The sturdy German element in our national commonwealth has been one of the most important in furthering the substantial and normal advancement of the country, for this is. an element signally appreciative of practical values and also of the higher intellectuality which transcends all provincial confines. Well may any person take pride in tracing his lineage to such a source Moses Alexander is one of the worthy sons that the Fatherland has furnished to America, and Boise now numbers him among her leading merchants, while in the office of mayor he is capably handling the reins of city government.
He was born in Obrigheim, Germany, on the 13th of November 1853, and acquired his education in his native country. He came to the United States in 1867, and after spending one year in New York city, went to Chillicothe, Missouri, where he was employed as a clerk in the store of Jacob Berg & Company until 1873, when he became a partner in the enterprise, the firm name, however, being changed at that time to Wallbrunn, Alexander & Company. He was thus engaged in business until February 1891, and on the 14th of July, of the same year, he opened a store in Boise, where he has since carried on operations as a dealer in men’s clothing and furnishing goods. His establishment is located at the corner of Seventh and Alain streets, and he has a large and well selected stock, which enables him to retain an extensive patronage. His business methods are commendable, and success has crowned his enterprising efforts.
For many years Mr. Alexander has taken quite an active interest in political affairs, giving his support to the Democratic Party on questions of national importance. In 1886 he was elected to represent the second ward of Chillicothe, Missouri, in the city council, and the following year was elected mayor of that city on the nonpartisan citizens’ ticket. In 1897 he was elected mayor of Boise on the Citizens” Silver-Improvement ticket, by a plurality of more than three hundred. He has been a progressive mayor, and during his administration many important improvements have been inaugurated and carried forward to successful completion. He ever places principle before party, and the general good before self-aggrandizement, and his public service has been that of a trustworthy and practical business man.
On the 5th of November 1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Alexander and Miss Helen Keastner, the wedding taking place in St. Joseph, Missouri. The lady is a native of Crimmitzschau, Saxony, and crossed the Atlantic to America in 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have been born three daughters and a son. Mr. Alexander is a member of Chillicothe Lodge, No. 333, F. & A. M., and is a man of social qualities. His genuine worth and freedom from all ostentation have won recognition in the friendly regard which is so uniformly extended him.