alexanderf
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
FRANK M. ALEXANDER. A twenty
years' residence in Douglas county entitles the subject of this article
to be classed as one of the pioneers, and the fact is he was one of the
very first settlers in the prairie where Waterville now stands. Since
those early days, Mr. Alexander has remained here and he has shown himself
a man of integrity and ability, always laboring for general upbuilding
and material advancement. He located two miles northeast from where
Waterville is now located, in 1883, and there acquired an estate of two
hundred and forty acres. His attention was directed to the improvement
and culture of this farm until recently he sold the place and built a residence
in Waterville, where he is now making his home. He also owns a large
block of lots in town besides other property. Having canvassed the
field thoroughly before, on October 1, 1903, Mr. Alexander embarked in
commercial life, opening a general merchandise establishment in Waterville.
He carries a full and complete stock and is doing a good business at this
time, being highly spoken of and known as a substantial business man.
Frank M. Alexander was born in Broome county,
New York, on March 17, 1853, being the son of Peter and Eliza (McClure)
Alexander. The father was a native of New York as were his parents,
but his grandparents came from England. The mother was also born
in New York and her ancestors came from Scotland. Her grandfather
was prominent in the Revolution and received for his service as quartermaster
general a large tract of land. Our subject was raised principally
in Wisconsin, whither the family migrated in 1856, being pioneers in the
Badger State. He received his education in the primitive log cabin
school houses and in the graded schools of Avoca, Wisconsin. Our
subject remained with his father, who was a blacksmith, until he was about
thirty, then came direct to the Big Bend country. Since then he has
been known among us as one of the leading citizens. Mr. Alexander
has been justice of the peace, being the first incumbent of that office,
and has also been active in political matters, being allied with the Democratic
party.
Mr. Alexander married Miss Agatha Ludeman,
at the residence of her parents, in this county, on October 12, 1890, and
to them have been born five children, Myrtle, Grace, Floyd, Edith, and
Frances. Mrs. Alexander's parents are Benjamin and Grace (Seggerman)
Ludeman, natives of Germany and now living east from Waterville, in this
county. Mrs. Alexander was born in Illinois and has three brothers,
Heiko, Henry, Dirk, and two sisters, Margaret Brownfield, and Jesena Schacht.
Mr. Alexander has the following named brothers, Charles, Forrest, Spencer,
Elmer and Fred. Charles served four years in the Civil war, being
in Company I, Nineteenth Wisconsin Volunteers. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander
are both consistent members of the Christian church and he is deacon in
that organization.
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