Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    MELVILLE W. ALEXANDER

    MELVILLE W. ALEXANDER, residing at No. 216 Chestnut Street, has been a resident of Piqua, Ohio, continuously since March, 1869, and is now living in retirement after many years of business activity. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1845, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Wise) Alexander.

    Henry Alexander was a carpenter by trade and in early life worked at lock building on the canal. After coming to Miami County, he worked at his trade an followed farming until his death, which occurred in the middle eighties. He was a stanch Republican in politics, whilst religiously he was a devout Methodist. His wife was born near Newport, Ohio, and is now living with the subject of this sketch at the ripe old age of eighty-six years.

    Melville W. Alexander was a baby in arms at the time of his parent's removal from Dayton to Miami County in 1845, and here he was reared to maturity. He attended the district schools and worked on a farm until August 1862, when he enlisted as a member of Company A, 110th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in much hard fighting and was captured at Winchester, Virginia, June 15, 1863. He was then imprisoned at Belle Richmond, Virginia, until paroled on July 10, 1864. He was honorably discharged in August, 1864, for disability as a result of gunshot wounds received in the battle of Mine Run. He was a very efficient soldier and took part all of the engagements of his company while in the service, except during the period of his incarceration and disability. His company was accorded the post of honor in the Grand Review at Washington. Upon leaving the army he resumed farming operations and continued for two years after his marriage. Then in the spring of 1869, he moved to Piqua, where for a period of twenty-five years he engaged in the transfer business. At the end of that time he embarked in the grocery business in partnership with his youngest son and continued several years, since which time he has lived a retired life. His three sons have continued the grocery with good results.

    December 6, 1866, Mr. Alexander was married to miss Frances E. Aspinall, who was born at New Lisbon, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Brown) Aspinall, natives of England. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have three sons and one daughter, namely: Elmer E.; Mattie B., wife of C. D. McCoy of Piqua; Walter W.; and John W. Religiously, they are members of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member of the official board. He is an active member of the Mitchell Post, G.A.R., of Piqua.

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