Alexander Donald Henry "A.D.H." Fossey was the City of Miami's 17th Mayor, serving from 1935 to 1937.

A.D.H. Fossey
17th Mayor of Miami
In office
1935–1937
Preceded byE. G. Sewell
Succeeded byRobert R. Williams
Personal details
Born1876
Died1959
Miami, Florida, US
SpouseAnnie Eliza Soal
ChildrenConstance Margaret Fossey, Ralph Fossey, Clifford Fossey, Herbert Fossey

Early life edit

Fossey was born in England, marrying his wife Eliza in 1903. He was a member of the Merchant Marine.[1] In 1906 they moved to the U.S.

Fossey was President of the Miami Board of Realtors. He was affiliated with the Orange Bowl committee.

He owned a fruitpacking and fertilizer business and was successful until the Great Depression.[2]

Politics edit

Fossey was elected to the city commission in 1933. This set him up to be mayor. In 1935 Fossey was named city mayor by the city commission. The Miami Herald disagreed with his elevation in a May 23, 1935 editorial.[3] Fossey was accused of real estate fraud while still in office.[4]

The Fosseys had four children. [5] Their son, Ralph Fossey worked in real estate and entered politics like his father, notably becoming Dade County Commissioner and later Mayor of the controversial town of Islandia, FL.[6]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Ex-Mayor Fossey dies". Miami Herald. Nov 24, 1959. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Annie Eliza Soal & Alexander Donald Henry Fossey". Sole Society. Self p. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Protection from politician". Miami Herald. May 23, 1935. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Miami Mayor is Indicted". New York Times. Aug 15, 1935. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  5. ^ "From Margate to Miami and Return". Sole Society. Self published. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
  6. ^ Martin, Lydia (12 Feb 1991). "Ralph A Fossey 82". Miami Herald. Retrieved 9 April 2024.

Bibliography edit

Florida Memory[1]

Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of the City of Miami
1935-1937
Succeeded by


  1. ^ "Directory of Elected Officials". Florida Memory. Retrieved 9 April 2024.