Record of the descendants of John Alexander

Hugh Alexander. 35
devolved on his mother and her second husband, Andrew
Mitchel, a gentleman of superior culture. He graduated
at Dickinson College with his brother John, studied law
at Harrisburg, and was admitted to the bar in June,
1805, while yet a minor. Preferring the excitement of
political life, he became an editor, first of " The Times,"
published at Lancaster and Harrisburg, 1808, then of
the "Harrisburg Chronicle," 1812, which became and
continued long a paper of great influence and import-
ance. The writer recalls the familiar form of the
" Chronicle," for many years the only newspaper of
boyish and youthful years, coming from the editor as a
token of kind regard to a father who has passed away.
Though both editor and paper have also passed away,
the fruits and effects of their existence have been, and
still are widespread, abundant and precious.
Though a man of delicate health, his versatile talents,
indomitable energy and restless activity enabled him to
exert an extensive and powerful influence. His con-
versational powers and various knowledge of men and
things made him an agreeable companion ; and his posi-
tion as reporter for many years of legislative proceedings,
brought him into intimate and pleasant relations with
leading men in all parts of the country. Besides the
chief municipal offices of Harrisburg which he fre-
quently filled, he was appointed sole Notary Public of
Dauphin county for life. He died at his residence, in
Harrisburg, September 3, 1836, aged fifty-one years,
and was buried there with many of his kindred.
Rosanna Boyd was born at Harrisburg, December 1,
1786. Her great-grandfather, John Boyd, emigrated
from Ireland to America in 1714. Her father, born in
1746, a carpenter in youth, an officer in the Revolution,
a farmer on the Conedoguinet — he finally purchased