Alvin Saunders

Alvin Saunders (July 12, 1817 – November 1, 1899) was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Nebraska and as the last governor of the Nebraska Territory. His tenure as governor spanned most of the period of the American Civil War.

Born in Fleming County, Kentucky, Saunders received education through common schools and an academic course. In 1829, he moved with his father to Illinois. In 1836, Saunders relocated to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, which was at that time part of the Wisconsin Territory. His father, Gunnel Saunders, was reportedly of "old stock" from Culpeper County, Virginia; his mother was Mary Mauzy from the same county.

Saunders served as postmaster of Mount Pleasant for seven years. Although he studied law, he did not practice the profession. Instead, he engaged in mercantile pursuits and banking activities. He participated in politics as a delegate to the Iowa State constitutional convention in 1846. Saunders was a member of the Iowa State Senate from December 4, 1854, to May 14, 1861. During his legislative tenure, he initially represented District 5 as a Whig for the first two years, then changed his affiliation to the Republican Party and served District 7 until 1860, after which he represented District 9.

Saunders was appointed by Congress as one of the commissioners to organize the Union Pacific Railroad Company. In 1861, he became the first and last governor of the Nebraska Territory, serving from 1861 until 1867. He participated as a delegate in the 1868 Republican National Convention.

In federal office, Saunders was elected as a Republican to the United States Senate, serving a single term from March 4, 1877, to March 3, 1883. During the Forty-seventh Congress, he served as chairman of the Committee on Territories.

Saunders died in Omaha, Nebraska, on November 1, 1899. He was interred in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

His family included his wife and two children: Charles B. Saunders and a daughter, Mary Saunders, who later became Mrs. Russell Harrison of Washington, D.C. Saunders was the grandfather of William Henry Harrison III, who served multiple terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Wyoming in the 1950s and 1960s. His son-in-law was Russell Benjamin Harrison.

Several places were named in his honor, including Saunders County in Nebraska and Saunders School in Omaha. Alvin Saunders Johnson, the founding editor of The New Republic, was also named after him.