The Clarksburg Telegram., March 03, 1893
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Our three new brick yards will do a good business the coming season. They are operated respectively by W. R. Alexander, E. W. Williams and J. R. Adams.
The Clarksburg Telegram., July 01, 1898, page 7
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The county court has appointed a committee composed of Capt. Guinn Minter, Dr. Wm. Late, Thomas Hawker, Jesse Flanagan and William R. Alexander to ascertain the cost of construction of the new bridge across Elk Creek. The committee will also locate and ascertain the cost of making new streets and the construction of another bridge.
The Clarksburg Telegram., July 06, 1900, page 8
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Mr. and Mrs. William R. Alexander are confined to their room with heat prostration. Mr. Alexander has become quite feeble the past few months.
The Clarksburg Telegram., March 15, 1901, page 4
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William R. Alexander’s friends, who are legion, propose to nominate and elect him school commissioner by a larger majority than ever before, as an expression of their appreciation of the splendid service he has done in that capacity all these years. The young people and many of the older ones owe much to Mr. Alexander for his devotion to the best interests of the schools of Clarksburg, and the debt could not be more gracefully paid than for both parties to name him on their tickets and elect him without a dissenting voice. A better man for the place is not to be had anywhere.
The Clarksburg Telegram., July 19, 1901, page 10
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William R. Alexander is in very feeble health and is confined to his home.
The Clarksburg Telegram., August 02, 1901, page 10
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William R. Alexander, who has been quite sick, is again in almost his usual health and as good as a dozen ordinary men yet.
WILLIAM R. ALEXANDER DEAD.
Sank Peacefully to the Last Long rest Tuesday morning.
The Clarksburg Telegram., November 29, 1901
The death of William R. Alexander occurred at his home here at 4 o’clock Tuesday morning. He had been in declining health for two years or more but was confined to his room only a few days before death come.
Mr. Alexander was in the 78th year of his age. He was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and came here in 1849. He was a shoemaker by trade and for many years conducted a large shop here, employing several assistants. Later he engaged in the tannery business with John Stealey, now deceased, and managed the business successfully for thirty-three years. He at one time was a farmer also on Gregory’s Run, in Sardis district. He held the office of United States deputy marshal at one time in his life. At various times he was street superintendent of the city. He served for 25 years as school commissioner and was a member of the school board at the time of his death. In this work he did valuable services, as in other offices of public trust. Of recent years he took pleasure in visiting the schools every day, when illness did not prevent and he ever had an encouraging and kind word for both teacher and pupil. His ambition to die in this service was realized. Mr. Alexander was also county coroner up to the time of his death. He served the people faithfully and well in other offices also. Possibly, no man ever devoted his time and energies more to the welfare of the people of the county than did he.
In 1851 he became a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternity and has ever been loyal and active in the Order. He was honored with the highest offices in the lodge. He was a member of the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment. He was a director in the West Virginia Bank. He accumulated much of this world’s goods and was in more than comfortable circumstances. He gave close attention to business affairs and was strictly honest in his dealing. He enjoyed the acquaintanceship and friendship of a great many people, and was not known to have a single enemy.
Mr. Alexander first married Miss Margaret Ramey, sister of Isaac Ramey, deceased. From this union were born, Robert, George, Richard, John I., Mary, William and Jennie. William and Richard are dead. Bobert, George, Mrs. Mary Isenhart and Jennie reside in Wichata, Kansas.
His second wife was Rebecca Rector, daughter of D. W. Rector. Roy was the only child by this union. The second wife survives him.
The deceased was of kind and generous heart; he was a loyal, upright citizen; a loving husband, and an indulgent father. His word was as good as his bond and no one was held in higher esteem for honesty and integrity. He had a kind word for all and all had a good word for him.
The funeral took place from the residence at 2:30 o’clock Thursday afternoon and interment occurred in the I. O. O. F. cemetery, the members of Adelphi lodge, No. 8, I. O. O. F., having charge of the last sad rites. A large concourse of people assembled to pay the last tribute of respect.
In compliance with his wishes the teachers and school children attended his funeral in a body; also the surviving members of the board of education.
Resolutions of Respect.
The Board of Directors of the West Virginia Bank has heard, with pain and regret of the demise of William R. Alexander, one of its associate members, which occurred about the hour of 4 o’clock Tuesday morning November 26, 1901, and desiring to place upon record a memorial of its appreciation of him as a prompt, efficient, honest and prudent business man, adopt the following:
First–No member of this Board during the whole history of the Bank has been more faithful in his attendance upon its meetings than the deceased.
