A Patriot of the American Revolution for MARYLAND. DAR Ancestor # A001176

from Susan Shields Sasek's research page

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sassytazzy/family...

SECOND GENERATION OF THE ALEXANDER LINE IN AMERICA TO GRACE WILLIAMS ALEXANDER

James Alexander, the son of Joseph Alexander, was born in 1695 in Cecil County, Maryland and died there. This is verified by his will which was filed at Elkton, Maryland on March 9th, 1726. He married Margaret McKnitt in 1714. She was born December 26th, 1693 and died between 1736 and 1745. For his second wife, he married Abigail (McKnitt?).

James Alexander inherited land from his father and cultivated it, selling his produce in Philadelphia to the Pennsylvania Colony. He was also a tanner by trade. To each of his sons he gave an opportunity to learn a lucrative trade, as well as learning the cultivation of the land.

James Alexander purchased land, as an investment, from agents in the North Carolina Colony. He was chosen an elder in the New Munster Presbyterian Church and tradition records that he was a prominent layman.

Note: Refer to Page II of "The Alexanders of Mecklenburg County".

Children of JAMES ALEXANDER & MARGARET McKNITT

1. Theophilius Alexander

2. Edith Alexander

3. Kezia Alexander

4. Amos Alexander

5. Ezekial Alexander

6. Jemima Alexander

7. Hezikiah Alexander

8. Margaret Alexander

9. Jemima Alexander

10. John McKnitt Alexander

Children of JAMES ALEXANDER & ABIGAIL

1. Abigal Alexander

2. Elizabeth Alexander *

3. Margaret Alexander

4. Josiah Alexander

5. Ezekiel Alexander

[Page] III

Theophilius Alexander, the son of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born March 13th, 1715 and died in 1768 in New Munster. He married Catherine Wallis, the daughter of Reverend Wallis of New Munster. She is buried at Sugar Creek Graveyard in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. She died in 1775. The children of Theophilius Alexander and Catherine Wallis will be found on Page II of "The Alexanders of Mecklenburg County". Catherine Wallis Alexander, following the death of her husband, migrated with her children to the North Carolina Colony with her brothers in 1754.

Edith Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born January 10th, 1718 in New Munster, Maryland Colony. Other than her name and the record of her bequest in her father's will, no other information is available.

Kezia Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born May 9th, 1720 at New Munster, Cecil County, Maryland. Other than mention of her and the bequest in her father's will, no other information is available.

Amos Alexander, the son of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born January 13th, 1729 and died in 1780. He married Sarah Sharpe, born in 1732 and died in 1802. Refer to Page III and IV of "The Alexander [sic] of Mecklenburg County" for their children and descendants.

Ezekial Alexander, the son of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born June 17th 1725. He died young.

Jemima Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born February 10th, 1716. She died young.

Hezekiah Alexander, the son of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born January 13th, 1722 in Cecil County, Maryland Colony. He died January 10th, 1801 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He married Mary Sample, she was born in 1735 in Cecil County, Maryland and died May 17th, 1806. They are buried in Sugar Creek graveyard in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Hezekiah Alexander migrated with his brother John McKnitt Alexander and his sister Jemima, the widow of Major Thomas Sharpe and her six children in 1754 to North Carolina Colony.

History records the name of Hezekiah Alexander as an administrator and councilor. He held the post as Magistrate from the first appointed one in the county and historians have said "He was one of the most clear headed Magistrates in the County before the Revolutionary War and following the Declaration of Independence was named one of the members of the State Councul [sic] of Safety. His most important contribution to Mecklenburg County was his participation in the Declaration Convention and his signing of that immortal document, The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.

During the Revolutionary War, he was paymaster of Col. Thomas Polk's regiment. Hezekiah Alexander's first purchased [sic] of land was recorded in May of 1765. He later purchased land in April of 1767 from Lord Selwyn on Alexander's Creek. He purchased 400 acres on the Broad River, now Gaston County from William Minter.

His home was two stories high and built of stone with a full basement where Mary Alexander stored food for her family of eleven children. The story is told how English soldiers raided her basement one day and what food they could not carry they destroyed. It was necessary at times for her to hide her sons in the weeds to prevent them from being kidnapped and held as hostages by the British Soldiers.

[Page] IV

One of the unusual proofs of Hezekiah's love of religious freedom was a carving of a fish on his house, the secret symbol, which Presbyterians used in Scotland and Ireland to signify allegiance to the Presbyterian faith.

From the day when maurading [sic] Indians, killed the settlers; to the day when Tory neighbors informed the enemy where supplies could be obtained by foraging; to the days when the British Soldiers burned homes and confiscated personal belongings, Hezekiah Alexander remained calm and led the people of his community toward a just peace.

This home has been restored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, as a shrine to the brave men who fought from Mecklenburg County and who signed the Mecklenburg Independence.

He was an elder in the Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church from its organization until his death. Hezekiah Alexander's will was probated in Mecklenburg County in which he provided for his children and grandchildren. The children and descendants will be found on page III of "The Alexander [sic] of Mecklenburg County".

Margaret Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born in June of 1736. She died young.

