Bro. David Alexander (18 April 1854 – February 1928) joined Temple Lodge, No. 33 in 1903 and demitted in 1927.
He was one of the earliest settlers in the Duncan area. David Alexander was a farmer whose farm property was around the area of present day Beverley Street and Lakes Road. The Alexander neighbourhood, the Alexander Elementary School and Alexander Street are named after David Alexander.
On 1 July 1927, David Alexander planted the Confederation Tree, a maple tree which is still standing outside the Provincial Courthouse on Government Street, near the intersection of Jubilee Street.
Here is a brief biographical sketch of Brother David Alexander taken from local newspaper reports of his death and funeral:
“Alexander – We regret to announce the death on Monday at 11 p.m. at the King’s Daughters’ Hospital, Duncan of Mr. David Alexander, who, as the oldest settler in the district, planted the Confederation Tree at the Jubilee celebrations last year.
He was born in Sydney, Australia, April 18th, 1854, the eldest son of David and Margaret Alexander, Forfar, Scotland. The family left Australia in May, 1862, on the sailing ship Seaman’s Bride and arrived in Victoria in the following October. They came on here and settled at “Oak Bank.”
There Mr. Alexander farmed all his life. He retired before the war and his only son, David A.H. Alexander, ran the farm until he went overseas. He was killed at Festubert, May 23rd, 1915, serving with King Edward’s Horse. Mr. Alexander went back to the farm during the war and subsequently employed a manager there. He then made his home at “Rockhurst,” Jaynes Road.
He was a member of Temple Lodge, A.F. & A.M., the Creamery, the Agricultural Society and other organizations at various times. Kindly and cheerful in disposition and rich in reminiscence of the early days of the settlement, Mr. Alexander will be greatly missed by a legion of friends here.
There is deep sympathy with his relatives. He married, in 1880, Edith, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs Henry Fry. She died in 1921. His three surviving children are Mrs. E.S. Lomas, Lake Cowichan; Mrs. M.E. Bailey, Tyee; and Mrs. J.L.A. Gibbs at “Rockhurst.” His brother is Mr. James Alexander and Mrs. Lomas and Mrs. Edgecombe are sisters. The funeral will be at 2.30 p.m. to-day at St. Peter’s Quamichan.”
(Source: Cowichan Leader, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
“Alexander – In the presence of a very large gathering of relatives and friends, the funeral of the late Mr. David Alexander took place on Thursday at St. Peter’s Church, Quamichan. The Ven. H.A. Collinson officiated and the Rev. H.G. Christmas recited the lesson. “When The Day of Toil Is Over” and “Thine Forever! God of Love” were sung, Mr. W.A. Williett being at the organ.
The honorary pallbearers were Reeve John N. Evans, Mr. W.P. Jaynes, Dr. R.N. Stoker and Mr. C.G. Palmer. The active pallbearers were Messrs. K.F. Duncan, J.W. Edgson, G.G. Macneal, H.F. Prevost, F.H. Price and A.R. Wilson. Mr. R.H. Whidden made the arrangements.”
(Source: Cowichan Leader, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
David Alexander’s grave is in St. Peter’s Quamichan Anglican cemetery
The GPS location of the grave is: N 48° 46.895’ W 123° 40.021’
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