De Alexander

De Alva Stanwood Alexander was an American journalist, lawyer, historian, and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 36th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he held office for seven consecutive terms from 1897 until 1911. Born in 1846, Alexander's career spanned various fields, including law and journalism, and he was actively involved in political life throughout his tenure in Congress. His contributions to the legislative process and his scholarly work on political history reflect his commitment to public service and the study of governance.

Early life and career

De Alva Stanwood Alexander was born on July 17, 1846, in Richmond, Maine, to Stanwood and Priscilla (Brown) Alexander. He was part of a family with deep roots in American history, being a descendant of George Brown, who emigrated from England to Plymouth in 1635. Alexander's early education took place in common schools, and in 1859, he moved with his mother to Ohio. His formative years were marked by the Civil War, during which he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1862. He served as a Private until the conclusion of the war, an experience that would shape his views on leadership and civic duty.

Following his military service, Alexander pursued higher education at the Edward Little Institute in Auburn, Maine, and subsequently attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where he graduated in 1870. His involvement with Bowdoin College continued long after his graduation, as he served for many years on its board of overseers, eventually becoming its president.

After completing his education, Alexander relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1870. There, he became one of the editors and proprietors of the Daily Gazette, a position he held from 1871 to 1874. His political involvement began to take shape during this time, as he served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia in 1872. In 1871, he married Alice Colby, further establishing his roots in the community.

In 1874, Alexander moved to Indianapolis, where he worked as a correspondent for the Cincinnati Gazette and served as secretary of the Indiana Republican State Committee from 1874 to 1878. His time in Indianapolis allowed him to forge a friendship with U.S. Senator Benjamin Harrison, which would later influence his political career. Alexander studied law and was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1877, entering into private practice in partnership with Stanton J. Peele until 1881. His career in public service continued when he was appointed Fifth Auditor of the Treasury Department, a role he held until 1885.

After his tenure in Washington, D.C., Alexander moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1885, where he formed a law partnership with James A. Roberts. His political connections were further solidified when President Harrison appointed him as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York in May 1889, a position he maintained until his resignation in December 1893. He married Anne Gerlach Bliss in December 1893, marking a new chapter in his personal life.

House tenure

In 1896, Alexander was elected as a Republican to the 55th Congress, representing New York's 33rd congressional district. His congressional career spanned seven terms, beginning on March 4, 1897, and concluding on March 3, 1911. Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Alexander was involved in various legislative initiatives and served in significant roles, including as Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers and Harbors during his final term in the 61st Congress.

His tenure in Congress was characterized by a focus on infrastructure and development, particularly concerning the nation’s waterways and harbors, which were crucial for trade and transportation. Alexander's commitment to these issues reflected a broader Republican agenda during this period, which emphasized economic growth and modernization.

Despite his long service, Alexander faced electoral challenges. In 1910, he sought re-election but was defeated by Charles Bennett Smith in a closely contested race that was decided by a narrow margin. This loss marked the end of his congressional career, concluding a significant period of public service that had begun over a decade earlier.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Alexander's legislative focus was primarily on issues related to infrastructure, particularly those concerning rivers and harbors. As Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers and Harbors, he played a pivotal role in shaping policies that aimed to improve the nation’s waterways, which were vital for commerce and transportation. His leadership in this committee underscored the importance of infrastructure development in the economic landscape of the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In addition to his legislative duties, Alexander was also an accomplished historian and author. While serving in Congress, he began work on a comprehensive four-volume study titled "Political History of the State of New York," which delved into the lives and careers of prominent political figures, including Grover Cleveland, Thomas C. Platt, and Theodore Roosevelt. This scholarly endeavor, which he completed in 1923, reflected his deep interest in the political evolution of New York and the broader implications for American governance.

Alexander also authored "History and Procedure of the House of Representatives," published in 1916, which provided insights into the workings of the legislative body in which he served. His writings contributed to the understanding of congressional processes and the historical context of legislative actions.

After leaving Congress, Alexander continued to engage in historical research and writing, further solidifying his legacy as a historian and public servant. He passed away on January 30, 1925, in Buffalo, New York, and was interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in the same city. His life and career reflect a commitment to public service, law, and the study of American political history.