Alexander Mebane (1716-1790) was a the first sheriff for Orange County and served as a major in that county's local militia. In 1771 Mebane, along with several other prominent Orange County citizens, successfully petitioned for John Fruit to be pardoned for his role as a leader in the Regulator Rebellion. He was the father of Alexander Mebane Jr., a farmer, politician, and militia officer in colonial and Revolutionary era Orange County.