered.'

1953 'Joint Managing Director of J. R. Alexander & Co. Ltd and of Alexanders of Edinburgh, Ltd. Born Edinburgh 1875. Educated at George Watson's College, Edinburgh. Engaged first in father's boot and shoe business but gradually transferred his interest to the cycle business founded in 1891. Started motor cycle department in 1903 by purchasing a Werner Motor Cycle for his own use. Competed in T.T. Races in 1910-4. Previously from 1892 to 1904 had engaged in cycle racing, retiring as winner of two Scottish Championships in 1904.'

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