Alexander Dort
Alexander Dort (14 March 1883 in Cape Cross - 24 April 1928 in Cape Cross) was a Brunanter soldier and politician. He was the Mayor of Cape Cross for four years in the early 20th century.
Biography[]
Dort was born in Cape Cross to a rich family. His grandfather had opened a jewelry business in 1845 which was the largest in the city. Dort was sent to study at the Cape Cross Military Institute and joined the Royal Guard.
In 1915, he was sent to France commanding the 1st platoon of the infamous Company 8. At Frezenberg ridge, Belgium, he lost most of his men and he himself was wounded by shrapnel and sent back to Brunant. Since the government was busy with the war he was left on his own and depended on his jewelry store for income.
In 1917, he was elected Mayor of Cape Cross; his status as a war hero and survivor helped him out. During his tenure he found it hard (as a liberal) to pass many laws since the city council was mostly against him and in 1921 he would not be re-elected. Dort campaigned in 1928 and was re-elected, but his wound began to flare up and with the acquisition of various illnesses he died twelve days after taking office.
Family[]
Dort married Agatha Markels of Brezonde on 2 June 1905. They had three children:
- Edward Alexander (1906-1992), senator for Cape Cross Parish from 1965-1969
- Ernest Alexander (1908-1985), senator for Cape Cross Parish from 1953-1961
- Steven Alexander (1911-1983), President from 1969-1975
- Alexandra (1912-1973), congressional representative from 1961-1973.
Agatha remarried in 1934 but divorced her new husband in 1937. She died in 1966.