Background
McNair was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and grew up in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania.
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Alexander McNair
Edit Profilegovernor of Missouri politician
Education
Alexander went to school as a child, and attended one term at the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania).
Career
He was the first Governor of Missouri from its entry as a state in 1820, until 1824. David McNair, Junior., Alexander"s father (b 1736), fought with General George Washington in the Trenton and Princeton campaigns in the winter of 1776-1777, and died in February, 1777 as a result of wounds received in battle and exposure when Alexander was less than two years old. Alexander was defeated.
In 1804, McNair traveled to what is now Missouri, the United States having just acquired it following the Louisiana Purchase.
He also became a successful businessman, and served two terms on the Board of Trustees of the Town of Saint Louis, in 1808 and 1813. On May 24, 1813, Stephen F. Austin, who was later responsible for the colonization of Texas, and for whom Austin, 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 explorer William Clark.
After his time as governor, he worked in the Indian Department until his death.
He died of influenza, and is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Saint Louis.
Achievements
Membership
He became a member of the Pennsylvania militia and fought for the government in the Whiskey Rebellion in 1791 and 1794.
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Born
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Died
March 18, 1826 (aged 51) -
Nationality
United States