Alexander Brown was born in Alexandria, Virginia about 1841. No information has been found regarding his formative years. While living in Santa Cruz, he remained single and is believed to have worked as a teamster. Brown also became an active member of Sons of Temperance Lodge # 59 during his stay in the community.

At the time of his enlistment in Company L, 2nd California Cavalry, on September 11, 1861, he was described as being twenty years old, about 5 feet ten inches in height, dark complexioned with dark eyes and hair. Private Brown accompanied the cavalry company to Camp Alert in San Francisco aboard the steamship Salinas on September 27, 1861. During his six months at the camp, his training was minimal and frequently interrupted by inclement weather.

In March 1862, he became ill with "inflammation of the bowels" (dysentery) and on March 18, 1862, he died. The Pacific Sentinel of March 27 said "He had by strict attention to his duties and many good qualities, won the respect of both officers and men."

Santa Cruz historian Leon Rowland noted that Private Brown was returned to Santa Cruz for burial and while interment would likely have taken place at Evergreen Cemetery, no record of his funeral or burial exists.

(CMWR, Pg. 287; MAHL; SCSn November 12, 1972, SCR October 19, 1950)