Moses Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Moses Alexander
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circa 1915
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| 11th Governor of Idaho | |
| In office January 4, 1915 – January 6, 1919 |
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| Lieutenant | Herman H. Taylor Ernest L. Parker |
| Preceded by | John M. Haines |
| Succeeded by | D. W. Davis |
| Mayor of Boise, Idaho | |
| 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 | |
| In office July 15, 1897 – July 13, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | Walter E. Pierce |
| Succeeded by | J. H. Richards |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 13, 1853 Obrigheim, Kingdom of Bavaria |
| Died | January 4, 1932 (aged 78) Boise, Idaho |
| Resting place | Morris Hill Cemetery, Boise |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Helena Kaestner Alexander (b. 1853, d. 1949) |
| Children | 4 |
| Residence | Boise |
| Profession | Merchant |
Moses Alexander (born November 13, 1853 – died January 4, 1932) was an important leader in Idaho. He served as the 11th Governor of Idaho from 1915 to 1919. He was also the second person of Jewish faith to become a U.S. state governor. What made him special was that he was the first Jewish governor who actively practiced his religion. He is still the only Jewish governor Idaho has ever had.
Contents
Early Life and Moving to America
Moses Alexander was born in a place called Obrigheim, which was part of the Kingdom of Bavaria (now Germany). When he was 14 years old, in 1867, he moved to the United States. He first settled in New York City.
Just one year later, his cousin invited him to work in a clothing store in Chillicothe, Missouri. Moses was very good at business. By 1874, he became a partner in the store, meaning he owned part of it. In 1876, Moses married Helena Kaestner. She was also an immigrant from Germany and later became Jewish. They had a daughter named Leha.
Starting in Politics
In Chillicothe, Moses Alexander became interested in politics, especially with the Democratic Party. He liked the "progressive" ideas, which aimed to improve society. In 1886, he was elected to the Chillicothe City Council. The next year, he became mayor and served two terms. As mayor, he focused on fixing the city's money problems.
In 1891, Alexander left Chillicothe. He planned to move to Alaska. But on his way, he stopped in Boise, Idaho. He saw good chances to invest money there. So, he changed his plans and decided to stay in Boise. In July 1891, he opened his first clothing store, called Alexanders. He later opened more stores in Boise and nearby towns.
Moses Alexander also helped build the first synagogue (a Jewish house of worship) in Idaho. It was finished in 1896. Today, it is the oldest synagogue west of the Mississippi River that is still used all the time.
Political Career in Idaho
In 1897, Moses Alexander was elected mayor of Boise. He decided not to run again in 1899. But he was elected mayor once more in 1901. During his time as mayor, Boise's volunteer fire department became a professional one. He also helped pass rules against gambling and made other improvements to the city.
In 1908, Alexander was chosen as the Democratic candidate for governor. It was a difficult process to become the candidate, which even involved the state's highest court. However, he lost the main election to the Republican candidate, James H. Brady. Alexander was offered the chance to run for governor again in 1910, but he said no because he was not feeling well.
In 1914, Alexander ran for governor again. He strongly supported making alcohol illegal (this was called prohibition). He also wanted the government to spend less money. Alexander won the election against the Republican governor, John M. Haines. Part of his win was because of a money scandal in the state treasurer's office that hurt the Republican side. This made him the first Jewish person who actively practiced his faith to be elected governor of a U.S. state.
In 1916, Alexander was reelected. He won against his Republican opponent, D. W. Davis, by only 572 votes. This was the closest governor's election in Idaho's history.
As Governor of Idaho
When Moses Alexander became governor, he immediately worked to make Idaho a "dry" state. This meant that selling or making alcohol was against the law. On January 1, 1916, prohibition became law in Idaho. Alexander continued to strongly support prohibition, even though people illegally sold alcohol (called bootlegging) in Idaho during those years.
World War I was another big issue during Alexander's time as governor. He promised to send state militia troops to help with the war effort. He also sent troops to help in the Mexican Expedition against Pancho Villa. Alexander also ordered a home guard (the Idaho State Guard) to protect Idaho. Even though he was born in what is now Germany, people in Idaho never thought he was unpatriotic, even during a time when there was a lot of anti-German feeling.
Later Years
Alexander did not run for reelection in 1918. He was the Democratic candidate for governor again in 1922. But he could not campaign as strongly as he had before. In that election, Alexander finished third. He lost to Republican Charles C. Moore and Progressive H. F. Samuels.
Throughout the 1920s, Alexander stayed involved with the Idaho Democratic Party. He gave speeches and was a delegate at national Democratic meetings. He made his last public appearance for the Democrats on December 29, 1931. He died less than a week later in Boise. Moses Alexander and his wife are buried in Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise.
Images for kids
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Moses Alexander, circa 1915
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Moses Alexander (right), his wife Helena Kaestner Alexander (left) and their daughter Leha (bottom) in 1915.
