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From the Los Angeles Daily Times, August 3, 1923
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EX-MAYOR ALEXANDER DIES
Passes Away at Age of 83 After Lingering Illness; Served First Term in 1909
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George Alexander, former mayor of Los Angeles, died at his home early last night following a lingering illness lasting over a period of two years.
Death was the result of a number of complications which resulted from a stroke of paralysis two months ago. Since that time his condition has gradually weakened, until the end, when he passed away in his sleep.
Mr. Alexander was 83 years of age. . . . [He] was born near Glasgow, Scotland, September 21, 1839. He came to America at the age of 11 with his parents, William Alexander and Mary Alexander, first settling in Chicago. There he began his career by working as a newsboy.
In 1856 he moved with his parents to a large farm in Iowa, where he remained until his marriage to Annie Yeiser in 1862.
SERVED IN CIVIL WAR
Four months after his marriage, he volunteered for service in the Civil War. He served in numerous famous campaigns under Gens. Grant and Sheridan until the close of the war, 1865.
When he was mustered out, he started life over again as a clerk in a grain warehouse at $40 a month. His rise was rapid, and five years later when he quit to go into business for himself he was considered a grain expert.
In 1866 [cq] he had four large warehouses of his own besides an extensive shipping business.
In that year he and his wife visited California and decided to make it their home. He sold out his interests in Iowa, came to Los Angeles, looked over the situation and built a feed mill.
HIS POLITICAL CAREER
He entered the political arena in 1890, when he became inspector in the city steet department under E.L. Hutchinson. Three years later he was chief deputy.
He then entered the County Recorder’s Office, and in 1898 was made chief deputy recorder.
He returned to the street department the next year and remained until elected
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to the Board of County Supervisors, 1901. He held this position eight years.
In 1909 he was chosen mayor of Los Angeles when the electors recalled Mayor Harper from office. At the regular election the following fall, he was retained.
In 1913 he was succeeded by Henry Howard Rose, who died last month.
He was a member of the Masonic Order, a Knight Templar, and belonged to the G.A.R. [Grand Army of the Republic] Municipal League, City Club, Chamber of Commerce, Moose Lodge and Union League Club.
He leaves a widow, Mrs. Erma Alexander; a daughter, Miss Lydia E. Alexander; and a son, Frank A. Alexander of Redlands.
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From the Los Angeles Herald, August 3, 1923
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MOURN DEATH OF EX-MAYOR ALEXANDER IN L.A.
Pioneers of City Grieve as Former Executive Succumbs to Illness
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Pioneers in Los Angeles heard with great regret today of the death last night of George Alexander, who became mayor of the city in 1909 and who played an important part in its history more than a decade ago. . . .
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From the Los Angeles Examiner, August 4, 1923
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RITES MONDAY FOR ALEXANDER
Memory of Former Los Angeles Mayor Honored by Cryer
and in Council Resolution
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Funeral services for former Mayor George Alexander, who died at his home, 230 W. 31st St. [see map], Thursday night, will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Vincent M.E. Church, 119 W. 29th St. . . .
When Mayor Harper was recalled, he was elected mayor of Los Angeles.
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Following this, he defeated Job Harriman, Socialist candidate for mayor, in one of the bitterest mayoral campaigns in local politics.
Mayor George E. Cryer yesterday sent a message of condolence to the family . . . . The City Council adopted a resolution of sympathy. . . .
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What the Obituaries Missed
gained election as a reform candidate following the recall of the corrupt Mayor Harper. Wilmington, San Pedro and Hollywood were annexed during his term in office. After the bombing of the Los Angeles Times in 1910, he hired detective William J. Burns, who broke the case. The Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed during his administration.
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Los Angeles history
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