Jemima Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Margaret McKnitt, was born January 9th, 1727 in Cecil County, Maryland Colony. She died September 1st, 1797. She married Major John Sharpe, born in 1727 and died in 1759.

Jemima Alexander and her husband migrated to the North Carolina Colony and are buried in Sugar Creek Cemetary [sic] graveyard in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Their children and descendants are on Page 111 of "The Alexander's of Mecklenburg County".

CHILDREN OF JAMES ALEXANDER AND HIS SECOND WIFE, ABIGAIL

Abigail Alexander, the daughter of James Alexamder [sic] and Abigail, was born May 24th, 1748 and died September 23rd, 1817. She married Frances Bradley who died November 14th, 1780. The children and descendants of Abigail Alexander and Francis Bradley will be found on Pge IV of "The Alexander [sic] of Mecklenburg County".

Francis Bradley, it has been recorded, was one of the largest and stoutest men in the county. He was hated by the Tories and was much desired as a prisoner by the British officers for his activity and energy with which he harassed [sic] their scouts and foraging parties, and the fatal aim of his gun in taking off their sentries.

On the day of his death, seeing four Tories lurking near his house, he took his gun and went to capture them or drive them from the neighborhood. A scuffle ensued in which one of the Tories succeeded in wresting his gun from his hand and killed him.

In the graveyard of Hopewell Church in Mecklenburg County, is found the following inscription: Under two sculptured drawn swords the motto "Arms Libertatis" in memory of Francis Bradley, a friend of his country and privately slain by his enemies of his country.

Elizabeth Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Abigail, was born November 17th, 1746 and died August 1st, 1822. She married William Sample, born in 1736 and died in September, 1791, age 55 years. The children and their decendants [sic] of Elizabeth Alexander and William Sample, will be found on Page V of "The Alexander's in [sic] Mecklenburg County".

Margaret Alexander, the daughter of James Alexander and Abigail, was born March 30th, 1750. She married James McCoy and migrated from Pennsylvania in 1700. Her second husband, tradition records was Ezekial Beatty. Regarding the children and decendants [sic] of Margaret Alexander, will be found on Page V of "The Alexander's of Mecklenburg County".

[Page] V

Josiah Alexander, the son of James Alexander and Abigail, was born August 3rd, 1752. He remained in Cecil County, Maryland.

Ezekial Alexander, the son of James Alexander and Abigail, was born October 21st, 1754 in Cecil County, Maryland and died in North Carolina. He married Jemima Esther McCoy. Regarding the children of Ezekial Alexander and Miss McCoy will be found on Page V of "The Alexander's of Mecklenburg County".

CHILDREN OF [next 2 names handwritten] WILLIAM SAMPLE AND ELIZABETH ALEXANDER

1. Abigail; born - December 16, 1763; married _____ Dixon

2. Ester; born - November 1765; married _____ Carruthers

3. Mary; born - 1768; married James Alexander

4. James; born - February 14, 1770; married Martha Robinson [handwritten date] June 14, 180[page cut off]

5. Jemima; born - February 1772; married _____ Barry

6. Ann; born - January 28, 1774; married John Henderson

7. Joseph; born - 1777; married [handwritten 1st name] Eliz. Robinson [handwritten date] Feb. 4, 180[page cut off]

8. Jane Bain; born - 1780; married Andrew Moore

9. Elizabeth; born - 1782; _____

10. Margaret; born - 1785; married _____ Woods

11. Araminta; born - 1789; died July 11th, 1794

Submitted by: Vera Andrews. Unknown Author and Source. Online transcription by Susan Shields Sasek.

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http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/18182599/person/620375999

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Came from Ireland. Was Justice of Cecil County Maryland then moved to Mecklinburg County, N. C. and owned land on Long Creek, in the Hopewell Section; which he willed to his son Ezekiel. Captain in the Indian Wars. In his Will he designated himself as Yeoman. In 1740 he is said to have served as Cornet of a Troop under Capt. Thomas Johnson. He was an Elder of New Castle Presbytery. (D.A.C. 6139) (p. 311 D.A.R. Vol. 36, No.3, whole #692) (Gibson County Courthouse, Book G, Page 194, Trenton, TN, 1860 Census names son, Cyrus.)(Will - Book G)

Page 311, March 1952 DAR magazine, "on the 18th day of May 1714, purchased from Thomas Stevenson, a large tract of land on the east side of Big Elk River. This land was part of a tract called 'New Munster' which had been surveyed by George Talbot, Surveyor General, in 1683 - for a certain Edwin O'Dwire and fifteen other Irishmen. It lay on both sides of the Big Elk River in the northeastern corner of Maryland and extended over into Chester County, Pennsylvania, for a short distance above the present Mason and Dixon line....In the deeds Stevenson stated that the land had "for some years past been possessed and improved by them."

Father of 15 children, several of whom were raised in Mecklenburg County, N.C. and two of whom were signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775.

James Alexander, born 1695 in Manokin Hundred, Somerset, MD; died 15 Jul 1779 in Elkton/Munster, Cecil Co, MD. He was the son of Joseph Alexander and Abigail McKnitt. He married 23. Margaret McKnitt 1714 in Cecil Co, MD.

