Alexander S. McDill

Alexander Stuart McDill (March 18, 1822 – November 12, 1875) was an American medical doctor, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He served one term in the United States House of Representatives, representing northern Wisconsin. He also served three years in the Wisconsin Legislature and was Superintendent of the State Hospital for the Insane, where he implemented important reforms in the state hospital system.

Early life Alexander Stuart McDill was born on March 18, 1822, near Meadville, Pennsylvania, the eighth of nine children born to Irish American immigrants James and Mary ( Brawley) McDill. He attended Allegheny College and graduated from Cleveland Medical College in 1848. He returned to Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and practiced medicine there until 1856, when he moved to Plover, Wisconsin, at the urging of his elder brother, Thomas, who had become well-established in the new state.

He quickly established himself as a leading physician in central Wisconsin, residing at the village of "McDill", named for his brother Thomas. He was also successful in pioneer mercantile interests, partnering with his brother on a general store, sawmill, and lumber business.

Public office career He entered politics with the Republican Party in the midst of the American Civil War.