Captain Ezekiel A Alexander was b 20 Sept 1845, North Haven, s/o Capt John Alexander & Hannah Randall Crockett. He d 3 July 1917, Oakland, Ca.
He married 3 times:
1) Cousin Mary Verill Beverage on 26 Mar 1868, North Haven. She was b 29 June 1852, North Haven, the d/o Robert Beverage & Lucy Verill. She died the following year, 30 Oct 1869, North Haven, in childbirth. (Ezekiel's grandfather, Capt Thomas Beverage was Mary's g-grandfather). They had no children.
Marriage Intention: North Haven, March 17th, 1868. This certifies that I have this day entered the intentions of marriage between Mr Ezekiel Alexander and Miss Mary V Beverage, both of North Haven. Attest, Eleazer Crabtree, Town Clerk.
Marriage Record: North Haven, March 26th 1868. Mr Ezekiel Alexander with Miss Mary V Beverage, both of North Haven, County of Knox. By me, Eleazer Crabtree, Justice of the Peace and Resident of North Haven. Attest, A J Ames, Town Clerk.
Marriage Announcement Abstract: Ezekiel Alexander m 26 Mar 1868 at North Haven, Mary V Beverage, both of North Haven (m. at residence of John W Beverage). Published 3 April 1868.
In a letter written to Ezekiel by his mother, Hannah, dated 26 Feb 1870 4 months after Mary's death, transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne: Poor boy, I pitty [sic]. I know you must be lonesome for you have had a heavy trouble and have lost a good wife. I thought a great deal of Mary and think she was very good to you ....
He married 2nd: Deborah Orr Thomas on 10 Nov 1871, Camden. She was b 22 Apr 1845, Camden, the d/o Alexander Thomas & Lurana Carver. She d 7 Oct 1883, San Francisco. The Thomas & Carver families were old North Haven familes.
Obituary Abstract: Deborah O, wife of Capt Ezekiel Alexander, formerly of Camden, d 7 Oct 1883 at San Francisco, Calif, aged 38 yrs. Published 23 Oct 1883.
Alexander & Deborah had 1 son: Jesse Ezekiel Alexander, b Oct 1875, Maine.
He married 3rd: Lucy Eveline Glover on 3 July 1885 in Oakland, Ca. She was b 17 Sept 1856 in Camden, the d/o James "Russell" Glover & Nancy Palmer. She d 21 Nov 1954, Oakland. The Glover family is also related to the Beverage family.
Marriage Announcement: From the San Francisco Morning Call, 17 Jan 1886, page 6 Column 6: Alexander - Glover -- In Oakland, July 3, 1885, by Rev Dr Gray, Captain Ezekiel Alexander of San Francisco to Lou E Glover of Oakland.
Ezekiel & Lucy had 3 children, born Oakland:
1) Harriet "Hattie" Carol Alexander: 3 Jan 1887 - 4 Jan 1984, Alameda Co, Ca
2) Earle Glover Alexander: 25 July 1888 - 25 Mar 1974, Santa Cruz, Ca
3) Luella "Claire" Alexander: 6 Mar 1893 - 29 Mar 1984, Contra Costa Co, Ca
In 1855, when 10 years old, Ezekiel fell into the family well, carrying with him his mother's brass preserving kettle. When help came, in answer to his shouts, he not only assured his rescuers that he was unharmed but had clung to the kettle.
Three years later, the captain saved his father's life. The elder Alexander had fallen through the ice while crossing a pond. (Sixty Years at Sea, contributed by Reverend Bruce Alexander).
In 1860, 15-year-old Ezekiel resided with his parents on North Haven. Both he and his 17-year-old brother, James, were fishermen.
His home on North Haven was shared with his brother, George, at what is now Robert Staple's home.
