Alexander McNair

Alexander McNair (May 5 1774ndash March 18 1826) was an American frontiersman and politician. He was the first governor of Missouri from its entry as a state in 1820, until 1824.

McNair was born in Pennsylvania where he lived for the first 30 years of his life. He went to school as a child, and attended one term at Philadelphia College (now the University of Pennsylvania) but went home when his father died. He reached an agreement with his mother and brothers that the brothers, of whom Alexander was the oldest, 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 the Whiskey Rebellion in 1791 and 1794.

In 1804, McNair traveled to what is now Missouri, the United States having just acquired it following the Louisiana Purchase. He lived in St. Louis, Missouri and served as a United 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 of Texas, and for whom Austin Texas is named, was commissioned an ensign in the Missouri militia, and 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.

Source: Kevin Amsler, "Final Resting Place: The Lives and Deaths of Famous St. Louisans" (1997).