1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pages 496-497
ALEXANDER BLACK
ALEXANDER BLACK was born in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, September 29, 1849, and is the son of Curtice and Malinda (Hunt) Black, natives of Mississippi and Kentucky respectively. They came to Iowa in the year 1848, and in 1856 came to Shelby County; here our subject was reared to farm life and educated in the common schools. At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Black was united in marriage to Martha J., daughter of Uriah and Rena Roundy; she was born in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, September 6, 1850; the date of their wedding is August 18, 1873. They are the parents of ten children -- Frederick, Effie, Mary Ann, Harry, Merrill, Rena, Mildred, Malinda J., Curtice Uriah and Bertha B. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled on an eighty-acre tract of land in Grove Township, which was partially improved; here they have since made their home, erecting good frame buildings for stock and grain. Mr. Black has planted an orchard of 700 trees, which is one of the finest and largest in the county. He devotes himself exclusively to agriculture and live-stock raising, giving especial attention to the better grades of horses and hogs. Mr. Black is one of the most enterprising farmers in the northern part of the county, and well deserves the esteem and respect in which he is held. He has improved 190 acres of land in the most approved way, and has served his county otherwise than in his own personal interest; he has held the office of supervisor, and a membership on the school board. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and takes an active interest in forwarding the principles of that body. Mr. and Mrs. Black are consistent members of the Latter-Day Saints church, and are numbered among the most worthy and reliable citizens of Shelby County.

Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.