ALEXANDER, Job
Past and Present of the City of Rockford and Winnebago County, IL, C. A. Church.   Chicago:  Clarke Publishing Company, 1905, p 624

Job ALEXANDER, a teaming contractor residing at No. 1609 East State Street [Rockford, Winnebago County, IL], was born in Cattaraugus County, NY, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth there.  He became a resident of IL in 1861, making his way in the fall of that year to Cherry Valley, Winnebago County.  During his younger years he engaged in clerking there and in Rockford, and he also bought stock which he shipped to Chicago.  At one time he was proprietor of a meat market at Cherry Valley, and for ten years he resided upon a farm between that place and Belvidere, which property he still owns.  The following five years were spent in Cherry Valley, and in May 1890 he came to Rockford, where he has since engaged in business as a general teaming contractor, with stables on Twelfth Street.  He employs about a dozen teams and from 12-20 men.   He as likewise engaged in a harness business for 11 years as a member of the firm of WHEELER & ALEXANDER, this partnership being formed in 1889 and continuing until Mr. ALEXANDER engaged in the teaming business.  He also handles wagons, buggies and agricultural implements, and both branches of the business are proving profitable.

Mr. ALEXANDER was married at Cherry Valley to Miss Anna F. GLEASON, daughter of William GLEASON, who came to Winnebago County about the spring of 1834.  He was truly a pioneer settler, and much of the land was yet wild and unimproved when he entered 1,000 acres from the government in Guilford Township.  William GLEASON contributed in large and substantial measure to the early development of this part of the state.  [See also the bio of Moses William GLEASON at the Winnebago County ILGenExchange.]   William GLEASON was born in Worcester [Worcester County], MA, whence he removed to VT, and from there to Cherry Valley.  Here he was widely known as a prominent and popular citizen, and while his labors brought to him a very desirable financial return, he also belonged to that class of men who, while promoting individual prosperity, likewise contribute to the general welfare.  He died 22 Apr 1884, at the age of 69 years.   His daugther, Mrs. ALEXANDER, is a native of Winnebago County, and by her marriage has become the mother of two children:  a daughter, Mrs. Frank HOWE (who is now living in Monroe Center, Ogle County, and has two children, Maynard Alexander and Vera May); and a son, Claire G. (who is in the employ of the Hunter Hardware Company in Rockford).

Mr. ALEXANDER votes with the Republican party, having given to that organization his support since attaining his majority.  Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Fraternal League Society, while his son, Claire, is a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Both Mr. and Mrs. ALEXANDER attend the State Street Baptist church.  During a residence of 44 years in Winnebago County, he has become well known, and his activity in business, his fidelity and friendship, and his faithfulness in citizenship constitute him a representative man of Winnebago County.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.