ALEXANDER HANKINS was born May 8, 1819, in Knox county, East Tenn. He is a son of James and Margaret (McPheron) Hankins, natives of Tennessee. They removed to Scott county, Ill., in 1828, locating on a farm near Winchester, where they lived until their death, his father's occurring in 1855, and his mother's in 1852. Alexander remained at home with his parents until he was 22 years of age. As his father was a poor man, he was obliged to assist him on the farm, so that his advantages for obtaining an education were not of the best, although he improved the opportunities offered in the common schools of the county. He was married Dec. 7, 1840, to Mary J. Kirby, a daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Hardcastle) Kirby, natives of Maryland, where Mary was also born. Her parents afterward came to Greene county, Ill., and resided here until their death. Mr. Hankins was married in this county, but resided some six years in Scott county before locating here permanently, which he did in 1846, upon the farm where he resides. Seven children were born to them, six of whom are now living - Eliza A., James M., John H., Daniel, William C., Mattie, Margaret, deceased. Mrs. Hankins died June 1, 1855, and was buried in the Providence cemetery. Mr. Hankins was again married Feb. 7, 1856, to Nancy A. Critchfield, a daughter of Jesse and Ruan (Cadle) Critchfield, natives of Tennessee. Nancy was born in that state in 1830, and removed with her parents to Kentucky when quite young, and later on came to this county. Five children were born to this union - Albert F., Emma B., Allie, Julia and Charles. Mr. Hankins has 160 acres of land, all improved. He has served his district in the capacity of school director. He became a member of Taylor's Creek Baptist church, in 1849, and continued in it until 1857, when it dissolved. In 1858, he united with the Providence Baptist church, and was ordained to the ministry, by Elders J. V. Rhoades and A. Farrow, in 1864.