Alexander, William (1)

Alexander, William (1), a Congregational minister, was born at Stranraer, Wigton, Scotland, Feb. 21, 1763. He was apprenticed to his uncle in Newton Stewart to learn the trade of a carpenter. For several years he worked at his trade in Lancaster, England. Visiting the widow of a friend at Golgate in 1797, he was induced to speak to the family on the subject of religion. The neighbors hearing of this, came also to hear this good man and 'rare talker.' He thus involuntarily became a village preacher, working at his business all the week, and devoting his Sabbaths to the instruction of multitudes in the vicinity of Lancaster, preaching often four times on the Lord's day and walking thirty-two miles. In 1802 he preached at Prescot, and finally became their pastor, preaching also in the neighboring villages. He left Prescot and collected a congregation at Leigh, commencing his ministry here in 1811. He had to face much opposition, but his prudence, decision, and piety enabled him to bear as well as to disarm hostility. After fourteen years, he removed to Churchtown, where he labored for twenty years, when old-age compelled him to resign. He died at Southport, in January, 1855. See (Lond.) Cong. Year-book, 1856, p. 207.