James M. Alexander
James Milo Alexander Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Arkansas State Representative | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 's 11th District district | |
| In office 1871–1871 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 17, 1815 North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | May 21, 1871 (aged 56) Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Unknown |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Francis Ellen Miller Alexander (1826-1909) |
| Children | John Hanks Alexander Titus Nathaniel Alexander |
James Milo Alexander (February 7, 1815 – May 27, 1871) was an African-American businessperson and politician in Phillips County, Arkansas. Alexander was a successful businessperson and the first African-American justice of the peace in Arkansas.
Born into slavery in North Carolina, his enslaver taught him how to read and write. After moving to Arkansas, which was then a frontier region, Alexander's master allowed him to establish his own business, a barbershop. Though his business prospered and grew to include the sale of dry goods, he remained in bondage until purchasing his freedom and that of several family members in 1860.