s/o Josiah and Sarah Ann (RIDLEN) ALEXANDER

h/o Sarah Matilda DAVIS (m. November 15, 1877 in Franklin County, Illinois)
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ALEXANDER, Frank E., son of Josiah and Sarah ALEXANDER, was born January 23, 1856; and resided the greater part of his life on the old homestead, until four years ago, realizing he was no longer able to care for the farm, he with his family moved to Benton. During the last three years, his health failed him very rapidly, but he was not of the disposition to give up, and continued to be at his place of business until last Friday, Oct. 12, when his condition grew suddenly worse and he was compelled to take his bed. Death relieved him of his suffering at 11 o'clock and 45 minutes p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 1928, passing away at the age of 72 years, 8 months, and 22 days. He professed a hope in Christ early in life; and united with the Liberty Baptist church, where he remained faithful until death.

He was married to Sarah M. DAVIS about the year 1877, who has passed on to her reward. To this union were born six children: Oscar of Mt. Vernon, Edgar and Willie of Avon, Everett of Tuscola, Della, wife of Jesse PAYNE, of Ewing, and Joe of Benton. On August 20, 1893, he was again married to Cynthia Ellen SMITH HECK. To this union were born seven children: Eva, wife of Cabot PAGE, and Bessie, widow of the late Eliza(sic) KEARNEY, both of Macedonia; Dr. Alvah ALEXANDER, of Carbondale; Arlie, Ethel, Nellie, and Delbert, of Benton. Thus the wife, thirteen children, and two step-daughters, Mrs. Leonard DRAKE and Mrs. Dudley PAYNE, of Macedonia, together with a host of grandchildren and other relatives and friends to mourn his passing, but feel their loss is his eternal gain.
[per Northern Twp, Franklin Co IL, A History, Vol. 2 (GOSS) pg 386-387]
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ALEXANDER-HUTSON

The family pioneer started in 1638 from England to New England; then in 1821 came by winding trails and over prairie to picturesque Jefferson county. Mt. Vernon, Illinois, had 18 or 20 log cabins clustered around the central square, and its Court House, itself a log cabin with a fireplace and one window. From Mt. Vernon trails led to Benton, Illinois, county seat of Franklin county.

In Northern Township Frank E. ALEXANDER was born. He was known as a prominent farmer. He married Sarah DAVIS. Their family consisted of L(oren) O(scar) ALEXANDER, Ed, Willie, Everett, Della (PAYNE) and Joe. Mr. ALEXANDER's health began to fail, and he moved to East Washington Street in Benton, Ill. He owned a grocery store and operated it until his death in 1927. He lived to be 72 years old. He was buried in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, between Benton and Ewing, Illinois. Sarah DAVIS' grandfather built a two story log cabin in 1800 on Sugar Creek, the oldest house in Athens County, Ohio. The house is still standing, with a tablet over the door, placed by the Athens Colony of New England women, 1938 -"Built by Reuben J. DAVIS."

L.O. ALEXANDER married Gertrude Jane MANSELL in 1899; parents of three children, Sarah Gladys, Leah Mae and Gaylord L. Leah married Dr. C.E. PAVEY. She passed away November 3, 1935. Gaylord passed away March 9th, 1973. Gladys married Leland R. HUTSON. Gertrude Jane was Royal Neighbor District Deputy of three counties for twenty five years until her death March 9th, 1951.

In 1905 L.O. ALEXANDER moved his family from a farm near Liberty Baptist Church in Franklin County, to Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He bought a grocery store from John TIPPIE and RIDDLIN, located on 7th Street, and then had to rebuild as the car shops wanted the ground. He built a store at 1009 South 7th Street, and operated the store for 58 years until his death on October 9th, 1965 (87 years of age). He served on grade school board several years, and the Lincoln and Horace Mann schools were built at this time. He was elected Supervisor 1948-1950; served as Mayor 1918-1919. At the time of his death he was serving on the Housing Board.

Gaylord L. ALEXANDER was the father of one son, Robert K. ALEXANDER. Robert has two children, Lynda K. and Scott David of Kankakee, Illinois.

Gladys worked as cashier-bookkeeper at Glassman's Dept. Store for several years. Since retiring she is interested in Jefferson County Homemakers Extension, church, and crafts.

Leland, son of Charles HUTSON and Carrie WARD, deceased, and step-son of the late Joseph M. WARD. Leland was in charge of cake and icing department of Davidson Bakery several years. He worked for Royal Typewriter Co., was Deputy Sheriff 1942-1946 under Sheriff Glenn MURPHY, deputy treasurer 1947-1948, Alderman of the old Third Ward under Mayor MILLER, served on City Zoning Board, Library Board, Police and Fire Boards, Project Uplift, Republican Executive Board, Mt. Vernon Gun and Sportsman Club Board and past President; worked for Attorney General William SCOTT as private investigator; now serving as Republican precinct committeeman of the 9th precinct; past President and Vice of the Crusaders Class, and active Deacon in the Central Church of Christ. His home is located at 2231 Casey Avenue, Mt. Vernon, Illinois. - Gladys (ALEXANDER) HUTSON