               23.  Margaret McKnitt, born 26 Dec 1693 in Manokin Hundred, Somerset, MD; died Bet. 1736 - 1745 in Cecil Co, MD.  She was the daughter of John McKnitt, Jr. and Jane Wallis.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=hjackwell...

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=52810996&ref=wvr

The Six Alexanders Who Signed the

Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

A Genealogy Compiled by Descendants Under the Direction of

Mrs. Benjamin W. Ingram

{Page 311} Even before the reign of Queen Elizabeth the English were finding it difficult to rule the Irish. Several large uprisings had to be put down and the lands of the leaders confiscated by the Crown. This continued until James I, finding himself possessed of large tracts of land in Northern Ireland, decided to colonize these areas with settlers from England and Scotland who might be easier to govern.

The Scotch came in large numbers and settled in Ulster. Most of them were Presbyterian in faith. Many were farmers and, being very industrious, their settlements prospered and their industries flourished. These were the people who came to be called Scotch-Irish -- not from any commingling of blood, but to distinguish them from the Irish.

Because of differences in race, religion, and customs, conflicts arose with the Irish -- to be followed later by troubles with the English over religious beliefs and the restriction of trade and industries.

In the meantime a steady stream of settlers was coming to the newly opened colonies along the eastern seaboard of America, and, toward the end of the seventeenth century, large numbers of Scotch-Irish were joining them.

Among the Scotch-Irish immigrants who were seeking religious, political and economic freedom there were many Alexanders. A large group of them settled in Somerset and Cecil Counties in Maryland, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and on the Eastern Shore of Virginia before the year 1700.

Joseph Alexander, tanner, and his son, James, were members of the group of Alexanders and others of Cecil County, Maryland, who on the 18th of May, 1714, purchased from Thomas Stevenson a large tract of land on the east side of Big Elk River. This land was part of a tract called "New Munster" which had been surveyed by George Talbot, Surveyor General, in 1683 -- for "a certain Edwin O'Dwire and fifteen other Irishmen." It lay on both sides of the Elk River in the Northeastern corner of Maryland and extended over into Chester County, Pennsylvania, for a short distance above the present Mason and Dixon line.

Joseph Alexander was undoubtedly born in Ireland. Just when he came to America is not known. There has been a tradition that he arrived on the ship Welcome which anchored in the Delaware River in 1679, but of this we have found no proof. However, it may be supposed that he had been here several years before his purchase of the "New Munster" land in 1714 and it is possible that he could have been one of the "fifteen other Irishmen" for whom Talbot surveyed the land in 1683. In the deeds Stevenson stated that the land had "for some years past been possessed and improved by them."

In his will, dated December 30, 1726, and filed March 9, 1730, in Cecil County, Maryland, Joseph Alexander did not mention his wife, so it would seem that she had died before that time. Some genealogists have thought it probable that she was Abigail McKnitt. There is no confirmation of this, though there does seem to have been a close relationship between the McKnitt and Alexander families. One of the witnesses to the will of Joseph Alexander was John McKnight.

The heirs mentioned in the will are: Son-in-law, Elias Alexander; Daughter, Sophia; Son, Francis; Daughter, Jane Mackey (?); Daughter, Abigail Clapham; Son, James.

After leaving a bequest to his son-in-law, Elias Alexander, and a small sum of money to each of his other children, he bequeathed the residue of his estate to his son, James, whom he appointed Executor.

Of Jane Mackey and Abigail Clapham, daughters of Joseph Alexander, we have no record.

The name Francis Alexander appears in the records of several Pennsylvania Counties, but there seems to be no way to identify any of them as the son of Joseph Alexander of Cecil County.

James Alexander, son of Joseph Alexander of "New Munster," was born about 1690, and died in Cecil County, Maryland, where his will, dated 17 June, 1772, was probated in 1779. He married (1) about 1713/14, Margaret McKnitt, who was born December 26, 1693, and died between 1736 and 1745. He married (2) Abigail -----. (Some genealogists think she may have been a McKnitt, sister to Margaret, the first wife of James).

James Alexander lived in Cecil County, Maryland, where he was a large landowner. He, as well as his father, has sometimes been called Tanner, and in his will he designated himself as Yeoman. In 1740 he is said to have served as Cornet of a Troop under Captain Thomas Johnson. He was a Justice of Cecil County and a prominent churchman, being an elder and a member of New Castle Presbytery.

It is known that he spent some time in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where he owned land on Long Creek, in the Hopewell section. This land he willed to his son, Ezekiel, who lived on it for some time before he removed to Tennessee.

James Alexander was the father of fifteen children -- several of whom resided in Mecklenburg County and two of whom were Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, on May 20, 1775.

{Page 312} His children were:

I. Theophilus -- b. 3/13/1715 d. 1768, in Cecil County, Md., m. Catherine (Wallis?) d. 1775 in Mecklenburg Co., N. C.

   1.  Joseph (Rev.), m. Martha Davies.

   2.  Margaret, m. James Cannon.

   3.  Sophia, m. John Sharp.

   4.  Kezia, m. --- --- Young.

   5.  George, m. --- ---.

   6.  Catherine, m. Ezekiel Sharp.

   7.  Ann, m. --- Cannon. II.  Jemima, b. 2/10/1716, d. young. III.  Edith, b. 1/10/1718, d. young. IV.  Kezia, b. 5/9/1720, no record. V.  Hezekiah, b. 1/13/1722, in Cecil County, Md.; d. 1/10/1801 in Mecklenburg County, N. C., m. Mary Sample, d. 5/17/1806, aged 71.

