Alexander Dunsmuir (1853-1900) managed his father's business in San Francisco where he built the southern offices of the Dunsmuir empire including wharfs, warehouses, ships, and many investments. It appears Alexander was somewhat of a drinker. During the Spring of 1886 in San Francisco he disappeared on a binge. Up until then he had a robust constitution so was able to drink until four in the morning, sleep for five hours, then show up at his office clear-headed and able to conduct business with efficiency, apparently. Once after going missing for ten days he re-appeared in a deplorable condition. Over the next few days he suffered his first attack of delerium tremens, alcohol withdrawal.