John Hanks Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Hanks Alexander
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From 1900's A New Negro for a New Century: An Accurate and Up-to-Date Record of the Upward Struggles of the Negro Race.
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| Born | January 6, 1864 Helena, Arkansas |
| Died | March 26, 1894 (aged 30) Wilberforce, Ohio |
| Buried |
Cherry Grove Cemetery, Xenia, Ohio
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1894 |
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 9th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars |
John Hanks Alexander (born January 6, 1864 – died March 26, 1894) was a very important person in American military history. He was the first African-American officer to lead a regular army unit. He was also the second African-American to graduate from the famous United States Military Academy, also known as West Point.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Hanks Alexander was born on January 6, 1864, in Helena, Arkansas. He was the fourth of seven children. His parents, James Milo and Fannie Miller Alexander, had been slaves before he was born.
His father, James Alexander, was a barber and sold goods. He bought land and became the first black Justice of the Peace in Arkansas. This meant he helped with local laws and order. He also served in the Arkansas House of Representatives, which is like a state government meeting place. James Alexander passed away in 1871.
All the Alexander children finished high school. Three of them even went to Oberlin College in Ohio. John Alexander was the top student in his high school class in Helena. After graduating, he moved to Carrollton, Mississippi to work as a teacher.
In late 1880, he visited his uncle in Cincinnati, Ohio. He ended up staying in Cincinnati. The next year, he started studying at Oberlin College. He stayed there until 1883, when he passed the tough entrance exam for West Point. A U.S. Representative from Ohio, George W. Geddes, helped sponsor Alexander for West Point.
Military Career and Achievements
Life at West Point
While at West Point, John Alexander was generally well-liked by the other cadets. He did not face as much unfair treatment as some black cadets before him. Alexander was known as an excellent student. He was especially good at math and languages. He was also a skilled boxer during his time at the academy. He graduated in 1887, ranking 32nd in a class of 64 students.
Serving with the Buffalo Soldiers
After graduating, Alexander was assigned to the 9th US Cavalry Regiment. This regiment was stationed at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. It was an all-black regiment led by white officers. These soldiers were famously known as the Buffalo Soldiers.
In 1888, Alexander moved to Fort Washakie, Wyoming. Here, he performed the usual duties of an officer at a western frontier post. In 1889, while at Fort Duchesne, Utah, Alexander temporarily led the 9th Cavalry's B Troop. This was a very important moment, as he became the first black officer in the U.S. Army to hold a command position.
Later Life and Legacy
In February 1894, Alexander was sent to Wilberforce University. This was a university for black students. He became a professor there, teaching military science and tactics. Sadly, shortly after arriving, he died suddenly on March 26, 1894. He passed away from a ruptured aorta, which is a serious medical condition.
John Hanks Alexander was buried with full military honors in Xenia, Ohio. A military base in Newport News, Virginia was later named Camp Alexander in his honor. This was to remember his important contributions and achievements.