Before coming to North Carolina, Hezekiah Alexander probably lived for a time in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he owned land as late as 1773. With several of his brothers, sisters and other relatives he migrated to Mecklenburg County, N. C., about 1754.

He settled in the Sugaw Creek section of the County, and built his home about four miles from Charlotte. This dwelling house, of field stone, was built in 1774 and is the oldest house now standing in the County. It has recently been restored by the five Chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Charlotte.

Hezekiah Alexander was an ardent supporter of the cause of freedom and a Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775. He was a member of the committee of safety for Salisbury District in 1775 and of the Constitutional Convention in 1776. He served as Paymaster of the 4th Regiment of North Carolina Troops in 1776. For many years he was a Magistrate, a member of the Mecklenburg County Court, and Treasurer of Queen's Museum.

Hezekiah Alexander and his wife, Mary Sample Alexander, both lie buried in the graveyard at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, where he was a ruling elder. They had eight sons and three daughters:

   1.  William Sample, d. 10/20/1826, aged 70 years; m. (1) Elizabeth Alexander; m. (2) Sarah Rodgers; m. (3) Martha Nichols.

   2.  Silas, b. 1759, d. 10/27/1831.

   3.  James R., ---.

   4.  Hezekiah, ---.

   5.  Esther, m. --- Garrison.

   6.  Mary, m. Charles Polk.

   7.  Amos, b. 1769; d. 1/25/1847; m. Mildred Orr, b. 1772, d. 1828.

   8.  Joel, b. 1773; d. 5/17/1825.

   9.  Kezia, d. 1819.

   10.  Oswald.

   11.  Joseph, b. 1776; d. 1851; m. Elizabeth McReynolds.

VI. Ezekiel, b. 6/17/1725; d. young. VII. Jemima, b. 1/9/1727; d. 9/1/1797; m. John Sharp, b. 1727; d. 1759. Children:

   1.  John, m. Martha Young.

   2.  Ezekiel, m. Catherine Alexander.

   3.  James, m. Rachel Cannon.

   4.  Priscilla, m. Lewis Jetton.

   5.  Isabella, m. Rev. --- Price.

   6.  Sarah, b. 9/16/1755; d. 9/16/1794.

VIII. Amos, b. 1/13/1729; d. 1780; m. Sarah Sharp, b. 1732; d. 1802. Both buried in graveyard at Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church, Cecil County, Maryland. Children:

   1.  Walter, b. 4/10/1751; d. 1778; m. Eleanor Evans.

   2.  Priscilla, b. 5/28/1753; d. 1817; m. Isaac Alexander.

   3.  Rachel, b. 5/23/1755; d. 1817.

   4.  Jemima, b. 1756/7; d. 1840; m. Alexander Reed.

   5.  Ruth, b. 5/26/1759; d. 1842; m. Andrew Wallace.

   6.  Mary, b. 8/6/1761; d. 1820; m. John Evans.

   7.  Dorcas, b. 9/23/1763; d. 1818; m. Henry McCoy.

   8.  Amos, b. 1766.

   9.  Sarah, b. 1769; d. 1827; m. Robert Hodgson.

   10.  Mark, b. 11/13/1771; d. 1802; m. Elizabeth Gilpin.

   11.  Margaret and 12. James (Twins), b. 7/9/1774.  James m. Mary Clendennin.

IX. John McKnitt, b. 6/6/1733, in Cecil County, Maryland; d. 7/10/1817, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; m. September, 1762, Jean Bean (Bain) (daughter of William); d. 3/16/1789, aged 49 years.

John McKnitt Alexander, accompanied by his brother, Hezekiah, and other relatives removed to Mecklenburg, North Carolina, about 1754. Later his brother, Ezekiel, and his sisters, Jemima Sharp, Elizabeth Sample, Abigail Bradley, and Margaret McCoy, with their families, came to live in the same section, as did also Catherine Alexander, widow of his brother, Theophilus.

He established his home ten miles north of Charlotte, in the Hopewell section of the County. He was a tailor by trade and later became Public Surveyor under the Crown. He acquired extensive tracts of land, was very successful in business, and a leader in the community.

He was a zealous patriot, active in the cause of liberty from the beginning. He was a member of the Provincial Assembly in 1772; a member of the Committee of Safety in 1775; Secretary of the Convention which met at Charlotte on May 19 and 20, 1775; and a Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, May 20, 1775. In 1777 he served as the first State Senator from Mecklenburg County.

It has been said that he was a Scout for General Greene and that he was with him at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered.

John McKnitt Alexander served his County in many capacities. He was a Justice of the Peace; a member of the first organized Court of the County; a trustee of Queen's Museum; and Register of Deeds from 1792 to 1808.

