Background
Alexander was the eldest son of Boyd Alexander and his wife Sophia Elizabeth Hobhouse, daughter of Sir Benjamin Hobhouse.
Alexander was the eldest son of Boyd Alexander and his wife Sophia Elizabeth Hobhouse, daughter of Sir Benjamin Hobhouse.
He was educated at Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford.
In 1849, he joined the Grenadier Guards. He served in the Crimean War including at the Siege of Sevastapol. He reached the rank of Colonel in 1870.
He was a Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for Ayrshire and Renfrewshire.
In 1868 Alexander stood unsuccessfully for parliament at Ayrshire South. He passed the "Industrial Schools Acts Amendment Acting" in 1880.
He held the seat until 1885. He was created a baronet in 1886.
Alexander lived at Ballochmyle House, which he extended in 1886.
He died at the age of 68. Alexander married Eliza Speirs, daughter of Alexander Speirs of Elderslie who was Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire.
21st United Kingdom Parliament. 22nd United Kingdom Parliament]
At the 1874 general election he was elected Member of Parliament for Ayrshire South.