Majors, Alexander, 1814-1900

Alexander Majors (October 4, 1814 – January 13, 1900) was an American businessman, who along with William Hepburn Russell and William B. Waddell founded the Pony Express, based in St. Joseph, Missouri. This was one of the westernmost points east of the Missouri River from its upper portion beyond that state. It was a major supply point for migrants and pioneers headed west to Oregon Country. Even though they succeeded in making the deliveries, they did not get the contract. They went bankrupt after the Transcontinental Telegraph opened in October 1861, as its competition eliminated the need for some mail service. Majors supplied rail ties for the crews of the Union Pacific Railroad working on the First transcontinental railroad. After the railroad was completed, he continued to haul freight to towns not yet served by the railroad.