NATHANIEL ALEXANDER was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina on March 5, 1756. His education was attained at Princeton University, where he earned a medical degree in 1776. During the Revolutionary War he served as a surgeon’s mate stationed at the Southern Department General Hospital from 1778-1782, and as a surgeon in the North Carolina militia. After his military service, he established his medical career, first in Santee, South Carolina and later in Charlotte, North Carolina. Alexander first entered politics as a member of the North Carolina House of Commons, a position he held in 1797. He also served in the North Carolina Senate from 1801 to 1802; and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1803 to 1805. Alexander next won election to the governorship in 1805. He went on to win reelection to a second term in 1806. During his tenure, educational improvements were promoted; the state’s district courts were improved; and a boundary disagreement with Georgia was settled. Also during his term, he served as president of the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees. Three months after leaving office, Governor Nathaniel Alexander passed on March 8, 1808. He was buried in Old Cemetery in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Note: “National Guard” refers to Alexander’s service in the North Carolina militia.