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William Tasse Alexander (1802-1870) purchased a 100 acre tract "lying on the headwaters of Mallard Creek" in 1819. By the outbreak of the Civil War, this initial portion had become a 935-acre plantation.

An essential ingredient for success was the securement of an adequate labor supply to work the fields and administer the plantation. Planters met this challenge by 1) having large families and 2) purchasing and encouraging the propagation of slaves.

William Tasse Alexander used both methods. Through a sucession of four wives, he became the father of thirteen children, six of whom survived his death. By 1861, Alexander had become the owner of more than thirty slaves (public records of Mecklenburg County document that he participated in the local slave trade).

The last years were not kind to William Tasse Alexander. The Civil War destroyed his fortune. Alexander is buried in the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.