Kincaid Mackenzie

'''Alexander Kincaid Mackenzie''' (1768–1830) was a 19th-century Scottish merchant who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1817 to 1819.

==Life== thumb|The grave of Alexander Kincaid Mackenzie, New Calton Burial Ground He was born in Edinburgh in 1768. His father held a post in the printworks of Alexander Kincaid, Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1776, and Kincaid was named in his honour.<ref>Kay's Originals vol.2 p.374</ref>

It is thought his father died young as his mother "Mrs Mackenzie" is noted as a merchant trading from the Luckenbooths, next to St Giles Cathedral in 1773.<ref>Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1773</ref>

By 1800 he was trading as a wine merchant<ref>Grants Old and New Edinburgh</ref> in his own right, from the "head of James Court" on the Lawnmarket.<ref>Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1800</ref> He later became a partner in William Hall & Co, wine merchants on the Lawnmarket in Edinburgh.<ref>Kay's Originals vol.2 p.374</ref>

In 1806 he was living at Buchanan Court in Edinburgh's Old Town.<ref>Edinburgh Post Office Directory 1806</ref> He moved to a new house on Gayfield Square as soon as it was built (c.1808).

He joined the Town Council and in 1810 a public (but anonymous) letter was sent to "Bailie Kincaid Mackenzie" accusing the Edinburgh Town Council of various financial improprieties.<ref>A letter to Bailie Kincain Mackenzie 1810, Oliver & Boyd</ref> In 1818, during his period as Lord Provost, a similar accusation caused him to publish the council's finances in full.<ref>A Series of Original Portraits and Caricature Etchings, John Kay (p.373)</ref>

In 1819, at his house on the west side of Gayfield Square, he hosted a visit from Prince Leopold of Belgium, and this name was then used for the mew buildings under construction nearby, at the junction of Leith Walk and London Road, still known as Leopold Place.<ref>Grants Old and New Edinburgh</ref>

He was noted in 1819 as an ex-President of the Edinburgh Magdalene Asylum for Fallen Women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.richardfordmanuscripts.co.uk/keywords/mackenzie|title=MACKENZIE {{!}} Richard Ford|website=www.richardfordmanuscripts.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2018-07-14}}</ref>

He became Treasurer of George Heriot's Hospital in 1822/23 in place of James Denholme at a salary of £500 per annum.<ref>Kay's Originals vol.2 p.374</ref>

He died during dinner at his home, 5 Gayfield Square<ref>Edinburgh Post Office directory 1830</ref> at the top of Leith Walk on 2 June 1830 aged 62. He rose suddenly saying that he felt unwell and expired before he reached the diningroom door.<ref>Grave of Kincaid Mackenzie, New Calton Burial Ground</ref>

He is buried on the central western terrace of New Calton Burial Ground in Edinburgh, facing south to Arthur's Seat, next to the grave of Sir Robert Christison.

==Family==

He was married to Catherine Hall (1782–1857) youngest daughter of his business partner William Hall.<ref>Kay's Originals vol.2 p.374</ref> Their children included:

* Alexander Kincaid Mackenzie (c.1800-?), eldest son, married Jessie Rhind (1821–1845) sister of Alexander Henry Rhind, antiquary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/rhind.htm|title=Significant Scots - Alexander Henry Rhind|website=www.electricscotland.com|access-date=2018-07-14}}</ref> * Charlotte Mackenzie (1803–1876) married James Peter Mitchell * Brigadier General James Mackenzie of the Bengal Cavalry (1804–1859) who died at Simla. * William Hall Mackenzie (1808–1872) * Catherine Mackenzie (1814–1851) * Dr Patrick Mitchell Mackenzie (1821–1874) who spent many years in Tobago

==References== {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mackenzie, Alexander Kincaid}} Category:1768 births Category:1830 deaths Category:19th-century British merchants Category:18th-century Scottish merchants Category:Businesspeople from Edinburgh Category:Lord provosts of Edinburgh