My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Arkansas County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

Jacob Alexander, book-keeper in the large dry-goods establishment of J. J. Woolfolk, of St. Charles, is a native of the Key Stone State, and a son of Jacob and Margaret (Moon) Alexander, both of whom came originally from the Emerald Isle to this country when young. They were married in Pennsylvania, and engaged in farming in Lancaster County until 1840, then removing to Ohio, which was their place of residence three years; later they went to Indiana. In 1857 Jacob Alexander came to Arkansas. In 1860, going to Independence, Missouri, he remained until the war broke out, when he joined the Federal army, being employed as scout throughout the war. He was born in 1837, and while in Indiana was apprenticed to a carpenter, and learned the trade. After the war he worked at his trade in Memphis, Tenn., until 1867, at that time coming to Arkansas and embarked in farming. In 1871 Mr. Alexander located at St. Charles, and was employed as clerk by the Farmers’ Supply Company one year, afterward entering the employ of Mr. Woolfolk, where he is still engaged. He married Miss Mary Gunnell, a native of Mississippi. They are the parents of seven children, two of whom are living: Leona and Belle. Mrs. Alexander is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Masonic order, and is the present Master of the lodge. He is a Republican in politics, and was nominated for sheriff in the last campaign. He has had a notary public’s commission for seven or eight years, and is the owner of some property, besides which he has an interest in the store where he is employed.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 50 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Arkansas County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Arkansas County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional Arkansas County, Arkansas family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.