Notes:

He was a courtier in the Kingdom of Scotland before the accession of James VI to the throne of England, and was knighted in 1614. In 1621 King James I granted him a royal charter appointing him governor of a vast territory in North America which was erected into a lordship and barony of Nova Scotia (New Scotland); the area now know as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and part of the northern United States. The creation of Baronets of Nova Scotia was used to settle the plantation of the new province.

Alexander was an active promoter of his New Scotland and brought many British settlers to the maritimes. He was appointed Secretary for Scotland in 1626 and held that office for the rest of his life. In 1630, King Charles rewarded his service by creating him Viscount of Stirling and in 1633 he became Earl of Stirling.

Lord Stirling's efforts at colonisation were less successful, at least from a monetary standpoint. He spent his fortune, and when the maritimes were returned to France in 1632, it was lost. He spent his later years with limited means, and died in London on September 12, 1640.

William married Janet Erskine about 3 Jan 1601. Janet (daughter of William (Sir) Erskine) died after 10 May 1649. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Catherine Alexander and died.
2. William (Viscount Canada) Alexander was born before 1619; died on 18 May 1638.
3. Henry (3rd Earl of Stirling) Alexander died in 1647.
4. Margaret (of Stirling) Alexander and died.
5. Alexander (8th Son of Stirling) Alexander and died.

Alexander + Marion (of Gartavertane) Graham. Marion (daughter of Gilbert (of Gartavertane) Graham) and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]