Second–None has exercised more care, wisdom, fore-sight and prudence in the conduct of its business than did he.
Third–It is a pleasure to note that he was always thoroughly honest, firm and sound in his convictions of right and duty.
Fourth–While he was intelligent, out-spoken and positive in all his convictions of duty, in the management and conduct of the Bank, he was, at the same time, just, fair and considerate in all the discussions touching its financial policy and no word ever dropped from him in any of its meetings tending in the least respect to stir up strife or cause ill feeling.
Fifth–Bowed down, physically, as he was for years by infirmities, he was nevertheless always at his post and ready to discharge the duty of Director.
Sixth–The Board tenders its most sincere condolence to the members of his family and expresses to them its heartiest appreciation of his manliness, integrity and fidelity to every trust; and to this end.
Seventh–A copy of this record is mailed to his family and given to the public press.
Eight–That the receiving window of the Bank be hung in crape for a period of thirty days from this date.
By order of the Board passed November 27, 1901.
J. M. LYON, Pres.
W. H. FREEMAN, Cashier.
The Clarksburg Telegram., November 29, 1901, page 4
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William R. Alexander, whose death is chronicled in another, will live in the memory of generations. He was everyone’s friend and never lost an opportunity to do mankind a good turn. His devotion to education of the youth of the land endeared him to parent and child alike. His loyal citizenship was an example for all men, who would be true to their country. His party fealty won and kept him the confidence of his political coworkers and the respect of his political opponents His business integrity and honesty of purpose brought him a respectable estate. The good name he leaves behind softens the sorrow over his departure from earth and oft repeated reference will be made to him for years to come, and all will say he was a good man.
Resolutions of Respect.
The Clarksburg Telegram., November 29, 1901, page 4
Whereas, On the morning of the 26 inst., it pleased our Heavenly Father to take from our midst Mr. William R. Alexander, the honored President of the Board of Education of Clarksburg Public Schools.
Resolved, That we the teachers and students of Clarksburg colored schools feel most keenly the loss of a devout friend to the moral and intellectual development of our race.
Resolved, That we extend our deep condolence to the bereft family and do most humbly commend them to the guidance and protection of Him who was the constant guide of the deceased.
Resolved, That we send a copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased, and that a copy be sent to the local papers for publication.
J. W. ROBINSON, Principal.
R. W. SEDWICK.
FLORENCE RUFFIN.
WILLA M. LEE.
The Clarksburg Telegram., November 29, 1901, page 12
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Robert Alexander, of Wichita, Kansas, was called here by the death of his father, William R. Alexander. He came several days before the latter died.
SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY FILLED.
John I. Alexander Appointed to Succeed His Father as a Member.
The Clarksburg Telegram., December 06, 1901, page 2
The City School Board met last Saturday and appointed John I. Alexander to the vacancy on the board caused by the death of William R. Alexander, father of the appointee.
Dr. D. P. Morgan, a member of the board, was then elected to succeed William R. Alexander as president of the board. At the coming municipal election two members will be elected, as Dr. Morgan’s term will expire June 30 next and Mr. Alexander was appointed to serve until the end of the present school year or June 30 next.
Resolutions of Respect.
The Clarksburg Telegram., December 13, 1901, page 3
At a meeting of the Board of Education of Clarksburg School District, held at the office of the Secretary on Saturday the 30th day of November, 1901, the following resolutions were offered and adopted:
Whereas, We have learned with the most profound sorrow that William R. Alexander, president of this Board and for twenty five years one of its members, departed this life at his home in Clarksburg,, on the 26th day of November, 1901, and,
Whereas, We realize with all his many friends that our schools and city has sustained in this bereavement a great loss, that his life was one in whose nature there was no bitterness but was full of helpfulness even down to his last hours, and,
Whereas, Our schools have for many years numbered him among their most faithful and interested Directors as shown by the fact that the morning of November 1st, his last day from his home was spent with the school as had long been his custom, and that when he left it was to go direct to the office of the secretary and sign in blank the orders for the teachers monthly pay, fearing as he said he might not be able to get back in the afternoon when the month would be completed and the orders filled out, and,
Whereas, We the members of this Board wish to express our appreciation of Mr. Alexander’s services as one of the Board so long and faithfully administered, Therefore be it
Resolved, That we tender this tribute to the worth and character which prompted such devotion and faithfulness, even unto the end, and that we extend to the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in this, their sad hour, and that these resolutions be spread upon our records and that a copy be sent to the family and to the county papers for publication.
D. P. MORGAN, Prest.
E. N. FLOWERS.
HARVEY W. HARMER, Sec’y.
