Gaston, Joseph. "Portland, Oregon Its History and Builders." Vol. 2. Chicago and Portland, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911. p. 720. ALEXANDER LUMSDEN The problems of life and death are unsolvable to the human mind. It seemed hard that Alexander Lumsden should be called from this life when he had much that made life worth living. His business activity and his sterling worth had gained him the confidence and high regard of his fellowmen and his enterprising spirit and judicious investment had brought him a large measure of success that was represented by extensive investments in realty. His property brought to him a handsome annual income, so that business cares did not weigh heavily upon him, but death claimed him on the 17th of August, 1910, and Portland lost a representative and worthy citizen. Mr. Lumsden was born in Lefroy, Canada, September 30, 1856. His parents, William and Jean Lumsden, were both of Scotch descent and spent their entire lives in Canada, where the father followed the carpenter's trade. Their son Alexander, who was the eldest of the family, attended school in his native city and afterward took up the trade of plastering, which he followed there and also for about a year after coming to Portland. In 1875 he arrived in this city and some months later became connected with the dairy business, remaining in the employ of others for a rime but later engaging in the same business on his own account in Portland. He afterward purchased a farm of about eight hundred acres on Sauvie's island, where he carried on farming and dairying, conducting an extensive business. He was also at one time engaged in the grocery business in Portland for a few years, but about six years prior to his death he put aside all business cares save for the supervision of his real-estate interests. He had extensive property holdings in and around Portland and the rapid settlement of this part of the country brought a rapid increase in realty values. Not only did he own eight hundred acres on Sauvie's island but also a forty-acre tract on the Base line road and considerable city property. In its management he displayed keen business discernment and sound judgment. The happy home life of Mr. Lumsden had its beginning in his marriage on the 27th of May, 1879, in Portland, to Lucy A. King, who was born in this city and is a daughter of Amos N. and Malinda (Fuller) King, who were early settlers here. Her father was born near Columbus, Ohio, April 22, 1822, learned and followed the tanner's trade in the east and in 1845 traveled overland to the northwest, spending the first winter on the Tualitin plains and locating in King's Valley. In 1849 he took up his abode in Portland, then, indeed, a city in embryo, and here opened a tannery. He remained a resident of Portland to the time of his death, which occurred November 11, 1901, but for many years prior to his demise lived retired. His wife was born in Columbus, Ohio, and journeyed westward over the plains in the same wagon train with Mr. King. They were married in Oregon and here reared their family. The death of Mrs. King occurred in Portland, January 30, 1887. Their daughter Mrs. Lumsden has practically spent her entire life in Portland. By her first marriage she had two children: Martha, is the widow of John J. Moore, whose death occurred in November 1905, and has two children, Joseph A. and Lucien A., Mrs. Moore now resides in Portland with her mother; Lillie A. is the wife of W. B. Stevens of Portland, by whom she has one son, Alexander W. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lumsden are: Amos E., who wedded Tomima Moar and lives in Portland; Alexander K., who married Mamie Stumpp; Mabel, who is the wife of James S. Reeder and has one child. Hazel M.; and Hazel, the wife of G. E. Humberstone, of Portland. Mr. Lumsden was popular in the societies and organizations to which he belonged. He was a member of Multnomah Camp, No. 77, W. 0. W., and of the Fraternal Union. He possessed a social genial: nature, was always approachable and his success was allowed to make no difference in his friendships. Deep regret was felt when death claimed him, for he had gained many warm friends in Portland and this part of the state, and his remains were laid to rest in Riverview cemetery. Transcriber's additional notes: This same biography also appears in the following book: "Portland The Rose City, Pictorial and Biographical" S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.; Various compilers; 1911 Vol. 1, Page 395 ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in June 2009 by Diana Smith. Submitter has no additional information about the person(s) or family mentioned above.