BIO:  S. A. Alexander, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Abby Bowman

Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, historical editor.  
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, York Borough, Pg 3

S. A. ALEXANDER, general foreman of locomotives and car affairs for the North 
Central Railway at York, is a native of Philadelphia, was born August 31, 1829, 
a son of Andrew and Virginia (Clark) Alexander, and is of Scotch-Irish origin.  
His parents and grandparents were all natives of Pennsylvania.  The father of 
Mr. Alexander was lost at sea in 1832.  Our subject received a common school 
education at Philadelphia.  In 1843 he joined the United States Navy and spent 
five years in that service.  Since 1848 he has been engaged at his present 
occupation.  He came to York in 1875 and here has since resided.  He has 
invented a cross-head pusher, hydraulic jack, balanced slide valve and a rotary 
steam engine.  He is also the author of a very popular book on the subject of 
running and care of locomotive engines.  He was married, in 1850, to Miss Jemima 
James of Pottsville, Penn.  To the marriage were born seven children.  Mrs. 
Alexander died in 1866 and two years later our subject was married to Mrs. 
Elizabeth McAlister, of Cumberland County, Penn.  One child has been born to 
this union.  Mr. Alexander is a Mason, Republican and a member of the Episcopal 
Church.  Mrs. Alexander is also a member of that church.