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Alexander Majors
Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons9

Alexander Majors

American businessman (1814–1900)

Alexander Majors (October 4, 1814 – January 13, 1900) was an American businessman, who along with William Hepburn Russell and William B. Waddell founded the Pony Express, based in St. Joseph, Missouri.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Alexander Majors (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Oct 4, 1814, died Jan 13, 1900.1

About

This was one of the westernmost points east of the Missouri River from its upper portion beyond that state. It was a major supply point for migrants and pioneers headed west to Oregon Country.

Even though they succeeded in making the deliveries, they did not get the contract. They went bankrupt after the Transcontinental Telegraph opened in October 1861, as its competition eliminated the need for some mail service.

Majors supplied rail ties for the crews of the Union Pacific Railroad working on the First transcontinental railroad. After the railroad was completed, he continued to haul freight to towns not yet served by the railroad.

From Wikipedia’s article on Alexander Majors, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

Alexander Majors was born October 4, 1814, in Franklin, Kentucky. In 1820, his family moved to the Missouri Territory, settling in the Sni-A-Bar Creek. On November 6, 1836, he married Catherine Stalcup.

In 1858, Majors moved with his family from Kansas City, Missouri to Nebraska City, where he established the headquarters of the Russell, Majors, and Waddell Freighting Company. His home is now a private residence, and the freighting headquarters is preserved as the Old Freighters Museum.

Slavery was not prohibited in Nebraska Territory until 1861. When Majors moved to Nebraska, he brought six enslaved African Americans with him. In the summer of 1860, they escaped on the Underground Railroad. Majors offered a $1,000 reward for their capture and return, but they were never found. In a letter written by abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Josiah B. Grinnell, it is documented that the freedom seekers made it to Grinnell, Iowa, a prominent Underground Railroad station.

From Wikipedia’s article on Alexander Majors (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: businessperson.4

Personal life

  • BornOct 4, 1814, Franklin5
  • DiedJan 13, 1900, North Platte6
  • CitizenshipUnited States7

Sources

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