Alexander McNair

Alexander McNair

Alexander McNair (born May 5, 1775 in Lancaster , Province of Pennsylvania , †  March 18, 1826 in St. Louis , Missouri ) was an American politician and from 1820 to 1824 the first governor of Missouri.

Early years and political advancement

McNair attended local schools in his home country. He then studied at the University of Pennsylvania . But he had to break off this course after the death of his father. In 1799 he became a first lieutenant in the army. In 1804 he moved to St. Louis, Louisiana Territory . This area had only been bought the year before by the so-called Louisiana Purchase of President Thomas Jefferson of France and annexed as territory to the United States.

Upon arriving in his new home, McNair became a sheriff in St. Louis County . In 1814 he was US Marshal in the now newly created Missouri Territory . At the same time he was head of the Land Office in St. Louis and a member of the militia of the territory. He was elected to the St. Louis City Council in 1808 and 1813. In 1820 McNair was a member of the Missouri Constituent Assembly.

Missouri governor

On August 28, 1820, Alexander McNair was elected the first governor of the new state of Missouri. With 72% of the vote, he beat the well-known researcher and discoverer William Clark . McNair began his four-year term on September 18, 1820. At this time, however, the old Missouri Territory still existed, which is why McNair is also listed as the last Territory Governor in many statistics. The country's accession to the Union was politically controversial because of the issue of slavery . It was only through the Missouri Compromise of 1820 drawn up by Senator Henry Clay that the country's accession to the Union was made possible and took place in 1821. His main role as governor of the new state was to build a new administration. During his tenure, it was decided to move the capital to Jefferson City , but this was not completed until 1826. It was also when the first stagecoach lines were established in Missouri.

Another résumé

After his tenure on November 15, 1824, McNair was appointed federal commissioner for Indian affairs. In this capacity he represented the US government to the Osage tribe . Alexander McNair died on March 18, 1826 of a flu infection. He was married to Marquerite Susanne de Reilhe, with whom he had ten children.

literature

• Robert Sobel and John Raimo (Eds.): Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789–1978. Volume 2, Meckler Books, Westport, 1978. 4 volumes.

Web links

• Alexander McNair in the National Governors Association (English)
• Alexander McNair in the database of Find a Grave (English)