He was very much interested in church affairs and served as Treasurer of the Synod of North Carolina. He gave the original tract of land on which Hopewell Presbyterian Church was built. He lies buried in the graveyard of that church, in which he was an elder from the time of its organization (about 1762) until his death in 1817.

The children of John McKnitt and Jean Bean (Bain) Alexander were:

{Page 313}

   1.  William Bain (Bean), b. 4/25/1764; d. 1/23/1844; m. 8/25/1791, Violet Davidson, b. 8/28/1771; d. 10/26/1821.

   2.  Margaret, b. 4/3/1766; d. 7/7/1805; m. 4/7/178{9}, Francis A. Ramsey, b. 5/31/1764; d. 11/5/1820.

   3.  Jean Bain (called Polly), b. 7/6/1768; d. 5/18/1816; m. Rev. James Wallis; d. 12/27/1817; aged 57 years.

   4.  Abigail Bain, b. 11/25/1770; d. 5/15/1802; m. 1792, Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell; d. 10/5/1826, aged 59 years.

   5.  Joseph McKnitt, b. 4/23/1773; d. 10/18/1841; m. 8/3/1797, Dovey Winslow; d. 9/6/1801, aged 25 years.

X. Margaret, b. June 1736; d. young.

Children of James Alexander and his second wife, Abigail:

XI. Elizabeth, b. 11/17/1746; d. 8/1/1822; m. William Sample; d. Sept. 1791, aged 55 years. Children:

   1.  Abigail, b. 12/16/1763; m. --- Dixon.

   2.  Esther, b. Nov. 1765; m. --- Carruthers.

   3.  Mary, b. 1768; m. James Alexander.

   4.  James, b. 2/14/1770; m. Martha Robinson.

   5.  Jemima, b. Feb. 1772; m. --- Barry.

   6.  Ann, b. 1/28/1774; m. --- Henderson.

   7.  Joseph, b. 1777; m. --- Robinson.

   8.  Jane Bain, b. 1780; m. Andrew Moore.

   9.  Elizabeth, b. 1782.

   10.  Margaret, b. 1785; m. --- Woods.

   11.  Araminta, b. 1789; d. 7/11/1794.

XII. Abigail, b. 5/24/1748; d. 9/23/1817; m. Capt. Francis Bradley; d. 11/14/1780. Killed by Tories. Children:

   1.  James; 2.  Rebecca; 3.  John McKnitt; 4.  Elizabeth; 5.  Esther.

XIII. Margaret, b. 3/30/1750; m. --- McCoy (Ezekiel, or Beaty, or Ezekiel Beaty). Children:

   1.  James; 2.  Esther, m. --- Boggs; 3.  Abigail, m. David Parks; 4.  John, m. Esther Frazier; 5. Henry and 6. Ezekiel, Twins; 7. Francis; 8. Amos.

XIV. Josiah, b. 8/3/1752; remained in Cecil County, Maryland.

XV. Ezekiel, b. 10/21/1754; d. after 1832, at which time he was living in Wilson County, Tennessee; m. 1772/3 Jemima Esther McCoy. Children: 1. James, b. 11/16/1774; 2. Jean, b. 2/25/1776; 3. Abner, b. 8/10/1778; m. (1) 12/1/1803, Jemima Sharp, b. 5/20/1781; d. 10/7/1825; m. (2) 3/27/1828, Margaret Cummings; 4. Beaty, b. 9/21/1780; 5. Lydia, b. 3/2/1784; 6. Josiah, b. 5/7/1785; 7. John McKnitt, b. 5/20/1787; 8. Ezekiel, b. 12/22/1789; m. Mary Cooper.

It is said that Sophia, daughter of Joseph Alexander, of Cecil County, Maryland, married Elias, son of Andrew Alexander of Somerset County. Many evidences point to the fact that this is true. Joseph Alexander, in his will, mentions "my son-in-law Elias Alexander," and it seems to be generally accepted that he married Sophia.

That being the case they -- Elias and Sophia Alexander -- were the parents of two Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence (Abraham and Ezra Alexander) and the grandparents of two others (Adam and Charles Alexander).

The dates of the birth and death of Sophia Alexander are unknown. The Somerset Register states that Elias was born 26 February, 1679, and he died in Frederick County, Maryland, about 1750, leaving a second wife Ann (Taylor) and a number of children by whom Elias (Colonel Elias of Rutherford County, North Carolina) was one.

William Alexander, born in Somerset County, Maryland, died 1772 in Mecklenburg County, N. C., was undoubtedly a son of Elias and Sophia Alexander, and a grandson of Joseph Alexander of Cecil County, Maryland. He was the father of Adam and Charles Alexander -- Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence.

There seems to be no reason to doubt the fact that Abraham and Ezra Alexander, also Signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, were sons of Elias and Sophia Alexander. This well established tradition is supported by family relationships, as suggested in the Maryland records. They were brothers also of Arthur Alexander, whose will was filed in Mecklenburg County in 1763.

Abraham Alexander, son of Elias and Sophia Alexander, and grandson of Joseph Alexander, was born in Cecil County, Maryland, 9 Dec., 1718, and died in Mecklenburg County, N. C., 23 April, 1786. He married, Dorcas ---, who was born 14 March, 1734, and died 28 May, 1800. There is an unconfirmed tradition that Dorcas may have been a Wilson.

