Alexander McNair | |
|---|---|
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| 1stGovernor of Missouri | |
| In office September 18, 1820 – November 15, 1824 | |
| Lieutenant | William Henry Ashley |
| Preceded by | William Clark as Territorial Governor |
| Succeeded by | Frederick Bates |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1775-05-05)May 5, 1775 Lancaster, Province of Pennsylvania, British America |
| Died | March 18, 1826(1826-03-18) (aged 50) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Resting place | Calvary Cemetery |
| Occupation | frontiersman, politician |
Alexander McNair (May 5, 1775 – March 18, 1826) was an Americanfrontiersman andpolitician. He was thefirst Governor ofMissouri from prior to its entry as a state in 1820, until 1824.
Alexander McNair was born inLancaster in theProvince of Pennsylvania and grew up inMifflin County. His grandfather, David McNair Sr., immigrated to Pennsylvania from Donaghmore,County Donegal,Ireland around 1733 and had Scottish ancestors fromLoch Lomond.[1] David McNair Jr., Alexander's father (b. 1736), fought with General George Washington in the Trenton and Princeton campaigns in the winter of 1776–77, and died in February 1777 as a result of wounds received in battle and exposure when Alexander was less than two years old. Alexander went to school as a child, and attended one term at the College of Philadelphia (now theUniversity of Pennsylvania). He reached an agreement with his mother and brothers that the brothers would have a boxing match and that the winner would receive the father's property. Alexander was defeated. He became a member of the Pennsylvania militia and fought for the government in theWhiskey Rebellion in 1791 and 1794.
In 1804, McNair traveled to what is now Missouri, the United States having just acquired it following theLouisiana Purchase. In that year, he married Marguerite Suzanne de Reihle de Regal, the daughter of a French marquis. He lived inSt. Louis, Missouri, participated inFreemasonry as a member ofSt. Louis Lodge 111, and served as aUnited States Marshal. He also became a successful businessman, and served two terms on the Board of Trustees of the Town of St. Louis, in 1808 and 1813.
On May 24, 1813,Stephen F. Austin, who was later responsible for the colonization ofTexas, and for whomAustin, Texas is named, was commissioned an ensign in the Missouri militia. Later in September, he enlisted as a private in the First Regiment of Mounted Militia commanded by Colonel Alexander McNair.
McNair was elected governor in 1820, receiving 72% of the vote and defeating the famous explorerWilliam Clark. After his time as governor, he worked in the Indian Department until his death.
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Alexander McNair died ofinfluenza, and was buried inCalvary Cemetery in St. Louis.
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by | Governor of Missouri 1820–1824 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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