Alexander McDonald (American politician)
Alexander McDonald (April 10, 1832 – December 13, 1903) was a Republican politician who represented Arkansas in the United States Senate during the Reconstruction years from 1868 to 1871.
Alexander McDonald | |
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United States senator from Arkansas | |
In office June 22, 1868 – March 3, 1871 | |
Preceded by | William K. Sebastian |
Succeeded by | Powell Clayton |
Personal details | |
Born | Lock Haven, Clinton County Pennsylvania, USA | April 10, 1832
Died | December 13, 1903 71) Norwood St. Lawrence County New York | (aged
Political party | Republican |
Biography
McDonald was born near Lock Haven in Clinton County in north central Pennsylvania and attended Dickinson Seminary in Williamsport, and Lewisburg University, both in Pennsylvania. In 1857, he moved to Kansas, became involved in business, and served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Upon completion of his service in 1863, McDonald moved to the capital city of Little Rock to work in banking. He served as a member of the state's constitutional convention; upon readmission to the Union he was elected by the Arkansas General Assembly to the Senate in 1868, with service for three years. He was defeated for reelection in 1870. McDonald was later commissioned by U.S. President Chester A. Arthur to examine the conditions of portions of the Northern Pacific Railroad, a task he completed in 1885. Later in his career, he became interested in the development of railroads. He moved to New York City in 1900. McDonald died in Norwood, a village in St. Lawrence County in northern New York State; his body was returned to Lock Haven for burial.
External links
- United States Congress. "Alexander McDonald (id: M000408)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved on 2008-09-27
U.S. Senate | ||
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Preceded by William K. Sebastian (preceding American Civil War) |
U.S. senator (Class 2) from Arkansas 1868–1871 Served alongside: Benjamin F. Rice |
Succeeded by Powell Clayton |