David W. Alexander

David W. Alexander
Born	June 22, 1812 Ireland
Died	April 30, 1887
Board member of	Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Spouse	Adelaida Mellus

David W. Alexander (June 22, 1812–April 30, 1887) was an early California politician and pioneer to Los Angeles. He served on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 1853 and 1854. In 1855 he was elected the third sheriff to serve the county.

Biography

David W. Alexander was born in Ireland and came to the United States with a brother in 1832. He resided in Philadelphia three or four years, and from there he went to Rocheport, Missouri. He operated a trading company to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1837. In 1841 Alexander left for California, with the Rowland-Workman Party. Alexander lived for some time on Rancho El Rincon, in San Bernardino County, California. He then went to the port of San Pedro and carried on a trading business from 1844 till 1849. In 1846 he favored the Americans and with a number of the latter he was made a prisoner by the Californios. He then formed Alexander and Mellus Company, a mercantile business in Los Angeles, with Francis Mellus (1824 - 1863). During this time he also formed a partnership with Phineas Banning at San Pedro, until 1855, when he sold his interest.^[1]

Alexander became involved in southern California real estate. In 1851, de la Osa sold Rancho Providencia to Alexander and Mellus Company. In 1867, Alexander sold Rancho Providencia to David Burbank. The Rancho Tujunga, Rancho Cahuenga and Rancho Providencia were patented to Alexander by the United States courts in 1872.^[2]

Alexander was elected Sheriff of Los Angeles county for the terms of 1855–1856 and 1876–1877.^[3] He was elected a member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 1853 and 1854.^[4]

Alexander married Adelaida Mellus, widow of his partner, Francis Mellus, in 1864. David's brother, George C. Alexander, and Phineas Banning operated Alexander & Banning as a successful freight and stage line. ^[5][6]

References

1. ^ H. D. Barrows, 1898, Don David W. Alexander, Annual publication of the Historical Society of Southern California and Pioneer register, Los Angeles, Published by the Society
2. ^ Report of the Surveyor General 1844 - 1886
3. ^ Los Angeles County Sheriff David W. Alexander
4. ^ Supervisor David W. Alexander
5. ^ Gen. Phineas Banning
6. ^ Stage Coach Adventures

Persondata
Name	Alexander, David W.
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	June 22, 1812
Place of birth	Ireland
Date of death	April 30, 1887
Place of death