It is probable that Abraham and Dorcas Alexander migrated to North Carolina with a group of relatives about the middle of the eighteenth century. He owned several large tracts of land, and established his home three miles northeast of Charlotte on Alexander's Mill Creek -- the present site of the Charlotte Country Club.

He was a prominent and prosperous citizen of the County -- active in affairs of church and state. He was a Trustee of the Town of Charlotte and of Queen's Museum, which flourished for several years before it was granted a charter in 1777 under the name of Liberty Hall.

Abraham Alexander was a Lieutenant-Colonel of Militia, a member of the Colonial Assembly in 1771, Chairman of the County Court, Chairman of the Committee of Safety in 1775, Chairman of the Convention of May 19 and 20, 1775, and a Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, May 20, 1775. He was buried in the cemetery at Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, of which he was one of the founders and ruling elders. His will, dated 12 April, 1786, and filed in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, shows that he had the following children:

   1.  Dr. Isaac, b. Feb. 1750; d. 1/13/1812, in Camden, S. C.; m. (1) --- ---; m. (2) 12/14/1788, Mrs. Margaret B. Smith; m. (3) 7/15/1807, Sarah Thornton; d. 12/9/1863.

   2.  Elizabeth, b. 2/19/1755; m. William Sample Alexander; d. 10/20/1826, aged 70 years.

   3.  Abraham, b. 3/6/1762; d. 3/11/1829; (1) m. 3/6/1787, Margaret Harris, b. 9/23/1763; d. 1/12/1806; (2) m. 3/5/1808, Jane McCorkle, b. 6/15/1773, d. 2/4/1834.

{Page 314}

   4.  Nathaniel, b. 7/3/1767; d. 2/5/1808; m. 5/24/1794, Jane Harris, b. 4/10/1770, d. 7/3/1842.

   5.  Joab, b. 2/9/1769; d. 3/21/1828; m. Joannah Wallace, b. 1769, d. 4/3/1823.

   6.  Ezra, b. 12/3/1772(?).

   7.  Marcus, b. 6/6/1766; d. 10/23/1795.

   8.  Cyrus, b. 1/9/1779; d. 5/24/1799; m. 3/20/1797, Rebecca Arthur.

Ezra Alexander is identified by the will of Arthur Alexander (Mecklenburg County, N. C.) as the brother of Abraham Alexander. He was, therefore, also a son of Elias and Sophia Alexander of Somerset County, Maryland, and a grandson of Joseph Alexander of Cecil County. He was born in Maryland, probably Frederick County, and died in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. His tombstone, uncovered a few years ago in the Polk family grave-yard, near Pineville, North Carolina, gives the date of his death as "July 6, 1800, aged 60 years." On the same stone we read that "Mary Alexander died September 8, 1814." This Mary -- his wife -- was evidently closely related to the Polk family.

Ezra Alexander was living in Mecklenburg County in 1763 when his brother Arthur -- in his will -- appointed him guardian of his son, Elias. He was granted several hundred acres of land on McAlpine and Sugaw Creeks and established his home not far from the present town of Pineville -- with the Polks, Barnetts, and Smarts among his neighbors. He was appointed an Overseer of Roads in 1778. During the Revolution he served as a soldier in several campaigns, taking part in the battles of Ramsaur's Mill and Hanging Rock. He was a Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775.

The inventory of his estate (dated July 30, 1800), an account of the sales of the estate (August 19, 1800), and a map showing division of his lands (October 1800) are to be found in the Department of Archives and History in Raleigh, North Carolina.

His will, dated Feb. 16, 1798, and filed in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina (Book A Page 14) mentions the following children:

   1.  Eleazer, b. 11/23/1763.  Removed to Maury County, Tenn.

   2.  James, one of the Executors of his father's will, d. 10/15/1804, aged 39 years.  Buried in Polk Graveyard.

   3.  Dorcas.

   4.  Abdon.

   5.  Augustus, b. 8/20/1772; d. 9/25/1849.  Buried at Sharon Presbyterian Church; m. (1) Dorcas Culp, b. 2/11/1779; d. 9/20/1836; m. (2) Sarah Glass.

   6.  Paris, b. 9/17/1775.  Removed to Madison Co., Tennessee; m. Dinah Eugenia Neely, b. 8/21/1777.

   7.  Redempta.

   8.  Polly Ann.

William Alexander, son of Elias and Sophia Alexander and brother of Abraham and Ezra, was born in Maryland and died in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1772. He married his cousin, Agnes Alexander (daughter of William Alexander, Jr., and Catherine Wallace Alexander), who survived him.

Maryland records indicate that William and Agnes Alexander lived for some years in Somerset County, Maryland. Later -- before joining the group migrating to North Carolina -- they were in Frederick County. As early as 1751 we find him in Anson County, North Carolina (later Mecklenburg County), where he was known as a merchant and farmer. From the Colonial Records of North Carolina, we learn that the Rev. Hugh McAden -- on his missionary journey to the Mecklenburg Section -- was a guest in home of William Alexander in October, 1755.

