Alexander Mackenzie was a Canadian politician who served as the second Prime Minister of Canada, in office from 1873 to 1878.
Mackenzie was born in Logierait, Perthshire, Scotland. He left school at the age of 13, following his father’s death, and trained as a stonemason. Mackenzie immigrated to Canada when he was 20, settling in what became Ontario. His masonry business prospered, allowing him to pursue other interests – such as the editorship of a pro-Reformist newspaper.
Mackenzie was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada in 1861, as a supporter of George Brown.