WI BIO - Dane Co - FINDLAY, Alexander
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol I, pp 244-245

Alexander FINDLAY, one of the leading grocery men of the city of Madison, 
Dane County, Wisconsin, whose business amounts to many thousands of dollars 
(with annual sales of $85,000 to $100,000) and the value of whose stock, 
including groceries, baker supplies and illuminating oils would surprise 
those who do not look into those matters, was born in Scotland in 1838. His 
parents, most respectable and intelligent people, resided in Kincardineshire, 
Scotland, and lived and died there. For [p 245] years Louis FINDLAY, the 
father, was a fish curer and dealer, and was prominent in the business in his 
hometown. The business which he established is still conducted by his son, 
William.

The first one of the FINDLAY family to break away from home ties was a 
brother of our subject, Robert FINDLAY. He came to America in 1856, and a 
few years later he moved to Montana and died there in 1868 in the prime of 
life. He had met with success in his undertakings and one of his descendants 
now lives in Kansas. When Alexander FINDLAY chose an occupation he decided 
to be an apothecary and served his time in that in Glasgow, Scotland. Later 
he became engaged in managing an American produce business in Scotland, and 
for seven years before coming here he conducted it.

In 1863 Alexander FINDLAY came to this country and located in Madison, 
Wisconsin, where he has since shown himself one of her best and most reliable 
citizens. One of the causes which brought Mr. FINDLAY to America was the 
loss sustained on a cargo of grain from NY to Glasgow, Scotland. This was 
during the Civil War. The vessel which contained this grain was the 
"Crenshaw," a ship that had made itself famous as a blockade runner past 
Charleston, South Carolina. Although it had a clearance paper from the 
British consul, the "Alabama" sunk it, cargo and all, Captain SEMMES claiming 
that the "Yankees were getting too smart!"

After Alexander FINDLAY reached Madison, Wisconsin, in 1863, he joined his 
brother Robert as a drug and grocery merchant and has increased his business 
facilities from time to time until in 1881 he found it necessary to erect the 
large Findlay block on King Street. This large and convenient building is 
occupied almost entirely by Mr. FINDLAY himself, as he is the largest dealer 
in his line in the city.

Alexander FINDLAY was married in Scotland to Miss Catherine FLINT, of 
Glasgow, Scotland, who was a young lady of excellent family. Alexander and 
Catherine (FLINT) FINDLAY are the parents of the following four children: 
Paul, who conducts his father's business since Mr. FINDLAY has somewhat 
withdrawn from active live, married Miss BODENSTEIN; Margaret D. is at home; 
Esther is married; and Mary is still at home.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly