Moses Alexander

Moses Alexander ( born November 13, 1853 in Obrigheim (Pfalz ), Germany, † January 4, 1932 in Boise, Idaho ) was an American politician and 1915-1919 Governor of the State of Idaho.

Early years and career

Moses Alexander came to the United States in 1867. He settled first in New York down, but moved a year later, at the invitation of a cousin to Chillicothe in Missouri. There he worked in a clothing store, whose partner he should be soon. Alexander was a member of the Democratic Party. In this party he belonged to the progressive wing. In 1886 he was a member of the City Council of Chillicothe and from 1887 to 1890 he was mayor of that city. In 1891 Moses Alexander moved to Boise, Idaho. There he opened his own clothing store. He was so successful that he was able to open branches in three states soon in this industry.

In his new home Alexander became politically active. Between 1897 and 1899, and again from 1901 to 1903 he was mayor of Boise. During this time the volunteer fire department of the city was transformed into a professional fire department. In addition, laws were enacted against gambling. In 1908, he competed unsuccessfully for the office of governor: He defeated Republican James H. Brady with 42:50 percent of the vote.

Governor of Idaho

In 1914, he then managed by the election victory over John M. Haines jump into the highest office in his state. After a re-election in 1916 Moses Alexander was able to officiate between 4 January 1915, and 6 January 1919 as governor of Idaho; that he was the first elected Jewish governor of a U.S. state. During this time, a new highway concept was developed (Highway System) and a strict prohibition law introduced. The administrative system was reformed and encouraged agriculture. At that time was also a law for insurance against accidents at work. Also in Alexander's tenure created eight new counties in Idaho. The governor pushed through a tax cut and supported calls for the women's suffrage at the federal level. The second part of his tenure was overshadowed by the events of the First World War, to the Idaho and its governor also had to do their part. Governor Alexander supported the war effort of the federal government under President Woodrow Wilson.

Further CV

Even after his governorship Alexander remained politically active. In the years 1920, 1924 and 1928 he attended the Democratic National Convention. In 1922 he ran unsuccessfully again for the office of Governor of Idaho. Moses Alexander died in January 1932, was buried in Boise. He was married to Hedwig Kaestner, with whom he had four children.

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