Weekly Returns of Naval Enlistment: Ezekiel Alexander, 2 Sept 1864, for a term of 1 year, rated as a landsman in General Service. He cites he has had no previous sea service, was born & resided at North Haven, Maine, was age 21, no occupation, had blue eyes, light hair, florid complexion, was 5' 11 1/4", and had an eagle, 2 hearts and EA tattooed on left forearm.
Another Civil War source cites he enlisted at age 21, same physical description, served on the Sabine, Monadnock, and then at the Norfolk VA Naval Hospital. He received $100 in bounty upon enlistment, being advanced $42.
During the Civil War, Ezekiel was a landsman in the Union Navy, enlisting in Aug 1864. He first served on the training ship USS Sabine, then the receiving ship USS Ohio in Boston Harbor Sep 1864 and finally the ironclad monitor USS Monadnock fighting at Fort Fisher. He was on the Monadnock at the time of the capture of the Confederate "prizes" CSS Cyrine or Syren on 22 Feb 1865 in Charleston Harbor, the CSS Deer on 25 Feb 1865 and CSS Celt as well as the fall of the city, Richmond, Virginia. His time served during the war was spent with his brother, James Beverage Alexander. He also served a short time at the Norfolk VA Naval Hospital.
He was the Captain of the steamship "Queen of the Pacific" that sailed out of Philadelphia on her maiden voyage to San Francisco with George Alexander, his brother, as second officer and Fremont Beverage as "purser and supply officer." He later became Capt of the ocean liners. His home in California was in Redlands, near San Francisco. (Pulpit Harbor: 200 Yrs -p 48).
In 1870, 25-year-old Ezekiel A is a mariner with real estate property valued at $600 and personal property valued at $117. He is living with his mother, brother James & his family, and brother, George.
In 1880, Ezekiel is a captain with the PCSS Company. Debra is age 32, Jessie is age 40, born in Maine. With them is Fannie Dugan, born in Ca age 20 and Mary Monroe, age 30, born in Me.
Letter from Ezekiel to his mother on 1 Jan 1887, San Francisco:
Dear mother, I will drop you a few w lines today. I expect you are having rather colder weather today than we are here. It is a lovely day, and very warm. There is not much new to write. Everything is about the same. As usual, my health is very good. I guess as good as it has been for the last 5 years. I am not as strong as I used to be. I cannot stand as much hardships as I could 20 years ago. I suppose it is an act of so much sickness. Since I have been on the coast, I have been through considerable ? since I see you last: sickness and the loss of Deborah, ship a shore and a thousand and one things to contend with.
We had a dreadful explosion on the Queen last July. Nine men killed out of 16. That was where the explosion took place. We have never been able to ascertain the cause of the disaster. We was taking in coal at the time it occurred but it may have been gas or coal dust or dynamite. The ship took fire at the time but we had the fire out in a few minutes without much damage to the ship. I never want to see the same again. It was the most horrible sight I have ever witnessed in my life. Two of the other six that was injured will be crippled for life. The other four will come out all right. Four out of the nine that was killed was sailors on the ship. The other five were long shoremen.
I do not suppose this will interest you very much, but I do not know as you heard of it at the time and I only want to let you know what I have been through. And It almost seems to me at times that my nerves are all gone. For the last three years I have run the ship to Victoria B C and Puget Sound most of the time and it is a very hard route. Very bad weather in winter and all fog in supper. We carry a good many eastern people on the route. They go to the Sound with us, and from there to Alaska. They are mostly tourists.
I met a great many grand army men during the encampment. I got well acquainted with General Sherman & daughter, General Logan & family, and spent several hours with them, and it was a great pleasure to me General Sherman and daughter was on board the ship I guess a dozen times. And the old man told a good many funny stories. I got well acquainted with Governor Alger, also General Beam, he is now Governor of the state of Pennsylvania, Governor Rubic of Maine, I met at two different types, but cannot say that I thought he was a very smart man but I suppose he is. I spoke to him about George and he told me he would do all he could to keep him in his position as fish commissioner, but do not know as he did anything in the matter.