In his will he mentioned only one child, Adam -- whom he appointed Executor. It is known, however, that he had a son Charles. He may also have had other children.

Adam Alexander, son of William and Agnes Alexander, grandson of Elias and Sophia Alexander and great-grandson of Joseph Alexander of Cecil County, was born in Somerset County, Maryland, September 23, 1728. He died in the Clear Creek Section of Mecklenburg, November 13, 1798. On August 4, 1752, he was married to Mary Shelby (daughter of Evan and Catherine Davies Shelby), who was born on August 8, 1735, and died in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, November 26, 1813. Both are buried in the old Rock Springs graveyard near which was the first building of Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, where the congregation of that church worshiped before the Revolution and where Adam Alexander was one of the first elders.

Adam Alexander was a large landowner, a man of influence in the County, a churchman, patriot, and soldier. He was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the County Court, being known as "Justice Alexander" as early as 1755. In 1756 he was a Captain of a Company of Militia and took a prominent part in a conference concerning Indian Raids.

He was a Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1775, and thereafter was a brave and energetic military officer -- Lieutenant-Colonel of Minute Men in 1775 and Colonel in 1776. He took part in almost every campaign in which the men of Mecklenburg opposed the enemies.

Adam Alexander died intestate. His wife, Mary, in her will dated Feb. 8, 1810, mentions "my five children" but names only one of them, Isaac, whom she appointed Executor of her estate. From available records we know that the children of Adam and Mary Shelby Alexander were:

   1.  Isaac S., b. 6/7/1756; d. 9/2/1823; m. Ruth Reece, b. 1753, d. 10/26/1825.

   2.  Catherine, b. 1759; m. before 7/31/1779, John McCoy, b. 1753.

   3.  Sarah Shelby, b. ---; d. 10/11/1842; m. 1777, Capt. John Springs, b. 10/27/1751; d. 6/25/1818.

   4.  Charles Taylor (Administrator of his father's estate), b. 8/9/1764; d. 8/26/1828; m. 12/28/1796, Margaret Means b. 12/30/1777; d. 7/17/1845.

   5.  Evan Shelby, b. 1767; d. 10/28/1809; unmarried.

   6.  Mary ("Polly"), d. 8/19/1838; m. Dr. Cunningham Harris, b. 8/31/1768; d. 1/10/1814.

   Note:  These children of Adam and Mary Alexander may not be listed in the order of their birth.

{Page 315} Captain Charles Alexander was a son of William and Agnes Alexander, grandson of Elias and Sophia Alexander, and great-grandson of Joseph Alexander, of Cecil County, Maryland. He was a brother of Colonel Adam Alexander and, like him, was probably born in Somerset County, Maryland. It has been said that he removed to Tennessee after the Revolutionary War, but there are many evidences that he continued to reside in Mecklenburg County and died there, though the exact date of his death and place of his burial are unknown.

He came to Mecklenburg County at an early date and we find that he obtained a tract of land from George Augustus Selwyn in 1765. This land was on Sugaw Creek, in the Providence section of the county and not far from the Union County line. To his original grant he later added several other tracts of land until he owned an extensive acreage and was a man of affluence.

Charles Alexander was a Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and thereafter was active as a soldier throughout the war.

He served in the "Snow Campaign" under Colonels Polk and Alexander (Adam), and was a member of Captain Charles Polk's Company of Light Horse in the Cherokee Indian Campaign. As a Captain he was in the "Raft Swamp" expedition with Colonel Charles Polk's Dragoons. He served until 1781 and was a militiaman until 1785.

He had a son Charles, who was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War -- father and son at times serving in the same company. To this son Charles, he deeded land on the west side of Sugaw Creek on December 4, 1800. It is this writer's opinion that it was this Charles who removed to Giles County, Tennessee, in 1814, who stated that he was born on the 4th day of January, 1755, and who died in 1834, though of this there seems to be no documentary proof.

There has been a difference of opinion as to which of the wills of Charles Alexander is that of "Charles, the Signer." However, it seems logical to suppose that the will of Charles Alexander, filed in Mecklenburg County (Book A, page 43), dated January 28, 1801, and witnessed by Augustus and Paris Alexander (sons of Ezra and cousins of Charles) is that of Charles, the Signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. In this will he names his wife, Jean, and children: 1. Adam; 2. Charles; 3. George; 4. Abdon; 5. Peggy (Margaret); 6. Cassandra, m. 1/1/1803, James Houston; 7. Jane.

Thus we see that the six Alexanders who signed the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence were probably all descended from the immigrant, Joseph Alexander, of Cecil County, Maryland: Hezekiah and John McKnitt being sons of James (Joseph); Colonel Abraham and Ezra, sons of Sophia (Joseph); and Colonel Adam and Captain Charles, sons of William (Sophia, Joseph). Many descendants of these six patriots are prominent citizens of Mecklenburg County at this time and many others have made their contributions to the religious, political, and economic life of the nation which their forefathers helped to establish.

Source: Daughters of the American Revolution Magazine, 1952, pgs. 311-315 Submitted by: Vera Andrews Online transcription by Susan Shields Sasek. My notes are in curly { } brackets.

