John Smith Alexander was born in Mecklenburg County, N. C. on Dec. 22, 1826, identical twin to Silas Washington Alexander. Their parents were Telemacus and Hannah Smith Alexander. Their father was a blacksmith and wagon-maker, and they grew up in the Sharon Presbyterian Church community.

Telemacus Alexander died in 1842, when the twins were fifteen years old. Their mother died only four years later, leaving ten children. Their oldest brother became head of household and they remained on the family farm. The six sons were all blacksmiths, wagon makers, or wheelwrights. When the Civil War broke out, they and their brothers-in-law all served in the Confederate Army.

Next: Smith Alexander and Brothers in the Civil War

Sources:

Margaret Stilwell Alexander’s Family Bible, (pages pictured above,) owned by Glenda Alexander.

Alexander Notebooks, compiled and researched by Dr. Alvah Stafford, 1951, Volume 1, (Charlotte N. C.: Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, 1985) pp. 80-81.

Records of Sharon Presbyterian Church, 1830-1960, Microfilm Reel HF 202, (Presbyterian Historical Society, Montreat, N.C.: 1969.) Vol. 1855-1873, pp. 34-35.

1850 U. S. Census, Mecklenburg County, N. C., NARA Roll: M432:637; p. 79b.

1860 U. S. Census, Eastern Division, Mecklenburg County, N. C., E. D. , p. 11; NARA Microfilm M653_906, accessed online at Ancestry.com.