Graham, Alexander H., 1890-1977

Alexander H. Graham of Hillsborough, N.C., began his public career in the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1921, becoming speaker in 1929. He chaired the committee that hired Frank Porter Graham as president of the University of North Carolina in 1930. He was lieutenant governor, 1933-1937, and head of the State Highway and Public Works Commission, 1945-1949 and 1953-1957.

From the description of Alexander H. Graham papers, 1879-1939. WorldCat record id: 44696419

Alexander H. Graham ( Sandy ) was born in Hillsborough, N.C., the only child of the second marriage of his father, Major John Washington Graham, to Maggie Forrester Bailey. He had five older siblings (Paul Cameron, Isabella Davidson, William Alexander, Joseph, and Annie Cameron) from his father's first marriage to Rebecca Bennehan Cameron Anderson. Graham was married to Kathleen L. Long on 28 August 1917 and had two sons, A. H. (Sandy), Jr., and John W. Graham.

Alexander H. Graham's father was a five-time state senator. His grandfather, William Alexander Graham, had served as governor, United States senator, and secretary of the navy. His great-grandfather served in the Revolutionary War. Alexander H. Graham also distinguished himself in public life, serving as lieutenant governor of North Carolina, 1933-1937, among other positions and appointments. The following list outlines Graham's career:

• 1913: Received law degree from Harvard University
• 1917: Volunteered for Army
• 1919: Discharged from Army as a captain. Elected chair of Orange County Democratic Party
• 1921: Elected to North Carolina House of Representatives
• 1927: Chair of House Finance Committee
• 1929: Speaker of the House
• 1930: Chair of presidential search committee for University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• 1931: Executive counsel
• 1933 - 1937 : Lieutenant governor
• 1937: Placed third in Democratic Party primary for governor
• 1945 - 1949 : Appointed head of State Highway and Public Works Commission
• 1953 - 1957 : Appointed head of State Highway and Public Works Commission

From the guide to the Alexander H. Graham Papers (#4998), 1879-1939, (Southern Historical Collection)