Alexander Robertson was born on 28 Apr 1876, in Queenstown to James Robertson and Margaret Susan Lucy Farr. It appears that James Robertson operated a coal mine at the mouth of the Kawarau Gorge. The family may have lived nearby at George Town. Alexander went to school at Kawarau Gorge.

Around this time, James Robertson walked out on his wife and five boys. Mrs Margaret Susan Lucy Robertson moved to Cromwell where her boys continued their schooling.

On or about 15 Dec 1889, Mrs Margaret Susan Lucy Robertson drowned herself in the Kawarau River, unable to cope with her situation. John Wright Robertson (dwelling #115) had been helping his sister-in-law with money to bring up her boys. On her death it appears that the boys may have moved to Bannockburn to live with their aunty, Mrs Sarah Robertson in dwelling #115. Here they attended Bannockburn school.

Stones directory records Alexander Robertson working as a station hand in Bannockburn. He would have been working on Kawarau Station.

The electoral roll for 1896 shows Alexander Robertson working as a miner, living near the Kawarau Gorge, It is not clear whether he was mining for gold or coal.

On 18 Jan, Alexander Robertson married Mary Ann Lawrence, daughter of James Lawrence (1) and Frances Marsh Rodgers. The wedding took place in the St Andrews Church, Cromwell, the officiating minister was the Rev. W H Browne. It was recorded that Alexander Robertson was a miner, working at the Nevis. It is not clear where Mr and Mrs Robertson made their home at this time. Mrs Robertson may have lived with her parents in dwelling #206 at Quartzville.

The electoral records show Alexander Robertson working as a miner at Nevis. Mary Ann Robertson is recorded as being engaged in domestic duties at Bannockburn.

Mr Alexander Robertson purchased dwelling #113 from Mrs Frances Lawrence (Mary Anne's mother)

Stones directory lists Alexander Robertson working as a dredge hand in Bannockburn. It is not clear at this time which dredge he was working on.

Mrs Frances Lawrence (Mary Ann's mother) moved back from Arrowtown to Bannockburn and lived with her daughter and son-in-law in dwelling #113.

Alexander Robertson was involved in gold mining activities on the Carrick Range. It appears that Alex worked with his brother William, and brother-in-law Arthur Lawrence.

In January 1908, the trio located a two foot (600mm) wide reef in the Caledonian area. Unfortunately this reef did not prove a success and it was abandoned after only three months work.

Alexander was also engaged in quartz gold mining in the Young Australian area. The small five stamp battery directly opposite the water when in the upper Adams Gully (the true right bank) is known as Sandy Robertson's battery.

The Carrick Gold Mining Company started work on the Carrick range (for details see Gold Mining Companies) Alex Robertson may have worked for this company.

A new company was formed after the failure of the Carrick Gold Mining Company. The Central Otago Consolidated Gold Mining Company worked on the Carrick Range until 1922. Alex Robertson may have worked for this company.

Mrs Frances Lawrence died on 4 Jan 1917 at the age of 77 years. She was buried in the Cromwell cemetery with her husband James (1) Lawrence. The Rev. W P Rankin officiated at the grave.

About this time it appears that Alex Robertson started mining silica sand for the manufacture of sandsoap. Sand was mined in two locations in Shepherds Gully (see locations #225 and #351). This operation appears to have been part time and carried on until around 1950. The sand mining operation may have been the origin of Alexanders nickname 'Sandy' Robertson.

It may be that Alexander operated a general store from dwelling #118, either for Mr McPherson or on his own behalf. However, this business folded after a few months.

The Bannockburn school teacher, Miss Myrtle Iris Paton may have lived in dwelling #113 with the Robertson family as a boarder.

Mr & Mrs Robertson moved from Bannockburn - possibly to Timaru. Dwelling #113 was sold to William Scott.