Biography

James Waddell Alexander was born in March of 1804 in Virginia. He became a Presbyterian minister like his father, Rev. Archibald Alexander. James and his wife, Elizabeth, had seven children. James Alexander pastored churches in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York during his lifetime. He also became a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. He authored several books, including one about the life and work of his father. In addition to writing many hymns, he translated other hymns into English. James W. Alexander died of dysentery in July 1859. A book of his letters and other correspondence, Forty Years' Familiar Letters of James W. Alexander, was edited by John Hall and published in two volumes in 1860.

Wailand Groenendyk
CCEL Staff Writer