James A. Alexander, Palestine. This gentleman was born September 18, 1845, in Palestine. He is a son of Dr. H. Alexander, born August 4, 1804, in Woodford County, Ky.; he died December 13, 1876 in Palestine. He was educated in Kentucky. At the age of twenty-one he came to this county, where he practiced medicine and was afterward married to Eliza Kitchell, in November 27, 1828; she was the mother of three children, who are all dead; she died while quite young. The Doctor was married a second time to Mrs. Julia Danforth, October 13, 1836. She was a sister to the Doctor's first wife, and the mother of six children, of whom only our subject and his brother, Charles C., are living. Mrs. Kitchell died in 1855. The Doctor was married again August 20, 1856, to Miss Jeretta Wilson, who died December 31, 1881. She was the mother of William Alexander, who married Margaret Lanham; and Elizabeth, born March 2, 1860. Dr. Alexander was one of the most prominent and useful men in the county. He was a practicing physician for over forty years, and as his real worth and character became known, the public honored him with different positions of trust and honor. About the first office that he filled was his connection with the land office, as Land Commissioner; after that he was chosen County Judge, which office he filled with honor and ability. He was elected to the Legislature several times, and filled the position to the satisfaction of his constituents. His memory is cherished by all who knew him. Our subject was educated in this county. He was married, January 27, 1873, in Clark County, Ill., to Miss Adeline Pennell, born December 4, 1848, in Ohio. She is the mother of four children-Faytie W., born January 14, 1874; William H. born March 19, 1875; Lola B., born November 29, 1876; and Daisy D., born March 20, 1882. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Alexander belongs to the Congregational Church. Our subject responded to the call of his country, October 8, 1864, enlisting in the Sixty-second Illinois Volunteers, Company F. He is a member of the Alfred Harrison Post, No. 152, G. A. R. In politics, he is a Democrat.
