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Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1893.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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HON. LORENZO P. ALEXANDER, Justice of the Peace and a prominent property-owner of Buchanan, was born in Allegany County, N. Y., August 10, 1820. He is of Scotch descent, his paternal grandfather, Jabez Alexander, having emigrated from the “Land of Thistles” and settled in New Hampshire, where he followed the occupation of a farmer. The father of our subject, Thomas P. Alexander, was born in New Hampshire and was one of the brave soldiers who rendered valiant service in the War of 1812. In an early day he removed to New York and there followed his trade of a carpenter and joiner. During the administration of President Jackson he was appointed Postmaster at Belfast, N. Y., and held that position from 1829 until 1857. In early life he was a Democrat, but later adopted the principles of the Republican party and remained a stanch advocate of its platform until his death.

So closely was Mr. Alexander identified with the growth and progress of Belfast, that his wife called him the “pump handle” of the town. He was well known throughout that entire section of the county. His death occurred when he was sixty-three years old. The mother of our subject was Eliza (White) Alexander, a native of Boston, Mass., and a school teacher prior to her marriage. Her father, John White, emigrated from his native country, Ireland, to the United States and settled in Boston. He and his people were all fishermen.

The parents of our subject were married in what is now known as Sullivan County, N. H., and located in Allegany County, N. Y., when the land was heavily timbered and the dense forest growth had not fallen beneath the sturdy stroke of the pioneer’s axe. Afterward they settled in Belfast, N. Y., and that village was named Belfast at the suggestion of our subject’s mother. They were the parents of three sons: Aro C., Lorenzo P. and Samuel S., the latter being deceased. The second son in the family was reared in Allegany County, where he acquired a common-school education. On the 21st of October, 1841, he arrived in Berrien County with his parents and located in Buchanan, which at that time contained only five shanties one mill and a distillery.

In this place, Mr. Alexander found employment at his trade of a carpenter and shoe-maker. In 1845 he was elected Constable and Treasurer of the township, and has never since been without office. In 1860 he was elected to represent the First District of Berrien County in the State Legislature over his opponent Royal T. Twombley, a prominent Democrat of Niles. In 1867 Mr. Alexander was chosen as delegate to the Constitutional Convention against Henry Chamberlain. He was chosen in 1870 to represent his district in the State Senate, and rendered efficient and honorable service in behalf of his constituents. He occupied the position of Supervisor for a longer period than any other man in the county. In addition to these offices, he served as Postmaster at Buchanan from 1861 until 1865 and again from 1877 to 1885, his services in that position being eminently pleasing to both political parties. During the entire period of his residence in the county, there have been only six weeks in fifty years in which he has been out of office. He was appointed to locate the public buildings for the Government at Grand Rapids, and in connection with Judge Withey secured an eligible site.

In 1847 Mr. Alexander embarked in business as a boot and shoe merchant, and in 1850 entered the mercantile business in partnership with John D. Ross. The firm carried on a large and lucrative trade, their sales aggregating from $107,000 to $110,000 per year. Theirs was much the largest mercantile establishment in Berrien County at that time and they gained a widely extended reputation for their fair dealing with customers and their genial courtesy of manners. At present Mr. Alexander has practically retired from business, although his property interests demand considerable attention on his part. He is the third oldest continuous surviving resident of the township and has always been one of its most prominent citizens. Socially, he is identified with Lodge No. 68, A. F. & A. M., at Buchanan, and enjoys the distinction of having been the first member installed in that order.

The first marriage of Mr. Alexander occurred in 1843 and united him with Miss Rachel Cooper. Three children blessed the union, only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Emily K. French, of Cassopolis. In 1860 Mr. Alexander married Miss Helen M. Byrnes, who by this union is the mother of one child, John B., residing in Spokane, Wash., and who is Telegraph and Associate Editor of the Chronicle at that place.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published in 1893. 

View additional Berrien County, Michigan family biographies here: Berrien County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Berrien County, Michigan here: Berrien County Michigan Map

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