James Alexander was born in Morris, OTSEGO county, in 1829. John Alexander, father 
of James, was born in Ireland, about 1795, came to America when a young man, and 
settled in Morris, Otsego county, where he spent his life. He engaged in harness 
making, which business he has always followed. He married Margaret McDole, of 
Ireland, by whom he had eight children: Margaret, Helena, William, Jane Ann, 
Matilda L., John, Emily, and James. After the father's death the family removed 
to Chenango county and purchased a farm. James Alexander was educated in New 
Berlin, Chenango county, and at fifteen years of age began life's battles for 
himself by learning the harness maker's trade, which he followed about sixteen 
years. In 1853 he came to Pulteney where he engaged in the same business until 
1856, when he married Celia, daughter of Joel and Nancy (Folwell) Hyatt, and 
removed to his father-in-law's homestead, where he has since erected fine, large 
commodious buildings, and is one of the early fruit growers of this section; now 
he owns a ten-acre vineyard.

From "Landmarks of Steuben County" by Hon. Harlo Hakes, 1896


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