Well, I suppose you want to hear from the family. Lou is well at present, but I suppose she will be sick in a day or two. She has been well all the time and I am in hopes she will get through all right. I sail on Monday and I expect Lou will make an awful time to have me leave, but she is just as well without me. Her mother will take good care of her. Jes is well and gets along very well at school. he can learn very easy if he has a mind to. has been away for 4 days with friends, George and wife, and child is well as usual. He is still with me. He makes a very good officer. Well, how are you and all the folks? I see by the last letters you have got a bad cough. Well, you are getting a long in years and cannot stay with as much longer at the longest, and I suppose you realize that as well as I do. I would like to see you very much and I may come next summer, but cannot say for sure, but if possible, I will come. Jes had a letter from Sa the other day. She must be a woman grown now. How is James & family. Tell him he may send his boys out here. The two oldest if he thinks they would e steady and stay with me. Wages good, $45 per month.
My love to you all. Lou sends love to you. Write on receipt of this. From you son, E Alexander (transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorn
He was an accomplished Sea Captain & mariner. He was captain of the "Ada Frye", "Patrick P Frye", "St Louis", "Monterey", and "Constantine." One of his favorites was the "Queen of the Pacific" sailing in her along the West Coast until 1887 during which the ship suffered explosions / fire & loss of life. He was captain of the "Santa Rosa".
"Captain Alexander was retired from active service in 1914 after having commanded steamships of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company's fleet for 40 years. He spent 60 years of his life at sea and held a master's license 48 years of that time. But he is far from retiring from active life or from his interest in the company's steamships. He frequently boards a steamship for rest and recreation. As his familiar figure draws near, the word soon passes from longshoreman to ticket-taker and on to commander that "Captain Alexander is coming aboard." He seems to know everyone. With a handshake for each and a cheery word he is generally the center of an admiring group seeking to make his trip comfortable and enjoyable."
Captain Ezekiel A Alexander was b 20 Sept 1845, North Haven, s/o Capt John Alexander & Hannah Randall Crockett. He d 3 July 1917, Oakland, Ca.
He married 3 times:
1) Cousin Mary Verill Beverage on 26 Mar 1868, North Haven. She was b 29 June 1852, North Haven, the d/o Robert Beverage & Lucy Verill. She died the following year, 30 Oct 1869, North Haven, in childbirth. (Ezekiel's grandfather, Capt Thomas Beverage was Mary's g-grandfather). They had no children.
Marriage Intention: North Haven, March 17th, 1868. This certifies that I have this day entered the intentions of marriage between Mr Ezekiel Alexander and Miss Mary V Beverage, both of North Haven. Attest, Eleazer Crabtree, Town Clerk.
Marriage Record: North Haven, March 26th 1868. Mr Ezekiel Alexander with Miss Mary V Beverage, both of North Haven, County of Knox. By me, Eleazer Crabtree, Justice of the Peace and Resident of North Haven. Attest, A J Ames, Town Clerk.
Marriage Announcement Abstract: Ezekiel Alexander m 26 Mar 1868 at North Haven, Mary V Beverage, both of North Haven (m. at residence of John W Beverage). Published 3 April 1868.
In a letter written to Ezekiel by his mother, Hannah, dated 26 Feb 1870 4 months after Mary's death, transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorne: Poor boy, I pitty [sic]. I know you must be lonesome for you have had a heavy trouble and have lost a good wife. I thought a great deal of Mary and think she was very good to you ....
He married 2nd: Deborah Orr Thomas on 10 Nov 1871, Camden. She was b 22 Apr 1845, Camden, the d/o Alexander Thomas & Lurana Carver. She d 7 Oct 1883, San Francisco. The Thomas & Carver families were old North Haven familes.
Obituary Abstract: Deborah O, wife of Capt Ezekiel Alexander, formerly of Camden, d 7 Oct 1883 at San Francisco, Calif, aged 38 yrs. Published 23 Oct 1883.
