ELDER JAMES ALEXANDER

 

   Of the early history of James Alexander but little has been ascertained. It is believed that he was a native of England, and that he came over and settled in Kentucky early in the present century. He came to Southern Indiana probably about 1812 or ‘13, locating in an unbroken forest on  Middle Fork Creek, some eight miles north from Madison, where he opened up a farm and resided the remainder of his days.

   He was a Baptist before coming to the State and soon after his arrival united by letter with Mount Pleasant Church, where his brethern soon recognized his ability as a speaker and urged him forward in that course. In 1842 Mount Pleasant Church granted him license to preach, and he engaged in the work to a considerable extent, holding meetings in the cabins of early settlers in various neighborhoods, and in school-houses where one was to be found; and his labors were well received by the pioneers of the new country.

   In 1817 Middle Fork Church, near his residence, and where he had diligently labored for some years, was constituted, himself and wife being constituent members. At this church, in 1819, he was ordained to the ministry, in which service he took an active interest as long as he lived. Although compelled to labor hard in clearing off a heavy growth of timber; in fencing the land and cultivating it to maintain his family, yet he gave a large portion of his time in the ministry of the word, and was soon recognized as one of the leading men of the denomination. He was a co-worker and fast friend of Elder Jesse Vawter, and they frequently made long tours together through the wilderness to hold meetings at distant points. Many times they were permitted to collect and constitute new churches, and to strengthen and build up feeble ones already constituted.

   Middle Fork Church, of which Elder Alexander was pastor, united with Silver Creek Association in 1818; was one that united in forming Coffee Creek Association in 1827, and Madison in 1833, in each of which Elder Alexander was a prominent and influential member, and ever proved himself a wise and safe counselor and an energetic Christian worker. As a pastor he was loved and respected, and his labors were greatly blessed. A large extent of country was embraced in his preaching tours, and he was well known in several counties, and held pastorates with many different churches.

   He lived to quite an advanced age, but the date of his decease has not been ascertained.  All of the old settlers with whom I have conversed speak of him in the highest terms as an able preacher and pure Christian, and it is much to be regretted that a more complete history of his life can not be given.


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