McKenzie, Alexander; 1905 Bio, Pitkin County, Colorado http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/pitkin/bios/mckenza.txt --------------------------------------- Donated April 2001 Transcribed by Judy Crook from the book: Progressive Men of Western Colorado Published 1905, A.W. Bowen & Co., Chicago, Ill. --------------------------------------- Alexander McKenzie The late Alexander McKenzie, who lived on a large and well- improved ranch not far from Watson, Pitkin county, this state, and there carried on a profitable stock and ranching business, and was accounted one of the leading men of the neighborhood, was a native of Scotland, born in 1827, and the son of Alexander and Catharine (McKenzie) McKenzie, with whom he remained and worked on the home farm until he was twenty-one. They moved to Australia in 1875 and from then until the end of their days were successfully engaged in farming in that country. They were members of the Presbyterian church and the father was a Democrat in politics. Both are now deceased, and but three of their nine children survive them, Kenneth, James and Anna B. Alexander was a mason by trade and emigrated to the United States in 1859, locating at Chicago, and some time later moving to Lewistown, Illinois, in both places working at his trade. In 1880 he came to Colorado and, locating at Leadville, again wrought at his trade, remaining there until 1883, except a portion of the time which he passed at Gunnison. He traded a horse and some valuables for his ranch, the consideration being one hundred dollars, and after taking possession of it added a homestead claim. Here he worked at his trade and his children conducted the ranch. He was married on August 1, 1873, to Miss Anna (Fischer) Fairbairn, also born in that country where they passed their lives profitably engaged in farming. They were Presbyterians and died in active connection with that church. Of their twelve children only two are living, Margaret, now Mrs. Alexander Cameron, of Aspen, this state, and Mrs. McKenzie. The offspring of Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie number four, James, Walter, Jennie and Catherine. Mrs. McKenzie is a Presbyterian, as was her husband at the time of his death. Since he passed away she has managed the ranch and cattle interests with success and profit and continued the improvements which he had begun. The ranch now comprises nine hundred and sixty acres, of which three hundred are under cultivation, and the yield of hay, grain and other farm products is extensive and of good quality. In addition to her cattle she raises a number of horses in good strains for market and is prosperous in this branch of the business. Mr. McKenzie did some prospecting and mining in his time, but without success worthy of note. He was highly esteemed as a good citizen, friend and neighbor, and was prominent in all undertakings for the benefit of his community. =================================================== Contributed for use by the USGenWeb Archive Project (http://www.usgenweb.org) and by the COGenWeb Archive Project USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access.