Alexander & Deborah had 1 son: Jesse Ezekiel Alexander, b Oct 1875, Maine.
He married 3rd: Lucy Eveline Glover on 3 July 1885 in Oakland, Ca. She was b 17 Sept 1856 in Camden, the d/o James "Russell" Glover & Nancy Palmer. She d 21 Nov 1954, Oakland. The Glover family is also related to the Beverage family.
Marriage Announcement: From the San Francisco Morning Call, 17 Jan 1886, page 6 Column 6: Alexander - Glover -- In Oakland, July 3, 1885, by Rev Dr Gray, Captain Ezekiel Alexander of San Francisco to Lou E Glover of Oakland.
Ezekiel & Lucy had 3 children, born Oakland:
1) Harriet "Hattie" Carol Alexander: 3 Jan 1887 - 4 Jan 1984, Alameda Co, Ca
2) Earle Glover Alexander: 25 July 1888 - 25 Mar 1974, Santa Cruz, Ca
3) Luella "Claire" Alexander: 6 Mar 1893 - 29 Mar 1984, Contra Costa Co, Ca
In 1855, when 10 years old, Ezekiel fell into the family well, carrying with him his mother's brass preserving kettle. When help came, in answer to his shouts, he not only assured his rescuers that he was unharmed but had clung to the kettle.
Three years later, the captain saved his father's life. The elder Alexander had fallen through the ice while crossing a pond. (Sixty Years at Sea, contributed by Reverend Bruce Alexander).
In 1860, 15-year-old Ezekiel resided with his parents on North Haven. Both he and his 17-year-old brother, James, were fishermen.
His home on North Haven was shared with his brother, George, at what is now Robert Staple's home.
Weekly Returns of Naval Enlistment: Ezekiel Alexander, 2 Sept 1864, for a term of 1 year, rated as a landsman in General Service. He cites he has had no previous sea service, was born & resided at North Haven, Maine, was age 21, no occupation, had blue eyes, light hair, florid complexion, was 5' 11 1/4", and had an eagle, 2 hearts and EA tattooed on left forearm.
Another Civil War source cites he enlisted at age 21, same physical description, served on the Sabine, Monadnock, and then at the Norfolk VA Naval Hospital. He received $100 in bounty upon enlistment, being advanced $42.
During the Civil War, Ezekiel was a landsman in the Union Navy, enlisting in Aug 1864. He first served on the training ship USS Sabine, then the receiving ship USS Ohio in Boston Harbor Sep 1864 and finally the ironclad monitor USS Monadnock fighting at Fort Fisher. He was on the Monadnock at the time of the capture of the Confederate "prizes" CSS Cyrine or Syren on 22 Feb 1865 in Charleston Harbor, the CSS Deer on 25 Feb 1865 and CSS Celt as well as the fall of the city, Richmond, Virginia. His time served during the war was spent with his brother, James Beverage Alexander. He also served a short time at the Norfolk VA Naval Hospital.
He was the Captain of the steamship "Queen of the Pacific" that sailed out of Philadelphia on her maiden voyage to San Francisco with George Alexander, his brother, as second officer and Fremont Beverage as "purser and supply officer." He later became Capt of the ocean liners. His home in California was in Redlands, near San Francisco. (Pulpit Harbor: 200 Yrs -p 48).
In 1870, 25-year-old Ezekiel A is a mariner with real estate property valued at $600 and personal property valued at $117. He is living with his mother, brother James & his family, and brother, George.
In 1880, Ezekiel is a captain with the PCSS Company. Debra is age 32, Jessie is age 40, born in Maine. With them is Fannie Dugan, born in Ca age 20 and Mary Monroe, age 30, born in Me.
