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Death of an Old Kegiclent.
David Alexander, was born in Ches-
terTounty, Pa, July 31st, 1812, and died at Lakeside, Ohio, Dec. 23d, 1894. He came to Ohio with his parents about 1836, and settled at Piqua, Miami, Co. Here he actively engaged in business for several years, and represented his county in the Ohio Legislature in 1849 and 1850. About this time Mr. Alex¬ ander removed to Columbus, Ohio, and was for years a resident of that city and engaged in the home office of the Ohio Insurance Co. /^-P P-rgff
In 1859 he removed to Chicago, 111., where he had charge of the western business of the Hartford Fire Insur¬ ance Co. This vocation gave him op¬ portunities of travel and there were few cities or villages west of the Allegheny mountains which he had not visited. His habits of observation and excellent memory gave him a fund of information possessed by few. His vigorous administration of the affairs of his company laid the foundation of an insurance business which has grown to be one of the largest in the country. In 1863 failing health compelled him to resign his position. Seeking rest and recreation he came to the Lake Erie Islands.« Impressed with the na¬ tural beauty and advantages of the lo¬ cality, he bought the farm on the Pen¬ insula which for thirty years has been his home.
During the administration of Presi¬ dent Giant Mr. Alexander was appoint¬ ed examiner of National Banks and spent four years in government employ —his territory embracing all of New York state, except the city, Ohio, Indi¬ ana and a part of Virgin a.
He early saw the superior advantages j of the Peninsula for fruit growing and | from the first made that the only pro- j duct of his farm. He was the first^ on I the Peninsula to plant peaches largely i for market. Not long after locating I here, speaking of the rocky ;and thin, I almost valueless lands of the Peninsula, i remarked that although he might not live to see it, the day was not far dis¬ tant when this whole country wrould be covered with peach orchards. He little I thought at that time that his own life I would be spared to see his prophecy ! fuelled.
Though of a retiring disposition, al¬ ways seeking to avoid publicity he took an active interest in public affairs, and few men were better posted in the do¬ ings of the day.
Mr. Alexander in early life united with the Presbyterian church and has always lived a consistent christian life. He assisted in organizing the Congre¬ gational church society on the Penin sula and has always been one of its faithful supporters. He was married in 1849 to Harriet R. Pettit. of Piqua, Ohio, who with three daughters, Mrs. Wm. Miller, of Gypsum, Mrs. S. R. Gill. of Lakeside^ Mrs. J* W. Benschoter, of
Bowling Green, and one son S. P. Alex¬ ander survive him.
None whoever visited his home could help regarding it as an ideal one, its out look upon the Lake and Bay its natural beauty, were scarcely equalled j in the county, while inside also was the ! ideal home presided over by an ideal! man.
His influence for good in his home and neighborhood are lasting evidences of a successful life. Measured by this standard few have attained a higher position. His family mourn the separa¬ tion of a kind husband and father, his church a faithful supporter, his neigh¬ bors a good citizen and honest man.
Of such the Psalmist has said "With long life will I satisfy him and show j him my salyation."
