James Alexander
James Alexander was a Scottish-born figure notable for his contributions to early American politics, law, and journalism. The son of Lord Sterling, he initially served as an engineering officer in the army before joining the Jacobite cause in 1714. Following the failed Jacobite Revolution in 1715, he emigrated to America, eventually settling in New York. In 1718, he became the surveyor for Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and later for both New Jersey and New York. Alexander studied law and was appointed attorney general of New York from 1721 to 1723, while also serving in the Colonial Assembly.
In addition to his political career, he made significant impacts in journalism by founding the New York Weekly Journal, where he penned critical articles against Governor William Cosby. His defense of freedom of speech was highlighted during the trial of printer John Peter Zenger, where Alexander challenged the legitimacy of the judges involved. Although he faced disbarment, he was later reinstated and became a leading advocate for the Whig political party. Alexander also played a role in the formation of the American Philosophical Society in 1743. He died in 1756 while attending a Whig conference in Albany, leaving a legacy as a champion of free speech in colonial America.
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James Alexander
- Born: 1691
- Birthplace: Perthshire, Scotland
- Died: April 2, 1756
- Place of death: Albany, New York
Biography
James Alexander was born in Scotland, and was the son of Lord Sterling. He joined the army and became an engineering officer. In 1714, Alexander joined the Jacobites, supporters of the deposed King James II of England. When the revolution failed in 1715, he fled to America and settled in New York. In 1718, Alexander became the surveyor for Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and shortly thereafter he became the surveyor for the states of New Jersey and New York. Alexander studied law in New York and was later admitted to the bar, and he served as the attorney general of New York from 1721 to 1723. He also served several terms in the Colonial Assembly. In addition to his political life, he engaged in the mercantile industry, and managed to amass a considerable fortune.
Alexander founded the New York Weekly Journal. He wrote editorials for the journal, and he anonymously authored satirical articles that criticized the unpopular governor of New York, William Cosby. Governor Cosby was so infuriated by the articles that he charged John Peter Zenger, the journal’s printer, with sedition. Alexander was one of the lawyers who initially defended Zenger at his trial. Alexander challenged the legality of the two judges, who were hand-picked by Cosby, to hear the case against Zenger. One of the judges, Chief Justice James Delancey, disbarred Alexander. In 1737, the new governor of New York reinstated Alexander.
Alexander became a staunch supporter of the emerging Whig political party. In 1743, he joined Benjamin Franklin and others to form the American Philosophical Society. In 1756, Alexander traveled to Albany, New York, to confer with other Whig party leaders. While attending the conference, he fell ill, and died in April of the same year. Alexander was the first colonial writer to defend the concept of freedom of speech, stating that free speech was a fundamental principle of a free government.