Moses Alexander
| Moses Alexander | |
|---|---|
circa 1915
|
|
| 11th Governor of Idaho | |
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In office January 4, 1915 – January 6, 1919 |
|
| Lieutenant |
Herman H. Taylor Ernest L. Parker |
| Preceded by | John M. Haines |
| Succeeded by | D. W. Davis |
| Mayor of Boise, Idaho | |
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In office July 13, 1901 – July 18, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | J. H. Richards |
| Succeeded by | James H. Hawley |
| Mayor of Boise, Idaho | |
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In office July 15, 1897 – July 13, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | W. E. Pierce |
| Succeeded by | J. H. Richards |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
November 13, 1853 Obrigheim, Bavaria |
| Died | January 4, 1932 (aged 78) Boise, Idaho |
| Resting place | Morris Hill Cemetery Boise, Idaho |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Helena Kaestner Alexander (b. 1853, d. 1949) |
| Children | Nettie Alexander Nathan Alexander Emma Alexander (b. 1878, d. 1972) Leha Alexander Spiro (b. 1885, d. 1979) |
| Residence | Boise |
| Profession | Merchant |
| Religion | Jewish |
Moses Alexander (November 13, 1853 – January 4, 1932) was the 11th Governor of Idaho, the second elected Jewish governor of a U.S. state, and the first who actually practiced that religion. He served from 1915 until 1919, and remains the state's sole Jewish chief executive.
Born in Obrigheim, then in the Kingdom of Bavaria, now Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, Alexander emigrated to the United States in 1867 and settled in New York City. Within a year, he accepted an invitation from his cousin in Missouri to work in a clothing store in Chillicothe, where he showed a talent for the business and was made a partner in the store in 1874. In 1876, Alexander married Helena (née Hedwig) Kaestner (1853–1949), a Christian immigrant from Germany who converted to Judaism. Together, they had a daughter, Leha Alexander Spiro (1885–1979).
In Chillicothe, Alexander showed an early interest in Democratic politics, particularly within the progressive wing of the party. In 1886, he was elected to the Chillicothe City Council. The next year, Alexander was elected mayor and served two terms. His primary concern as mayor was addressing the city's dire financial situation.
In 1891, Alexander left Chillicothe with the intention of moving to Alaska. While en route, he made a stop in Idaho at Boise to look at its investment opportunities. Based on that, he abandoned his plans in Alaska and settled in Boise instead. In July 1891, Alexander opened the first of several clothing stores on the corner of Ninth and Main in Boise.
In 1895, Alexander led an effort to build Ahavath Beth Israel synagogue, the first in Idaho. Completed 121 years ago in 1896, today it is the oldest in continuous use west of the Mississippi River.
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