HISTORY NEBRASKA MANUSCRIPT FINDING AID
RG1594.AM: James Alexander, 1830-1902
Letters: 1872-1873
Exeter, Fillmore County, Nebraska: Homesteader
Size: One folder
BACKGROUND NOTE
James Alexander was born on June 11, 1830, in Chapel of Garioch Parish, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He married Sarah Annie Malcom in 1869. In June 1872, attracted by advertisements of the Burlington Railroad Land Department, the Alexanders located on a homestead three miles east of Exeter, Nebraska. Alexander was a frequent contributor to the Aberdeen (Scotland) Free Press, where both of his brothers, William and Henry, served as editors. James Alexander’s “Notes from Nebraska” appeared in that publication in 1872-1873. The Alexanders remained on their homestead until 1899, when they relocated to Exeter. James Alexander died there on January 21, 1902.
SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE
This collection consists of one folder containing James Alexander’s letters, 1872-1873. These letters are in typescript form; copies of them as they appeared in the Aberdeen (Scotland) Free Press are also included. Titled “Notes From Nebraska,” Alexander’s letters describe pioneer life, homesteading, farming practices, weather challenges, and what his fellow emigrants could expect upon settling in Nebraska.
INVENTORY
Letters (typescripts), 1872-1873, titled “Notes From Nebraska”
Subject headings:
Alexander, James, 1830-1902
Exeter (Neb.) — History
Fillmore County (Neb.) — History
Homesteading — Nebraska
Pioneer life — Nebraska
AIF 02-22-2019