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Date of birth is in question (1690 or 1695). If you have documentation I would love to see it to make sure I am sending out the right info.

James and Margaret were the parents of nine children:

Edith/10 Jan 1718 Keziah/9 May 1720 (Mrs Walter Sharpe) Hezekiah South/13 Jan 1721 Ezekial/17 Jun 1724 Jemima/9 Jan 1727 (Mrs James Sharpe) Margaret/6 Jun 1736

Other children are listed below

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=52810996

• Reference: Ancestry Genealogy - SmartCopy: Mar 14 2019, 0:23:35 UTC
• Reference: Ancestry Genealogy - SmartCopy: Mar 14 2019, 0:28:49 UTC

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GEDCOM Note

Find A Grave Memorial# 52810996

Son of Joseph Alexander and Abigail Alexander Husband of Margaret Abigail Alexander Father of Edith Alexander; Theophilus Alexander; Jemima Alexander, (A); Keziah Sharpe; Hezekiah South Alexander; Ezekiel Alexander, I; Jemima Sharpe (Alexander); Colonel Amos Alexander; John McKnitt Alexander, Signer; Margaret McKnitt Alexander; Josiah Alexander; Elizabeth Sample; Margaret McCoy (Alexander); Abigail Bradley, II and Ezekiel (II) Alexander Brother of Sophia Alexander; Abigail "Closson" Clapham; Francis Alexander and Abraham Alexander

Date of birth is in question (1690 or 1695). If you have documentation I would love to see it to make sure I am sending out the right info.   James and Margaret were the parents of nine children:   Edith/10 Jan 1718 Keziah/9 May 1720 (Mrs Walter Sharpe) Hezekiah South/13 Jan 1721 Ezekial/17 Jun 1724 Jemima/9 Jan 1727 (Mrs James Sharpe) Margaret/6 Jun 1736   Other children are listed below   Family links: Parents: Joseph Alexander (1660 - 1730) Abigail McKnitt Alexander (1667 - 1714)   Spouse: Margaret McKnitt Alexander (1693 - 1736)   Children: Theophilus Alexander (1714 - 1768)* Hezekiah Alexander (1721 - 1801)* Jemima Alexander Sharpe (1727 - 1797)* Amos Alexander (1729 - 1780)* John McKnitt Alexander (1733 - 1817)* Ann Alexander Moore (1736 - 1802)* Elizabeth Alexander Sample (1746 - 1822)* Abigail Alexander Bradley (1748 - 1817)* Josiah Alexander (1752 - 1818)*   Burial: Head of Christiana Church Cemetery Newark New Castle County Delaware, USA   James Alexander Male 1690 Cecil, Maryland, USA 1779 Cecil, Maryland, USA Millennium File Millennium File Name: James Alexander Spouse: , Abigail Birth Date: 1690 Birth County: Cecil Birth State: Maryland Birth Country: USA Death Date: 1779 Death County: Cecil Death State: Maryland Death Country: USA   Family Data Collection - Births Family Data Collection - Births Name: James Alexander Father: Joseph Alexander Mother: Abigail Mc McKnitt Birth Date: 1695 City: Manokin County: S State: MD Country: USA   U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Name: James Alexander Gender: male Birth Place: MD Birth Year: 1690 Spouse Name: Margaret McKnitt Spouse Birth Place: MD Spouse Birth Year: 1693 Marriage Year: 1713 Marriage State: MD Number Pages: 1   U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 Name: James Alexander Gender: male Birth Place: MD Birth Year: 1695 Spouse Name: Margaret McKnitt Spouse Birth Place: MD Spouse Birth Year: 1693 Marriage State: MD Number Pages: 1   James Robert Alexander was born circa 1695 at Manokin Hundred, Somerset County, Maryland . He married Margaret Abigail McKnitt circa 1713 at New Munster, Cecil County, Maryland . James Robert Alexander died before 31 May 1779 at Cecil County, Maryland .

GEDCOM Note

• Military_service: Maryland, United States - December 1776
• Military_service: Maryland, United States - 1 October 1778
  • Reference: FamilySearch Genealogy - SmartCopy: Apr 9 2022, 3:00:51 UTC

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Date of birth is in question (1690 or 1695). If you have documentation I would love to see it to make sure I am sending out the right info.

James and Margaret were the parents of nine children:

Edith/10 Jan 1718 Keziah/9 May 1720 (Mrs Walter Sharpe)
Hezekiah South/13 Jan 1721
Ezekial/17 Jun 1724
Jemima/9 Jan 1727 (Mrs James Sharpe)
Margaret/6 Jun 1736

Other children are listed below* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Nov 4 2022, 18:32:23 UTC

Date of birth is in question (1690 or 1695). If you have documentation I would love to see it to make sure I am sending out the right info.

James and Margaret were the parents of nine children:

Edith/10 Jan 1718
Keziah/9 May 1720 (Mrs Walter Sharpe)
Hezekiah South/13 Jan 1721
Ezekial/17 Jun 1724
Jemima/9 Jan 1727 (Mrs James Sharpe)
Margaret/6 Jun 1736

Other children are listed below* Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Nov 4 2022, 18:33:59 UTC