In the 1860 Young County, Texas census Alexander McRae Dechman was 29 years old having been born in Nova Scotia. His wife, Mary E. Dechman was 25 years old and born in Alabama. They had one son, Alexander F. Dechman, a one year old born in Texas. Alexander was serving as Young County's second Chief Justice in the census. Alexander served one term from 1856-1860. County records suggest that Alexander M. Dechman and his family left Young County by July of 1860.

Alexander McRae Dechman, a Halifax, Nova Scotia Native, was the founder and original owner of the present day location of Grand Prairie.

In 1861, he bought the 239.5 acres on the east side of the Trinity River and 100 acres of timberland. The community was recognized as Dechman in 1863, founded by Alexander McRae Dechman. Before 1863, Grand Prairie was a stop on the stage coach line from Dallas to Fort Worth and an Indian trading post.

During the Civil War, Alexander Dechman served in Company E of the 19th Regiment of the Texas Cavalry.

Alexander Dechman died in Dallas on 11 April 1915 and is buried in Greenwood cemetery.

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Thomas McRae Dechman, born 21 Feb 1861, TX - died 5 Feb 1946, San Antonio, TX son of Alexander Dechman and Mary Wells

Emily Jean Dechman, wife of Thomas M. Dechman, daughter of Mr. Mulholland and Mary Palmer; born 2 Sept 1859, IL - 11 June 1936, San Antonio, TX

Alexander McRae Dechman, born 18 October 1830, Nova Scotia - 10 Apr 1915, Dallas, TX. son of James and Anna E. Dechman., widowed; buried Greenwood cemetery; parents of Nova Scotia; 84 years, 5 months, 23 days

Edmund S. Dechman, 29 Apr 1875, Ellis Co., TX - 11 Mar 1959, Amarillo, Potter co., TX - son of Alexander Dechman