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A qualified surveyor from the Niagara district, Alexander Niven came to Haliburton in the 1860s and worked for the Canadian Land and Emigration Company as a surveyor. In 1868, he became their resident agent, while continuing his surveying for the company, the Municipality of Dysart, and private clients. In 1869, he married Maggie McEvoy of St. Mary's Ontario, at that town. Returning to Haliburton, they commenced raising a small family. Niven was active in community activities and organizations and was involved with both St. George's Anglican Church and the Presbyterian Church.

He was reeve of Dysart 1875-78, 1886-91, 1895, and Haliburton County Wareden 1874-78, 1895. As a sideline, he sold property insurance. Administrative cutbacks at the land company cost him his position in 1879, whereupon he ventured into surveying full time and commenced his Northern Ontario government surveys for which he became famous.

Sadly his extended absences from home contributed to his marital breakdown. After a long active life, he spent his declining years in the care of the Lucas family at their Grand Central Hotel. He now rests in Evergreen cemetery.