William Long Alexander

William Long Alexander The youngest child of Jane Stevenson and John Alexander was William Long Alexander. He was born in Lovely's Purchase on November 11, 1823. His father and mother moved their family to the Cane Hill section of Washington County in 1826 and then on east of that to Twin Springs, where William grew up. At that time, buffalo roamed in great herds. In his later years, William told of the buffalo trails he had seen, about 18 inches deep and very narrow, in the vicinity of Fayetteville. At that time, also, the mountains in that area were bare of trees. He helped clear the way for the first telegraph wire on the Old Wire Road, which extended from Fayetteville to Van Buren. In the days of his youth, William was a noted singer and taught a singing school for several seasons, a popular activity in that community. Before he married, William built his home with slave labor on a part of the Alexander resettled land, not far from his parents house. William's house had large rooms with high ceilings and two fireplaces. The lumber was made locally, and the large hewn beams that could be seen on the front porch in the 1960s were in perfect condition. At that time, also, the house contained its original furnishings: spinning wheel, loom and reel and gourds, bedsteads. Several trunks and a quilt box held treasures of the past: quilts, coverlets, dresses, knit (and darned) socks, beautiful handwork, many letters and pictures. On the floors were home made carpets and rugs. In a tool shed near the back gate were two side saddles, one with its red lining still in perfect condition. In 1881, William married his first wife, Luvicy Jane Cate. Their children were: James Robert, born December 1, 1852; died November 9, 1853, John Charles, born September 18, 1854; died November 19, 1943 (married Bettie Graham) and Samuel Henry, born February 25, 1857; died June 2, 1935. William's second wife was Mary Elizabeth Johnson, born March 2, 1843 and died August 4, 1908. Their children were: Mitilda Jane, born October 3, 1860; died April 16, 1862, Tempe Alice, born February 4, 1863; died July 18, 1903 (married Joshua B. Webb), William Sherman, born August 28, 1865; died December 26, 1882, Mary Elizabeth, born August 26, 1868; died October 7, 1884, Alta Lucinda, born August 13, 1873; died December I, 1966 (married Charles Karnes), Laura Ella, born November 2, 1876; died March 17, 1973, Ida Leona, born January 24, 1879; died August 18, 1932 (married George Moneyhun), Everett Leonidas, born February 13, 1881; died October 9, 1957, Benjamin Franklin, born August 4, 1883; died December 18, 1979 (married Jeffie Jewell Reed) and Baby Boy born July 11, 1886; died September 1, 1886. At his old home, William Long Alexander died on Good Friday, April 5, 1912. His children Ella and Everett never married, took care of their parents, and continued to live in the family home. They are buried in the locality. Among many descendants in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area were the late Carrie and Mary Alexander. Georgetta Alexander Smith and her daughters continue to reside nearby. ·By: Georgetta Alexander Smith