Joshua W. Alexander, only son of Thomas W. and Jane Alexander, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 22, 1852. When he had reached the age of four years, his parents removed to Anoka County, Minnesota, and settled upon a farm. There his father died in 1859, and in 1860 his mother removed to Canton, Lewis County, Missouri, and soon after returned to Cincinnati, where the subject of our sketch attended school until July, 1863, when they once more made Canton their home, and there he attended the graded school until 1868, when he entered the Christian University at Canton, graduating as a Bachelor of Arts in 1872. The following winter after his graduation he taught one term of school, and began the study of law under Mr. A. D. Lewis, of Canton. July 15, 1873, he came to Gallatin and pursued his legal studies under Hon. S. A. Richardson until the spring of 1875, when he was admitted to the bar and entered upon the practice in Gallatin. In January, 1881, he became associated as a partner with Judge Richardson, forming the present law firm of Richardson & Alexander. He was elected public administrator for the term of four years in 1876, and in the fall of 1880 was reelected to the same position. In April, 1881, he was appointed city attorney of Gallatin, and in this position, as in the former, has won the esteem and confidence of the people.
Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Miss Roe Ann Richardson, daughter of Hon. S. A. Richardson, of Gallatin, on the 3d of February, 1876. Their fireside has been blessed with three children, Julia, Fanny and Samuel T., all born in Gallatin. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are members of the Christian Church.