Alexander Loyd

Who was Alexander Loyd?

Alexander Loyd served one term as mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 1840 until 1841 for the Democratic Party.

Loyd was born in Orange County, New York. He arrived in Chicago in 1833, and opened a shop. Within four years, he was considered a principal contractor, carpenter and builder in Chicago.

He was elected to the Chicago Board of Trustees in 1835. By then, he was a member of the volunteer Fire Department, and was named Chief Engineer in 1838, serving for one year. He became the 4th Mayor of Chicago in 1840, defeating Benjamin Wright Raymond.

He served as a Trustee of the 2nd district of the Chicago Schools in 1842. When G. W. Snow, alderman of the 2nd ward, resigned in 1850. Loyd was elected to finish Snow's term.

He died in 1872, of “rheumatism of the heart” and was buried in Rosehill Cemetery.