Letter from Ezekiel to his mother on 1 Jan 1887, San Francisco:
Dear mother, I will drop you a few w lines today. I expect you are having rather colder weather today than we are here. It is a lovely day, and very warm. There is not much new to write. Everything is about the same. As usual, my health is very good. I guess as good as it has been for the last 5 years. I am not as strong as I used to be. I cannot stand as much hardships as I could 20 years ago. I suppose it is an act of so much sickness. Since I have been on the coast, I have been through considerable ? since I see you last: sickness and the loss of Deborah, ship a shore and a thousand and one things to contend with.
We had a dreadful explosion on the Queen last July. Nine men killed out of 16. That was where the explosion took place. We have never been able to ascertain the cause of the disaster. We was taking in coal at the time it occurred but it may have been gas or coal dust or dynamite. The ship took fire at the time but we had the fire out in a few minutes without much damage to the ship. I never want to see the same again. It was the most horrible sight I have ever witnessed in my life. Two of the other six that was injured will be crippled for life. The other four will come out all right. Four out of the nine that was killed was sailors on the ship. The other five were long shoremen.
I do not suppose this will interest you very much, but I do not know as you heard of it at the time and I only want to let you know what I have been through. And It almost seems to me at times that my nerves are all gone. For the last three years I have run the ship to Victoria B C and Puget Sound most of the time and it is a very hard route. Very bad weather in winter and all fog in supper. We carry a good many eastern people on the route. They go to the Sound with us, and from there to Alaska. They are mostly tourists.
I met a great many grand army men during the encampment. I got well acquainted with General Sherman & daughter, General Logan & family, and spent several hours with them, and it was a great pleasure to me General Sherman and daughter was on board the ship I guess a dozen times. And the old man told a good many funny stories. I got well acquainted with Governor Alger, also General Beam, he is now Governor of the state of Pennsylvania, Governor Rubic of Maine, I met at two different types, but cannot say that I thought he was a very smart man but I suppose he is. I spoke to him about George and he told me he would do all he could to keep him in his position as fish commissioner, but do not know as he did anything in the matter.
Well, I suppose you want to hear from the family. Lou is well at present, but I suppose she will be sick in a day or two. She has been well all the time and I am in hopes she will get through all right. I sail on Monday and I expect Lou will make an awful time to have me leave, but she is just as well without me. Her mother will take good care of her. Jes is well and gets along very well at school. he can learn very easy if he has a mind to. has been away for 4 days with friends, George and wife, and child is well as usual. He is still with me. He makes a very good officer. Well, how are you and all the folks? I see by the last letters you have got a bad cough. Well, you are getting a long in years and cannot stay with as much longer at the longest, and I suppose you realize that as well as I do. I would like to see you very much and I may come next summer, but cannot say for sure, but if possible, I will come. Jes had a letter from Sa the other day. She must be a woman grown now. How is James & family. Tell him he may send his boys out here. The two oldest if he thinks they would e steady and stay with me. Wages good, $45 per month.
My love to you all. Lou sends love to you. Write on receipt of this. From you son, E Alexander (transcribed by Paul & Maggi (Alexander) Henthorn
He was an accomplished Sea Captain & mariner. He was captain of the "Ada Frye", "Patrick P Frye", "St Louis", "Monterey", and "Constantine." One of his favorites was the "Queen of the Pacific" sailing in her along the West Coast until 1887 during which the ship suffered explosions / fire & loss of life. He was captain of the "Santa Rosa".
"Captain Alexander was retired from active service in 1914 after having commanded steamships of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company's fleet for 40 years. He spent 60 years of his life at sea and held a master's license 48 years of that time. But he is far from retiring from active life or from his interest in the company's steamships. He frequently boards a steamship for rest and recreation. As his familiar figure draws near, the word soon passes from longshoreman to ticket-taker and on to commander that "Captain Alexander is coming aboard." He seems to know everyone. With a handshake for each and a cheery word he is generally the center of an admiring group seeking to make his trip comfortable and enjoyable."
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